An aerial view of the proposed project.

A developer has proposed a 17-story rental and retail complex in Lakeview, but some locals aren’t thrilled about bringing a project of that size into the neighborhood, according to a recent Chicago Sun-Times article by David Roeder.

The project, proposed by JDL Development Corp. President James Letchinger, would feature 46,000 square feet of retail space and 350 apartments, located at the site of the Faith Tabernacle Church parking lot at 3750 N. Halsted.

A new group called Halsted Neighbors has formed to oppose the complex, which the group says is too large and could create a housing surplus that would lower property values, Roeder reported. A Halsted Neighbors petition against the project reportedly contains more than 300 signatures.

Letchinger claims other community groups are in favor of the $100 million development, which he views as an outlet for pent-up demand of new rental housing in Lake View.

“I have never seen a new, well-executed building not bring up the values of what’s around it,” he said.

Letchinger says his retail component won’t include a Walmart or a grocery store like the local gossip suggests.

“It’ll most likely be a health club,” he said. “But the deal is not 100 percent done.”

Letchinger is scheduled to meet with Ald. James Cappleman’s zoning advisory committee Dec. 8.