Belden Under Threat

Francis W. Parker School (Parker) is pursuing residential buildings on the 300 block of Belden to expand its existing 6-acre campus. This hostile and predatory activity is forcing private citizens from their homes and asking the City to promote a private enterprise's interests over the public good. Parker has not been able to articulate why it needs to expand. 

To date over 1,100 people have signed a petition asking Alderman Smith to keep Belden residential and to preserve its historic fabric.  Building leaders on Belden have submitted a request for landmarking from the city. In face of growing opposition, Parker has written two community letters, both of which misrepresent Parker's actions. In May of 2020, residents of Belden by the Park filed a lawsuit against Parker.

The timeline below outlines what has happened and provides correspondence between Parker and its neighbors.  We welcome your support in preserving the historical and residential character of East Lincoln Park and, more specifically, Belden Avenue.

• In the autumn of 2018, two individuals approached Parker in an attempt to broker a bulk sale of their respective buildings.  These individuals were working on their own behalf and did not inform building residents or their condominium boards of their intent.  The individuals' conflict of interest and potential for remuneration from any transactions remain unclear.  In their first community letter, Parker represented that they believed these individuals were authorized to speak for their buildings (See Parker letter to the community dated June 14th 2019). In a subsequent letter, Parker admitted that these individuals were acting in an individual--not an official capacity. (See letter to Belden By The Park (BBTP) dated August 21st 2019)
• At no time did the unauthorized individuals or Parker disclose the potential for a transaction to any other owners.  It is not clear how much was disclosed to the broader Parker Trustee Board or Parker Community during this time. The building residents clearly did not expect to sell to Parker, as they made significant investment in interior unit, exterior building and common area renovations while secret negotiations were underway. They continue to invest in their buildings and units.
• While carrying covert negotiations, in early spring 2019 Parker anonymously purchased two units in one building, Belden by the Park, on the open market.  At a meeting with Alderman Smith and community members on September 12th, 2019, Parker representatives publicly stated that Parker purposefully hid their ownership from residents of BBTP. Parker also falsely claimed these purchasers approached them.
• On May 8th 2019, Parker made a bulk sale offer to both residential buildings. Both buildings formally declined Parker's offers in June 2019 (see BBTP rejection letter below). 
• On May 28th 2019, Parker acquired a third apartment.  As represented at the September 12th public meeting, this purchase was purposefully kept anonymous.
• On May 30th 2019, Francis Parker Neighbors (FPN) Committee directly asked Dan Frank, the Parker representative, about the bulk sale offers on 317-325 W Belden Avenue. Mr. Frank declined to comment.
• On June 14th 2019, ELPN formally objected to Parker's expansion plans onto Belden and offered to work openly with Parker to find suitable alternatives to enable their growth plans (see letter below). Simultaneously, Parker sent a letter to Parker parents and concerned neighbors confirming the hitherto undisclosed purchase of two units in BBTP (see letter below).  Parker sent a similar letter to ELPN on June 21st, 2019 (see letter below).  
• July 2019, Parker purchased a fourth unit in BBTP in a private sale despite strong opposition from building residents. In contrast to statements in community letters, this sale is the only sale to date where a resident approached Parker.
• July 2019 Parker representative runs for a board seat in one of the buildings and is defeated.
• August 5th 2019, BBTP Board formally requests Parker divest from the properties (see letter below). Parker declines (see letter below). 
• September 12th 2019,  Alderman Smith convened the quarterly Francis Parker Neighbors committee meeting.  As noted above, Parker admitted publicly to purposefully concealing its purchasing efforts.  Additionally, Parker representatives challenged whether neighbors "...have a right to live in their properties."  
• September 17th 2019, ELPN delivers Alderman Smith over 1,100 signatures formally requesting Alderman Smith stand with her community and visitors to Lincoln Park in preserving East Lincoln Park's residential status, historical architecture and tax base (see letter below).  So far, Alderman Smith declined to take a position on Parker's expansion onto Belden. 
• Early November 2019, Parker purchases two additional units in BBTP. Residents and neighbors continue to voice opposition to Parker's behavior.
• Mid November 2019, Parker flouts building rules and moves in a resident to BBTP.
• January 2020, Community members submit an application for landmark status to preserve the historic and residential character of Belden Ave. 
• May 2020, Residents of BBTP file a lawsuit against Parker (see below).

Parker neighbors do not oppose Parker's growth, but we cannot allow the displacement of residents and the disruption of our community solely for the benefit of a private enterprise. Belden's residential buildings are not an option. Alternate solutions exist that allow Parker to expand its footprint and truly contribute to the well-being of East Lincoln Park. Parker must provide a clear proposal of its needs and work collaboratively with the Lincoln Park community to address them.