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PORTAGE PARK — A small but colorful Six Corners plaza is back.
The Six Corners People Spot returned this month in front of ice cream shop Lovin’ Scoop, 4032 N. Milwaukee Ave., giving people a place to gather.
The Six Corners Chamber of Commerce created the gathering spot and spent $1,500 on the equipment, said Joe Angelastri, chamber board member and owner of City News Cafe, 4018 N. Cicero Ave.
“I know it’s been done in the past. … Little by little, we are revitalizing the shopping district, a large effort,” Angelastri said. “We’re hoping it’s going in the right direction.”
The chamber paid for the plaza with money from past events and activities, he said.
The People Spot has three tables and six chairs, some of which were part of the larger gathering spot that was at the same location from 2016-2020. That plaza, which took up about two parking spots, was taken down for the winter and did not go back up due to traffic concerns, officials previously told Block Club.
Last summer, neighbors and commissioners from the special service area asked for its return, saying it was optimal for older people in the community and those shopping locally.
The chamber explored other Six Corners locations for the plaza but picked the same spot after talking with officials from the Chicago Department of Transportation. The smaller spot is still accessible, easy to maintain and in the heart of the shopping district while not taking up parking, Angelastri said.
People spots, small plazas set up in parking spaces to promote walkability in business districts, became popular around 2016 and were built in several Chicago neighborhoods, including one near Perkolator Cafe, 6032 W. Irving Park Road.
Like sidewalk cafes, people spots need a permit from the city’s transportation department. Permits must be renewed every two years and require a letter of support from the owner of the business near the patio.
Credit: Ariel Parrella-Aureli/Block Club ChicagoBilly Taleb, co-owner of Lovin’ Scoop, previously said he would like to see the gathering spot installed and said it could help attract customers. The shop reopened for the season in March but has been temporarily closed in recent weeks. Taleb could not be reached for comment.
Angelastri said the gathering spot is a small step in bringing people to the area and promoting walkability. He hopes it reminds people to support the local businesses at Six Corners.
Area businesses have struggled, with some closing for winter or due to staff shortages. However, a boba tea and snack shop is slated to open in a few weeks, the owner said.
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