More than 200 Norridge residents gathered July 29 to learn the village’s plans for a new civic campus on the site of the former Divine Savior property.
The public hearing, held at the Estelle Sieb Senior Center in Norridge, introduced residents to two concepts for the property and encouraged them to weigh in on plans for a new village hall, a new police department, a public open space, residential development and neighborhood shops and cafes. The village purchased the 97,410-square-foot Divine Savior Church property at 7740 W. Montrose Avenue for $1.4 million in 2019. The village is exploring the creation of a Tax Increment Financing (TIF) district to help fund public improvements within the area.
The first concept presented at the public hearing by Teska Planning Consultants locates the village hall and police department along the east side of the property, provides a central village green, residential buildings along Sunnyside and Ozanam avenues, and retail shops and cafes along Montrose Avenue.
The second concept presented by Teska Consultants locates the village hall and police department at the center of the property, provides a central village green, residential buildings along Sunnyside Avenue, and retail shops and cafes along Montrose Avenue.
Residents were also encouraged to interact with the presentation by selecting their preferred architectural styles for the municipal and residential buildings, as well as for the shops, cafe, and open space.
“The future of this property is important to our entire community, and it was important that residents had the opportunity to review the preliminary concepts, ask questions, and share their thoughts before any decisions are made,” said Norridge Mayor Daniel Tannhauser in a news release shared the day after the meeting with Pioneer Press. “We appreciate everyone who attended and took the time to participate. The feedback we received will help guide the next phase of this project.”
Village Administrator Joe La Margo said the open house reflected the village’s commitment to transparency and meaningful public engagement.
“Meaningful redevelopment begins by listening to the community,” La Margo said in the release. “Our goal has always been to create a process that is open, transparent, and inclusive, where residents have an opportunity to help shape the future of their community. The feedback we received will help guide the next phase of planning as we continue working toward a redevelopment that reflects the community’s vision and positions this property for long-term success.”
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The development will be located in the middle of a residential area, and some residents are concerned about traffic and the impact of the high-density development.
Norridge resident Riccardo Mora attended the July 22nd Village Board meeting and read the following comment:
“Moving the Village Hall and Police Department to a new civic campus within a residential area will affect traffic, village finances, services, and that property for decades,” Mora said. “Before any final commitment, residents deserve a clear comparison: what a new campus would cost, what renovating or expanding the current facilities would cost, how each would be financed, and what it means for taxpayers. A project of this size and permanence should not be decided without giving the people who pay for it and live with it a direct voice.”
Mora asked for the village to place an advisory question on the November ballot that reads:
“Should the Village of Norridge construct a new Village Hall and Police Department on the former Divine Savior property rather than renovate or expand those facilities at the present locations?”
Mora told Pioneer Press his request “fell on deaf ears,” but he’s committed to preserving green space in the community.
“The village has the opportunity to help the environment and preserve our green space by leaving the Divine Savior property open and free of concrete and asphalt,” Mora told Pioneer Press. “They have viable alternatives to a new village hall and police station. I believe strongly in this and will continue my efforts for the environment and community.
“Think about the impact their project will have on the community in this residential area,” Mora said. “Between 4 p.m. and 5 p.m., traffic through this area is sometimes bumper to bumper from Canfield to Harlem, and when school starts, it’s worse.”
Elizabeth Owens-Schiele is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.