ENN-NEON Block Club
Broadway Upzoning -- Impact on Small Businesses
The Broadway upzoning issue has been a hot topic since 48th Ward Alderwoman Leni Manaa-Hopenworth introduced a blanket upzoning ordinance to the Chicago City Council on April 16, 2025. The City Council Zoning Committee has delayed action on that ordinance -- but it could come up again as soon as October 14th.
Now the impacts of this proposal on our small businesses have come to the forefront. The Alderwoman claims that this forced upzoning will not hurt small businesses on Broadway. However, the video below shows a sampling of several small business owners who were not informed of this upzoning and oppose it. While these businesses have had the courage to stand up and state their concerns, ENN-NEON has heard from other small business owners who share these concerns but are afraid to say so publicly for fear of retaliation.
Please watch this short video and voice your support of our small businesses by contacting the Alderperson’s office at info@the48thward.org. Go to SaveEdgewater.com for more information.
Save Edgewater! Broadway Upzoning
On April 16, 2025, an ordinance was submitted to the Chicago City Council proposing a significant zoning change along Broadway and its cross streets in Edgewater. The proposal would rezone the area to B3-5, the highest-density classification for business districts under the city’s Zoning Code. Many residents are concerned that this sweeping change was introduced without a thorough community planning process. Without proper safeguards, the rezoning could significantly alter the character of Broadway and impact the overall livability of our neighborhood.
Summer BBQ
Date: August 16, 2025 -- 4pm - 7pm
Location: 6200 Block of N Lakewood Ave
Fall Members' Meeting
Date: November 15, 2025
Location: TBD