Trader Joe's plans to open at Lincoln Village in Chicago's North Park, alderwoman says

Ald. Debra Silverstein announced that Trader Joe's has signed a lease and applied for permits to open a store at Lincoln Village in North Park, and officials say required approvals are still pending.

Trader Joe's has taken formal steps toward opening a new store at the Lincoln Village Shopping Center in Chicago's North Park neighborhood, according to an announcement from Ald. Debra Silverstein (50th). Silverstein said the lease is signed and Trader Joe's has begun the permitting stage. She also noted that bringing a national grocery chain to the ward has been a long-standing priority and that community interest dates back several years. Key details: - Trader Joe's has officially applied for permits for a new store at Lincoln Village, located along Lincoln Avenue between the North Shore Channel and McCormick Road. - Ald. Debra Silverstein said the lease is signed and the permitting stage has begun, but the project has not yet received all required approvals. - Local efforts to attract a Trader Joe's include a 2020 petition from the West Ridge Chamber of Commerce and Community Organization and earlier public interest in other potential sites. - The Lincoln Village Shopping Center has operated since 1952 and is currently anchored by Ross Dress for Less, Five Below, and TJ Maxx. - CBS News Chicago contacted Trader Joe's for comment; the company’s response was not reported in the announcement. Summary: If completed, the proposed store would bring a national grocery chain back to the Lincoln Village shopping area after many years without a grocery anchor. The next steps reported are permit review and securing necessary approvals; no opening timeline has been announced.