🌱 Proposed Ordinance For Vacant Churches + 'Outlaw Market' Sellers

Hi all. It's me, Nicole Fallon-Peek, your host of the Oak Park-River Forest Patch newsletter — back in your inbox with everything you need to know about what's happening in town.

But first, today's weather:

A stray afternoon t-storm. High: 83 Low: 66.

Here are the top three stories in Oak Park-River Forest today:

1. In a board meeting last week, Oak Park village officials voted on a new ordinance that would allow vacant church parking lots to be used for non-religious purposes through an application process. According to the ordinance, sanctioned adapted uses of former churches include fitness and art studios, schools, meeting halls, live performance venues, and residences. Currently, there are two vacant churches in residential districts of Oak Park that fall within these guidelines: the former New Spirit Community Church and the former Parkview church. The village board was split on the issue and chose instead to table the recommendation — the board will reconsider the ordinance in September. (Wednesday Journal)
2. "Outlaw Market" sellers outside the Logan Square Farmers Market are close to reaching a deal with city officials to avoid future ticketing. Yard-sale-style unofficial sellers, who often set up camp on Logan Boulevard east of the farmers market selling vintage goods, are often threatened with tickets for setting up without permits. Last week, the farmer's market director intervened on their behalf in the hopes of onboarding them with other sanctioned market sellers, which would require them to pay a nominal weekly fee to be included in permitting. (Chicago Sun Times)
3. Michelin-starred Middle Eastern restaurant Galit is set to open a new Lincoln Park location this year. Co-owners Zach Engel and Andrés Clavero bought the two-story building next to Galit late last year, and are committed to making the new space a place for chefs to express more creativity in the kitchen with greater freedom. The opening date for the new restaurant is forthcoming. (Crain's Chicago Business)

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Today in Oak Park-River Forest:

Tuesday, August 8

• Shake, Rattle & Read At Lindberg Park (10:00 AM)
• Tuesday Tales (Ages 0-6) At River Forest Public Library (10:00 AM)
• Latine Author Book Cafe: "The Murmur Of The Bees" By Sofía Segovia At Oak Park Public Library (6:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• On the hunt for new local restaurants? Check out the recently-opened Empanada Mama in West Town. Sample savory Puerto Rican bites for breakfast, lunch, or dinner — there's something on the menu for meat-eaters and vegetarians alike. (Axios)
• In more food and beverage news: Pilsen favorite Low Rez Brewing will be closing after seven years in business. The last day of service is Sep. 3 — friends and neighbors are encouraged to come out in the next few weeks for a few final beers. (Block Club Chicago)
• For the past nine months, local students have been building tiny homes for animals along the Chicago River as part of a Brookfield Zoo "Science Explorer" program. Click the link to watch a video explaining more about their process, and to learn more about the program. (FOX 32 Chicago)

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Featured events:

• Outdoor Concert With Swing Set Marks 45 Years Of Senior Living at Oak Park Arms (August 12)
• Bridal Event (August 19)
• Malnati Brain Tumor Institute Summer Rooftop Celebration (August 30)
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You're officially in the loop for today. I'll be back in your inbox tomorrow morning with your next update!

— Nicole Fallon-Peek

About me: Nicole Fallon-Peek is a journalist and copywriter with a degree in Media, Culture and Communication from New York University. She has served as a freelance reporter, managing editor, copy editor, and editorial director for a variety of B2B news outlets. She currently co-owns and operates content creation agency Lightning Media Partners.