John Arena
$800,000 Townhomes Coming To Jefferson Park Lot Where Neighbors Blocked Large Apartment Building
A controversial project to build 48 apartments never got off the ground. Ald. Jim Gardiner downzoned the land, clearing the way for nine townhomes.
Ald. Jim Gardiner’s Challenger Would Be Booted From 45th Ward In City Council’s Proposed Remap
Megan Mathias, who lives in Old Irving Park, could still challenge Gardiner for 45th Ward alderman even if her home is drawn into another territory — but she'd have to relocate if she were elected.
Six Corners Community Plaza, Championed By John Arena, Put On Hold By Ald. Jim Gardiner
Though officials say an engineering study was already completed and paid for by the city, Ald. Jim Gardiner said a Fire Department study is needed.
Ousted Ald. Arena Hired By The City As Department Of Planning Senior Adviser
Arena, who served two terms on the City Council, will be paid $123,996 annually.
After Pulling Austin-Foster Dog Park Funding, Ald. Gardiner Defends Decision To Scrap Arena-Era Participatory Budget Plans
Neighbors voted on how to spend 2019 ward money under Ald. John Arena, but newly-elected Ald. Jim Gardiner scrapped some of those plans.
Controversial Jefferson Park Affordable Housing Complex Set To Get State Tax Credits — On Arena’s Last Day In Office
Ald. John Arena's support for the affordable housing development likely cost him his seat, supporters say.
As Plans For Dreaded Hole At Six Corners Intersection Stall, Area Business Owners Plead: ‘Just Put Something There’
Ald.-elect Jim Gardiner will not say whether he'll support The Point at Six Corners moving forward, and it's making some neighbors nervous.
Is The Point At Six Corners Dead? Neighbors Try Convincing New Alderman To Support Senior Center At Long-Vacant Intersection
Ald. John Arena slammed his successor James "Jim" Gardiner, saying that if the plan goes back to the drawing board, "you'll have Lake Gardiner."
Six Corners Senior Housing Complex Fails To Advance Amid Opposition From Alderman-Elect
Ald.-elect James Gardiner refused to speak with reporters and directed opponents of the project to do the same.
Ald. John Arena Apologizes For Text Message Calling Former Challenger Garrido A ‘Cuck’
"This is an emotional time for many of us who have withstood bullying attacks from right wing Republicans for eight years," Arena said in his apology. The two-term alderman lost his 45th Ward seat Tuesday.
Did Support For Affordable Housing Cost Ald. John Arena His 45th Ward Seat?
Residents "felt that they didn't have an opportunity for their voices to be heard," said James "Jim" Gardiner, an EMT, who ousted the two-term alderman.
Jim Gardiner Unseats Ald. John Arena In 45th Ward Upset
Ald. John Arena (45th) is a member of the City Council’s progressive caucus and has faced fierce opposition in his Northwest Side ward for promoting affordable housing.
As Lake Effect Brewing Awaits Firehouse Takeover, It’s Brewing Up Some Exotic Collaborations
The brewery is making beers with BBQ rub from Gale Street Inn, cakes from Fannie's Cafe, chai from Mango Pickle, rose tips from the Chicago Botanic Garden and more.
Multimillion-Dollar Jefferson Park Library Rehab Plan To Be Detailed For Residents
The Jefferson Park Branch opened at its current location in 1970.
Political Organizer Who Called Fallen CPD Officers ‘Stupid’ Gets Booted From Board, Slammed By Aldermen
Carl Nyberg called the officers who were struck and killed by a train in Roseland Monday night "stupid," prompting citywide backlash.
Neighbors Share Dreams On What They Want Built At Former Sears At Six Corners
The standing-room-only meeting lasted three hours and was hosted inside the former Sears Auto Center.
Revamped Six Corners Sears Plan Was Posted By Accident, Developer Says After Surprising Alderman
After neighbors and Ald. John Arena were taken off guard by listed plans for a theater and gym in the former Sears building, the developer said the post was premature.
Fischman Public House Set To Open Near Six Corners At Long Last (Here’s A Sneak Peek)
The former Fischman's Liquors is now Fischman Public House, complete with a new location next to the Portage Theater.
