News
CTA Customer Alerts and Service UpdatesLatin School offers compromise on controversial field Crain’s Chicago Business 26 October Latin School of Chicago is offering to compromise on its plans to build a soccer field on Park District property near the school at the south end of Lincoln Park. But there is no immediate sign that the offer will end a controversy over whether Latin is getting too good of a deal to use taxpayer-owned land.
Latin "goes green" with new school buildilng Skyline 28 September They've gone green at the Latin School, where as of last Tuesday, sixth, seventh and eighth graders can go to the head of their classes in a new, state-of-the-art, green building at 45 W. North Blvd. Neighbors hear amended plan for Columbus site: Skyline 21 SeptemberTwenty-six additional feet of height--approximately 14,000 square feet--is the main bone of contention with neighbors shown a developer's proposal to amend the planned development for the former Columbus Hospital property, 2520 N. Lakeview Ave. Alderman Daley said the proposal offers more green space and a lighter, brighter community.
Neighbors sound off on Latin deal: Skyline 21 September What will it take to undo the already done deal between Latin School and the Chicago Park District for a soccer field in Lincoln Park? Maybe rolling a giant soccer ball through City Hall? That's what Old Town resident Eurydice Chrones suggested to a couple of dozen people attending a Sept. 17 meeting at the Lincoln Park Cultural Center.
Not So Level Playing Field: Chicago Reader 7 Sept on the Latin School/Park District soccer field deal.
Archived News Links Issues & Opportunities in no particular order
Children's Memorial Hospital: This outstanding facility is leaving Lincoln Park for Streeterville. There is no plan for re-use of the land and/or facilities that will replace the hospital's economic and social value.
Latin School Soccer Field: The public/private land use partnership between the Chicago Park District and the Latin School was developed publicly, and follows civic partnership precedent. In recent weeks, Latin's neighbors have expressed concern (to say the least) and Alderman Vi Daley claims no knowledge. The real issues--and resolutions!--are communication among neighbors and Aldermanic accountability.
Preservation vs. Development: In a word, balance. Both are necessary and good. Respect for our history and capacity for growth are not mutually exclusive. In the 43rd today, our Achilles Heel is exceptions: we make policy, make law, collaborate with neighbors, issue permits and some time later make exceptions for developers that violate community trust. A policy of balance, and consistency in decisions, is critical.
Parking: Other cities mandate public parking for all new commercial developments. A 2:1 ratio of public parking spaces to occupancy requirements is not unheard of. This is an approach that builds a long-term parking solution with every permit, and is an approach we need to consider for the 43rd.
Public Safety: We created the 43rd Ward Safety Coalition with the motto "Action for the Community, Participation by the Community." Neighborhood organizations, business leaders, and area residents must work actively and positively with police and safety organizations in order to continuously improve the safety of our streets and our homes. Chicago's CAPS program is an excellent example of how to succeed with collaboration, and is open to everyone's participation via Area Beat Meetings and more.
Columbus Hospital: Developers of the property at 2520 N Lakeview are seeking to amend the approved 2002 plan. Visit http://www.2520neighbors.com/ to view the Planned Development, Community Agreement, and learn about construction details. Events
Ward Wednesdays: Join Tim Egan for an open, informal conversation on the issues and opportunities that are important to you and your life in the 43rd Ward. Our next meeting is Wednesday, October 17 from 6-8 PM at Oodles of Noodles, 2540 N. Clark. We'll have a few appetizers waiting for you, feel free to have dinner while we talk. Carry-out also available.
A community meeting to review a revised proposal for the Columbus Hospital property was held at 10 AM September 15th at the Louisa May Alcott School, 2625 N. Orchard. Property Hosted by Alderman Vi Daley, the Diversey Harbor Lakeview Association, and the Park West Community Association. Contact the Alderman's office and ask for an update.
Archived Event Links Representatives
Alderman: Vi Daley, www.ViDaley.com 773.327.9111
43rd Ward Committeeman: Peg Roth, 1545 N Wells 