parker has a long history of taking from Lincoln Park
Recent History
- In 2010-2012 Parker sought to replace its grass playing field with artificial turf. As part of that proposal, they wanted to include stadium-style field lights. Every aldermanic candidate in 2011 opposed the addition of field lights. Once elected, Ald. Michele Smith worked with Parker, the Mid-North Association and Parker's neighbors on an agreement regarding its installation of a turf field and permissible uses of the field. The agreement stipulated that no permanent lighting would be allowed on the field. Ald. Smith also sponsored an amendment to Parker's Planned Development Ordinance stipulating that permanent lighting is not allowed on the field.
- In 2018-2020 Parker purchased two historic courtyard buildings containing 34 homes in a process they publicly admitted was deceptive and, in the words of a Parker Trustee, "under the cover of night." In June 2019, East Lincoln Park Neighbors delivered to Ald. Smith over 1,100 signatures formally requesting she support preserving East Lincoln Park's residential character, historic architecture and tax base (see below).
Today
- 2026 Parker has proposed to demolish 327-335 Belden Ave., install stadium lights on their playing field on Webster Ave., use the field from 6:30 am to 9:00 pm seven days a week all year round, weather permitting, and rent the field for youth sports. These changes will exacerbate existing traffic and parking problems, remove family housing, shift even more of the tax burden to Chicago property tax payers, and fundamentally change the quiet residential character of East Lincoln Park.
- East Lincoln Park Neighbors has shared a Better Proposal for Parker's Expansion with Parker, Ald. Knudsen, and the Mid-North Association. The proposal shows Parker can build classroom space on its underutilized southwest parking lot, add underground pick-up, drop-off and parking, and retain the Belden buildings as housing.
Parker has already been given many public assets - NO MORE!
- Zero property taxes on over SIX ACRES of prime, park-adjacent property
- Closing and absorbing the 300 block of Grant Street, a city street and public right of way
- 450+ feet of daily parking restrictions adjacent to its campus
- Several restricted/reserved parking zones on Clark Street
- Unsafe daily blocking of traffic, driveways and alleyways on Lincoln Park West, Webster, Clark, Sedgwick and Grant Place