Latino State News
East Pilsen Neighbors Lose Fight Against All-Night Hot Dog Joint
Despite neighbors’ objections, a judge has ruled that Express Grill, an all-night polish sausage stand business, can continue the construction on their new location in East Pilsen.
Opponents, including Ald. Danny Solis, are not happy about the judge’s ruling.
“It’s a terrible place for a place like that,” said Solis. “It will create a nightmare.”
The concrete block stand’s newest location drew opposition the moment residents saw the construction beginning in 2008.
Judge Nancy Arnold, however, ruled that Express Grill’s owner Alex Lazarevski properly secured building permits, applied for the license and started construction. In other words, he did everything right.
“They made a big deal out of nothing. … Now, I’m not budging on anything. They put me through hell for three years. It was definitely unfair to me. It was very expensive. You can’t give someone permission to build something and then say you change your mind,” Lazarevski said. “I’m sorry it’s not an art studio or whatever else they want there.”
The Express Grill is one of Maxwell Street’s original hot dog joints.
The neighbors argued that the aroma of fried onions, the likelihood of double-parked cars in the already busy streets, the overflowing trash, the loiterers, criminals and the prostitutes will take over the corner – located at 18th and Halstead. In response to the neighbors’ worries, Ald. Solis managed to get have a hold placed on the Grill’s business license application, but with Judge Arnold’s ruling, there is nothing stopping the completion of the stand.
