ELPN fights the Harmful elements of Francis Parker's plans

Recent history

• 2010-2012 Parker sought to replace its grass playing field with artificial turf.  As part of that proposal, they sought 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 stipulating that permanent lighting is not allowed on the field. Parker agreed that any proposal to add permanent lighting will be deemed a major change to its Planned Development.
• In 2018-2020, Parker purchased 2 historic courtyard buildings containing 33 homes in a process they publicly admitted was deceptive and, in the words of a Parker Board member, "under the cover of night." In June 2019, East Lincoln Park Neighbors objected to Parker's expansion plans and offered to work openly with Parker to find suitable alternatives (see letter below). In September 2019, East Lincoln Park Neighbors delivered to Alder Smith over 1,100 signatures formally requesting the Alder support preserving East Lincoln Park's residential street, historical architecture and tax base (see letter 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.
• ELPN has shared a Better Proposal for Parker's Expansion with Parker, Ald. Knudsen, and the Mid-North Association. Our 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.

Reminder: Many public assets given to Parker historically

•   Zero property taxes on nearly SIX ACRES of prime, lakefront, residential property 
• Closing and privatizing the 300 block of Grant Place, a city street and public right of way 
• Zoning variances to fully build out its own north property line without a set back
• 450 feet of daily parking restrictions adjacent to its campus
• Several restricted/reserved parking zones on Clark Street
• Regular blocking of traffic, driveways and alleys on Lincoln Park West, Webster and Belden, Sedgwick and beyond