A better grocery store
Either the Jewel needs to be completely torn down and built new, or a better store like Trader Joe/Whole Foods needs to come in.
Permanently close Berwyn between Clark and Ashland
Turn it into a neighborhood square with a fountain like in the middle of Lincoln Square.
Extend the Ashland bus to Clark
Instead of ending at Irving Park make the Ashland bus go all the way to Clark giving more access to Andersonville.
Crosswalk lights at Balmoral & Clark
I don't know how many times I've seen people almost get run over trying to cross this intersection.
Install "Stop for Pedestrians" signage at non-signaled crosswalks
Many drivers violate state law and don't stop for pedestrians at non-signaled crosswalks along Clark such as Olive, Gregory, Rascher, and Summerdale. Evanston has installed "State Law - Stop for Pedestrians" signs at many of their non-signaled crosswalks, resulting in improved compliance.
Bike racks, bike racks, bike racks!
Ever since the parking meters were removed, it's getting harder to find good spots to lock up a bike. Bike racks should be on every corner and mid-block wherever possible. Bike racks are a great way to (a) encourage bike riding, (b) encourage people to bike here from other neighborhoods, and (c) show that A-Ville is serious about being green!
Empty storefront beautification
With all the empty storefronts, the Chamber should apply for funds to hire local, un/underemployed artists to decorate the dead spaces...especially the one underneath the Chamber's office. It's such a dump, it makes the Chamber look incompetent.
late night dining options
something like Nookie's or Clarke's in easy walking distance of, say, Clark and Berwyn
Better enforcement of the 3-way stop at Clark/Berwyn
So many examples of poor driving occur at this intersection, especially in relation to blowing off the stop signs, yielding to pedestrians, blocking the intersection... Either stronger enforcement or better (smarter) signage is needed!
Swedish heritage: noon sidewalk sweep
Swedish shop owners in Andersonville used to have an afternoon ritual of sweeping the sidewalks in front of their stores and chatting with passing neighbors other business owners
An Art Supply Store.
There are plenty of creative people in the area. It would probably have to be tied in with another business though.
Improve Street Recycling
The random placement and spacing of different types of recycling trash cans along Clark make it hard to know what materials can be dropped offer where. Most downtown street recycling accepts all materials at each location.
Crosswalk lights along Ashland
Crossing Ashland, especially at Edgewater Ave is extremely dangerous and cars rarely if ever yield to pedestrians who are attempting to cross.
A tea and/or spice store
A vintage-like style experience offering items like argo tea and the spice house
Startup incubation or shared office space
Traveling consultants, local pros working from home or young start-ups may appreciate a hoteling office space. Great for the lunch and retail shops, too.
Live Theater!
Support the arts! This would be a plus for residents, and a boost for all the local businesses!
Indoor Kid's Play Area
Open an indoor kid's play area with a coffee shop/cafe (like Family Grounds on N Lincoln) where parents can take their kids, particularly in the winter or during inclement weather.
Music instrument store and coffee lounge
Maybe local performers can just play on the mini stage while patrons browse and sip coffee
More Resident-Oriented Events
Create promotions geared toward neighborhood residents. The area is so popular for visitors that locals are going elsewhere for seats and affordability.
Litter prevention on Berwyn between Clark and Broadway
The CTA pedestrian traffic causes a lot of litter, because there is nowhere to throw garbage.
Central parking area
I love A'ville the way it is, for the most part, but there needs to be a central secured parking area. It can be done nicely so it's not a behemoth parking garage, and should be designed so as not to add add'l traffic to Clark or Foster.
Replace the Jewel/Osco with a park
Even better than a park at the Edgewater Hospital site would be one at the Jewel/Osco site. It would be similar to Wicker Park (the park) in that it would be in the heart of the commercial district, perfect for people-watching. It would increase the foot traffic through the Clark St business district, rid us of an eyesore, and bring much-needed green space to west Edgewater.
Specialty Cheese Shop
Artisan local and imported cheeses like Pastoral on Broadway/Loop/French Market
Close off Catalpa between Clark & Ashland and create a Village Center.
Featuring a Public fountain Square/Market with a Performance Space with open air Vendor/Farmers Market pavilion.
Butcher Shop
An old-school, small butcher shop would be a rad addition to the neighborhood -- something like Holzkopf or Paulina Meat Market.
truck restrictions
restricting large trucks to ashland unless they are making a delivery to one of the establishments on clark in andersonville
Turn Clark between Foster and Bryn Mawr into pedestrian zone
Turn Andersonville into Chicago's coolest pedestrian zone! Close Clark, while keeping the E-W through streets open to cross traffic between Broadway and Ashland. Cars can use Ashland for N-S travel. More room for sidewalk cafes, green spaces (maybe a fountain!), and community activities.
More diversity in retail
Currently, too many of the same types of stores, home stores, dog places, nail salons, etc. Try and attract different types of shopping (which I know is hard, given recession).
Move northbound Clark bus stop at Catalpa to the northside of the intersection.
Some drivers blow through this intersection not realizing there is a stop sign because the bus blocks its view. This is a real danger to pedestrians and cars coming off Catalpa.
Organize a 5K Viking Run
Like the Turkey Trot or Santa Shuffle only with Viking Runners. A nice morning run down Clark Street early in the morning.
Install on-street bike parking
Install on-street bike parking on Clark in Andersonville. Sidewalks tend to be too narrow for a lot of additional bike racks. On-street bike parking can be installed without losing parking spaces for cars, for a cost that is similar to traditional bike parking. Pursuing this approach, which is still novel in Chicago will further increase the eco-friendliness of Andersonville.
Update the "Edgewater produce" awning color scheme
I like the fruit market itself, but the awning isn't too flattering. Also, it kind of advertises Edgewater (not Andersonville) to passersby on Ashland.
Alley cat comics can also be a hobby store!
I love Alley cat comics, but I don't read comics. However, if they also became a hobby store, it could lead to workshops and other revenue streams.
volunteer day for storefronts
similar in idea to hire local artisans to beautify storefronts, but! what if we got a group of volunteers & donations of supplies (tybony) and simply repaint some of the storefronts. the preschool, the auto body shop, the pet store.....a little paint could make a big difference.
