Aldermen voted 6-2 this week to annex three acres in the 100 block of East River Road, paving the way for a 36-unit town home project.
A handful of neighborhood residents told aldermen Monday they preferred to keep the rural character of the area, home to 1-acre lots and horse farms.
“We don’t want our neighborhood inundated with multifamily developments,” said Jason Schram. Aldermen recently approved a 21 town home development in the same block. They have vowed to put a moratorium on similar projects until an overall plan for the neighborhood can be considered.
“We’re doing this piecemeal, engaging in spot zoning, and that’s wrong,” said Ald. Carla Brookman, who voted against both projects.
Aldermen also voted 5-3 to let a 7-Eleven store at 586 E. Oakton St. sell wine and beer. The store is less than 200 feet from Maine West High School.
Dozens of students and school staff members were among 150 people who signed a petition opposing liquor sales near the school.
Aldermen also passed ordinances empowering police to conduct background checks that could include fingerprinting for business license applicants who wish to operate carnivals and circuses, food vehicles, day-care centers, nursing homes, taxis, gymnastics centers and door-to-door solicitations.