POP Says “Yes!” to Soccer (but not in the North Meadow)
IS “PROTECT OUR PARKS†AGAINST SOCCER? NO WAY!!!
Protect our Parks is the grass-roots organization which successfully sued the Chicago Park District, the Latin School of Chicago and the City of Chicago to stop construction of an artificial turf soccer field in the North Meadow of the South Field in Lincoln Park for the reserved use by the Latin School.
Does this mean Protect our Parks is against kids? Against soccer? Against building new athletic fields for soccer?
The Answers: NO – NO – and NO!!!
There is a misinformation campaign underway about our position, falsely alleging to the soccer community that we have our sights set on stopping AYSO from using the fields that they’ve been playing soccer on for over 20 years so that they can be “returned” to meadows. This is patently UNTRUE!! The only field we want returned to a meadow is South Field because it is the wrong structure in the wrong location for the wrong reason.
Protect Our Parks has never opposed improvements at Foster or Montrose or the many inner city locations where there is dearth of recreation
facilities. And POP has repeatedly said that the Park District should use the $1,000,000 or $2,000,000 that the Park District wants to give Latin School instead for those truly needy locations where multiple fields would benefit and expand use for the public, instead of for a wealthy private school
WHAT WE’RE FOR:
We’re all FOR soccer fields! BUT – where they are appropriate.
We’re also for transparency and democracy in public process
We’re for equal opportunity and access, not just for the wealthy
The fact is that the present location in south Lincoln Park is, arguably, the MOST INAPPROPRIATE place possible to insert a soccer field! It was selected SOLELY because of its proximity to the Latin School, for their convenience. No studies were undertaken to determine where the need for new facilities was greatest and would serve the greatest number of people. The only criterion applied in this case was that LATIN WANTED IT THERE FOR THEIR USE.
The Park District now says it has $2,000,000 to give to Latin School.
That money would build or improve at least three new public use soccer fields in the neediest locations. And when the Park District withholds the money already promised to those other locations and tries to hold the soccer community hostage to the Latin School, they are deliberately injuring the innocent in order to force support of a wealthy, PRIVATE school!
Yes – the kids – and more of them, deserve to be able to play, regardless of where they live in Chicago and what their economic circumstances! Our
Fight against the soccer field in South Field is not a fight with children nor with the soccer community. It is with the Park District, whose decisions and priorities too often are in the service of special interests, and whose modes of operation are too often dishonest – and with the Latin School for selfishly attempting to make Lincoln Park their de facto Athletic field, because they did not plan adequately for their own outdoor needs. They are a private school and their problems should be solved in the marketplace, not at the expense of Chicago’s park goers and taxpayers.
What do you think a soccer player should do when he or she is the victim of a foul? Be conned into supporting the foul or insist that the referee play fair?
Soccer, YES! In the North Meadow: NO!
Protect Our Parks – info@cklpp.org – www.savelincolnpark.org – 312-276-5165 – Donate to our legal fund -
Even a Second Grader Knows What’s Right
A proud parent sent us this editorial her very smart second grade daughter wrote for her school newspaper. Tim Mitchell, are you paying attention?
Tell the Park District and Alderman Daley that “No Means No!”
Superintendent Tim Mitchell said to us at the June Park District board meeting “You know, we intend to complete that field!”
We say: ‘NO MEANS NO!”
CALL THESE OFFICIALS AND TELL THEM TO RESTORE LINCOLN PARK NOW!
Park District General Superintendent Tim Mitchell
312-742-4786
Alderman Vi Daley (43rd)
email: vdaley@cityofChicago.org
City Hall phone: 312-744-3071
The background…
Notwithstanding its defeat in court, The Chicago Park District has announced its intention of completing the illegal structure, and also served notice that it (the taxpayers) will pay the Latin School up to $2 million dollars, along with its legal fees for attempting to defend its illegal actions.
Residents could not disapprove more strongly. They have, in fact been rejecting the Park District/Latin deal for over six years, but each time the project is rejected by the public, it somehow re-emerges like the many-headed mythical Hydra. For years this has been among the most popular and scenic areas of South Lincoln Park, serving the community in a myriad of uses by citizens of all ages. “You might as well put a soccer field smack in the middle of Daley Plaza†said Tom Tresser, president of POP. “There is space there, too. It just so happens that a few hundred thousand people use it for other things. Same thing in South Field. It is the wrong structure in the wrong place†Its proximity to the Latin School would appear to be the only reason that location was chosen, and the courts have ruled Latin’s priority use in that space to be illegal.
Additionally, the South Field has been designated as “open spaceâ€, by the Lincoln Park Framework Plan, which states that policies should “Respect and enhance existing land uses of historic significance and prohibit new facilities and land uses that are unrelated to historic land uses and that are not dependent upon being in Lincoln Parkâ€. A soccer field or stadium clearly violates the guiding principles so carefully spelled out in the Framework Plan.
In fact, the site has never been subjected to any objective studies that could establish either the need or suitability for this construction. The Lincoln Park Framework Plan states emphatically that this area of Lincoln Park is already overburdened and that opportunities should be taken to DECREASE. NOT INCREASE built space and paved areas that are unessential to the park’s primary recreational and leisure activities. Added to all this is the environmental impact of increased noise and light pollution, along with the chemical and temperature hazards of artificial turf. Its infill, made from ground up rubber tires, has been found to contain carcinogens, along with harmful levels of lead. Following the lead of many states which have called for Moratoriums on any further installations of artificial turf until the long term safety of these facilities can be definitively established. by objective scientific examination, POP has called for a similar halt throughout Chicago.
Contact Your Alderman
| Ward | Alderman | Phone Number | |
| 1 | Manuel Flores | ward01@cityofchicago.org | 312-744-3063 |
| 2 | Robert Fioretti | ward02@cityofchicago.org | 312-263-9273 |
| 3 | Pat Dowell | ward03@cityofchicago.org | 312-744-8734 |
| 4 | Toni Preckwinkle | ward04@cityofchicago.org | 312-744-2690 |
| 5 | Leslie Hairston | ward05@cityofchicago.org | 312-744-6832 |
| 6 | Freddrenna Lyle | ward06@cityofchicago.org | 312-744-6868 |
| 7 | Sandi Jackson | ward07@cityofchicago.org | 312-744-6833 |
| 8 | Michelle Harris | ward08@cityofchicago.org | 312-744-3075 |
| 9 | Anthony Beale | ward09@cityofchicago.org | 312-744-6838 |
| 10 | John Pope | ward10@cityofchicago.org | 312-744-3078 |
| 11 | James Balcer | ward11@cityofchicago.org | 312-744-6663 |
| 12 | George Cardenas | ward12@cityofchicago.org | 312-744-3040 |
| 13 | Frank Olivo | ward13@cityofchicago.org | 312-744-3076 |
| 14 | Ed Burke | ward14@cityofchicago.org | 312-744-3380 |
| 15 | Toni Foulkes | ward15@cityofchicago.org | 312-744-6850 |
| 16 | JoAnn Thompson | ward16@cityofchicago.org | 312-744-3184 |
| 17 | Latasha Thomas | ward17@cityofchicago.org | 312-744-7738 |
| 18 | Lona Lane | ward`8@cityofchicago.org | 312-744-6856 |
| 19 | Virginia Rugai | ward19@cityofchicago.org | 312-744-3072 |
| 20 | Willie Cochran | ward20@cityofchicago.org | 312-744-6840 |
| 21 | Howard Brookins | ward21@cityofchicago.org | 312-744-4810 |
| 22 | Ricardo Munoz | ward22@cityofchicago.org | 312-744-9491 |
| 23 | Michael Zalewski | ward23@cityofchicago.org | 312-744-6828 |
| 24 | Sharon Dixon | ward24@cityofchicago.org | 312-744-6839 |
| 25 | Daniel Solis | ward25@cityofchicago.org | 312-744-6845 |
| 26 | Billy Ocasio | ward26@cityofchicago.org | 312-744-6853 |
| 27 | Walter Burnett | ward27@cityofchicago.org | 312-744-6124 |
| 28 | Ed Smith | ward28@cityofchicago.org | 312-744-3066 |
| 29 | Isaac Carothers | ward29@cityofchicago.org | 312-744-3070 |
| 30 | Ariel Reboyras | ward30@cityofchicago.org | 312-744-3304 |
| 31 | Ray Suarez | ward31@cityofchicago.org | 312-744-6102 |
| 32 | Scott Waguespack | ward32@cityofchicago.org | 312-744-6567 |
| 33 | Richard Mell | ward33@cityofchicago.org | 312-744-6825 |
| 34 | Carrie Austin | ward34@cityofchicago.org | 312-744-6820 |
| 35 | Rey Colon | ward35@cityofchicago.org | 312-744-6835 |
| 36 | William Banks | ward36@cityofchicago.org | 312-744-6857 |
| 37 | Emma Mitts | ward37@cityofchicago.org | 312-744-8019 |
| 38 | Thomas Allen | ward38@cityofchicago.org | 312-744-6811 |
| 39 | Margaret Laurino | ward39@cityofchicago.org | 312-744-7242 |
| 40 | Patrick O’Connor | ward40@cityofchicago.org | 312-744-6858 |
| 41 | Brian Doherty | ward41@cityofchicago.org | 312-744-3208 |
| 42 | Brendan Reilly | ward42@cityofchicago.org | 312-744-3065 |
| 43 | Vi Daley | ward43@cityofchicago.org | 312-744-3071 |
| 44 | Thomas Tunney | ward44@cityofchicago.org | 312-744-3073 |
| 45 | Patrick Levar | ward45@cityofchicago.org | 312-744-6841 |
| 46 | Helen Shiller | ward46@cityofchicago.org | 312-744-6831 |
| 47 | Eugene Schulter | ward47@cityofchicago.org | 312-744-4021 |
| 48 | Mary Ann Smith | ward48@cityofchicago.org | 312-744-6860 |
| 49 | Joseph Moore | ward49@cityofchicago.org | 312-744-3067 |
| 50 | Bernard Stone | ward50@cityofchicago.org | 312-744-6855 |
We Sue, We Win (the first round)
On May 14, in what the chairman said was the longest meeting in the history of the Chicago Park District, its board of commissioners voted to cancel its contract with the Latin School of Chicago. As part of a settlement with Protect Our Parks (your humble servants), the Park District also agreed to halt all construction on the soccer facility until a hearing can be held before the Chicago Plan Commission,
and to grant the General Superintendent, Tim Mitchell (profile – PDF file), the authority to complete the artificial turf facility. If such a field is ever built, the Latin School would stand in line like everyone else. Also, the city will pay Protect Our Parks $40,000, which represents just a portion of our legal fees. This settlement did not cover all our costs by a long shot and we’re not done fighting. Donate to our legal fund now.
Under the terms of the original contract between the Park District and the Latin School, if the contract is canceled, the Park District must pay the Latin School back for its construction costs. The Park District also voted to do that, with a cap of $2 million. This project should never have been started in the first place. When the community had a chance to debate a similar construction project for the same site in 2002, there were petition drives, public meetings, extensive newspaper coverage, a citizen’s committee was formed and money was raised – the result was a loud and clear “NO!” to an artificial turf, special use sports facility on the meadow. So, now we have a construction project that was started as a result of a secret deal – one that the courts have repudiated. We think the field should revert to a grassy field – that’s what the community wanted in 2002. That’s what it was before the illegal construction project started. What do you think should happen now?
LISTEN & READ
- Download a copy of the termination agreement between the Park District and the Latin School
- Download a copy of the settlement.
- Hear Mr. Simon and CPD General Counsel, Maria Guadalupe Garcia, read out the terms of the settlement. (all sound files are in WAV format)
- Hear the commissioners take a formal roll call vote on the settlement.
- Hear Board President Chico’s comments directed at Protect Our Parks, refuting claims of any back room deal, affirming the need for Astroturf, declaring commitment to finishing the field, defending the honor of Commissioner Koldyke and pledging to ‘take into account’ whatever the Chicago Plan Commission recommends.
- Hear General Superintendent Tim Mitchell’s comments directed (we think) at Protect Our Parks where he says that three days notice of any meeting is adequate, that ‘You are never, ever, ever going to get Tim Mitchell to say that he doesn’t want kids in the parks in organized sports,’ that Latin School has been using Montrose Park for decades – so where have been all that time, that the construction of the field is consistant with the Lincoln Park Framework Plan, and that Friends of the Parks was at the Board board meeting where the Latin School deal was approved.
We Sue the City, the Park District and the Latin School
NEWS FLASH! FRIDAY, MAY 9 – THE CASE CONTINUES. WE’RE BACK IN COURT THURSDAY, MAY 15 at 9am.
The judge ruled Friday, April 25 on our request for a temporary halt to construction while the full case is being heard. The judge ruled at that time that the Latin School may continue to lay down artificial turf but may not put up lighting or bleachers for the time being. On Thursday, May 1 The Illinois Appellate Court halted all construction. Read the order Crain’s – Talks to begin after Latin School field blocked
If the case is not settled, all parties will return to court on Tuesday, May 20 for hearings on our request for a permanent injunction. The case is being heard by Chancery Court Judge Kinnaird, Room 2403 in the Daley Plaza, 50 W. Washington. Donate to our legal fund now.
Read the Latin School’s position.
IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS:
Our original complaint The judge’s 4/25/08 order 4/25/08 transcript
Coverage of the case:
- Crain’s – Judge raps Park District over Latin field
- Chicago Tribune – Judge won’t halt Lincoln Park soccer field
- Reader – Latin School soccer field isn’t the only one Stop that bulldozer -
Worse Than We Thought
- Skyline – Latin School soccer field enters litigation
Worse Than We Thought
The Committee to Keep Lincoln Park Public, a project of Protect Our Parks, has filed a lawsuit to shut down the construction of the Latin School soccer facility on the South Meadow of Lincoln Park and to void the secret deal that created it. Our first hearing was Friday, April 18, 10am in the Chancery Court, 50 W. Washington, Room 2403, before Judge Dorothy Kirie Kinnaird.
Download the press release.
Download a summary of the issue and our work to date.
This is going to be a costly fight AND WE NEED YOUR CONTRIBUTION NOW to sustain this battle to keep our parks free for all.
Please mail a contribution, check made out to “Protect Our Parks”, to:
Protect Our Parks
333 W. North Avenue, #209
Chicago, IL 60610-1293
312-276-5165
We have filed for our tax exempt status with the I.R.S. and contributions are deductible to the extent allowed by law.
MEDIA COVERAGE
- Chicago Reader – No Permit Necessary
- Chicago Tribune – Foes of Lincoln Park soccer field sue city, Latin School
- WBBM TV News – Lawsuit filed in Latin School Soccer Fight
- Chicago Sun-Times – Group sues over Lincoln Park soccer field
- A RELATED STORY FROM WTTW-TV – Children’s Museum Zoning Application Seeks Liquor License
Chicago League of Women Voters & Sierra Club Chicago Say “No” to the Land Grab
From the Chicago League of Women Voters:
“As a resident of the 43rd ward and President of the League of Women Voters of Chicago, I oppose the construction of the planned soccer field in Lincoln Park. It is a situation where a private institution, the Latin School of Chicago, wants control over a portion of public space: some acreage of south Lincoln Park. The “control†is that The land will be designated for what the school wants, the construction and design of the playing and seating area, advertising and hours of use. Nighttime activities will necessitate lights.
This land borders a residential neighborhood. Was there an impact study on the effect of the increased amount of pedestrian and vehicular traffic? Residents in near-by buildings will look out on advertising, bright lights and the stands. They will hear crowd and car noises. Other groups will have less desirable hours available for their use, particularly teams with school-age children like the scouts. The terrain will be covered with Astroturf which is supposed to be toxic. Should children or adults be exposed to this? An additional environmental issue is that birds and other small animals will come in contact with it. Neighbors and visitors from outside the neighborhood will find the area more congested. Perhaps those who wish to sell their homes a short distance away will find out that their property is lower in value and more difficult to sell. This could produce less tax revenue.
In accordance with the League of Women Voters position on land use and parks, it must be said that this proposed plan goes counter our philosophy that park land be clear of obstacles, that parks be well-maintained and available to all residents of the city.”
Yours truly,
Esta Kallen
President
League of Women Voters of Chicago
From the Spring newsletter of the Illinois Sierra Club:
“Lincoln Park Land Grab: Protest Letters Needed ASAP to Mayor Daley
As part of a deal cloaked in secrecy, the Chicago Park District sold the exclusive rights to a four-acre chunk of the south end of Lincoln Park to the Latin School of Chicago.
There’s no other word to use regarding this deal except “sold.†The Chicago Park District Board approved a contract with minimal public notice that gives the school the right to build a $900,000 artificial turf soccer stadium at the very south end of Lincoln Park. Email Mayor Daley to express your opposition.” Read the full call for action.
Action Center
Relevant documents: A summary of the issue – updated July 2008. The contract between the Park District and The Latin School Chicago Lake Front Protection Ordinance
Schedule of usage shows the Latin School is THE exclusive user for kid-friendly time.
Learn about community organizing This handy guide will help you make the change you know is needed.
Here’s what you can do.
(1) DONATE. We are taking the Park District to court. Justice isn’t free and we need YOUR donations to fight! Donate via PayPal or send a check made out to “Protect Our Parks” and mail it to Protect Our Parks, 333 W. North Avenue #209, Chicago IL 60610. The Committee to Keep Lincoln Park Public has applied for nonprofit status on March 25, 2008 as Protect Our Parks. All contributions are deductible to the extent allowed by law.
(2) SIGN OUR PETITION. PASS OUR PETITION If you haven’t done so already, please add your name and comments to our online petition. You can print out our petition and make copies and get people in your building or block to sign. Email us at info@cklpp.org when you have completed sheets to turn in.
And, while you’re in the mood – sign the petition for our colleagues at Save Grant Park.
(3) VOLUNTEER
We’re going to need help on a number of projects. Join us in the park on Saturday mornings collecting signatures for our petition. Please contact Eury for more details.
(4) CALL AND WRITE LETTERS TO OUR ELECTED OFFICIALS NOW
Mayor RIchard M. Daley – sample letter
City Hall
121 North LaSalle Street
Room 507
Chicago, IL, 60602
Phone: 312-744-3300
fax: (312) 744-8045
Find your alderman. Although Alderman Daley represents the area where the field is located and Alderman Reilly represents the area nearby, all aldermen should be alerted to this bad policy. We need to halt construction and conduct a public hearing. Download a contact sheet for all 50 aldermen.
Alderman Vi Daley (43rd) – sample letter
City Hall Office: 121 North LaSalle Street, Room 300, Chicago, IL 60602
email: vdaley@cityofChicago.org
City Hall phone (312) 744-3071
Alderman Brendan Reilly (42nd) You can use the sample letter above for any alderman.
City Hall Office: 121 North LaSalle Street, Room 300, Chicago, Il 60602
email: Brendan.Reilly@cityofchicago.org
City Hall phone: (312) 744-3062
Alderman Tom Tunney (44th)
City Hall Office: 121 North LaSalle, Room 300, Chicago, IL 60602
email: ttunney@cityofchicago.org
City Hall phone (312)744-3073
If you email anybody on this issue can you please copy us at info@cklpp.org. Thanks!
(5) WRITE A LETTER TO THE EDITOR NOW
Skyline
141 South Oak Park Ave., Oak Park Illinois 60302
Email to dhaley@wjinc.com
Chicago Reader:
Letters to the Editor, Chicago Reader
11 East Illinois Street, Chicago, IL 60611
Email to: letters@chicagoreader.com
Crain’s Chicago Business:
Letters to the Editor, Crain’s Chicago Business
360 North Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60601
Email to: letters@chicagobusiness.com
Include complete name, city from which you are writing, and phone number. Letters should be as brief as possible.
Chicago Sun-Times:
Letters to the Editor, Chicago Sun-Times
350 North Orleans, Chicago, 60654
Email to: letters@suntimes.com
or by fax: (312) 321-2120
Letters must include name, address, and daytime phone #.
Chicago Tribune:
Voice of the People, Chicago Tribune
435 North Michigan Ave, Chicago IL 60611
Email to: bdold@tribune.com
Inside
Jeff Bogardt, Inside Publications
4159 N. Western Ave., 2nd Floor, Chicago, IL 60618
Email to inside@britsys.net
How to Mail a Check
Checks should be written to:
Protect Our Parks
333 W. North Avenue, #209
Chicago, IL 60610
Phone# – 312-276-5165
Please give generously.
The Committee to Keep Lincoln Park Public has applied for nonprofit status on March 25, 2008 as Protect Our Parks. All contributions are deductible to the extent allowed by law.
Committee + Community Tells Commissioners “Keep Lincoln Park Free”
The Committee to Keep Lincoln Park Public showed up in force at the March 12 meeting of the Chicago Park District Commissioners. Over 50 supporters crowded into the conference room on the eighth floor of the Park District headquarters on Fairbanks Court. Spokesman Peter Zelchenko delivered copies of our “cease-and-desist” letter to the Commissioners and requested that they halt construction of the Latin School soccer facility immediately. “We’d love to work with you and the Latin School to find a better solution, a more equitable solution to the recreational needs of the community. I’m sure if we all put our heads together we’ll agree that the South Meadow is not the right place. We’ve got to safeguard our precious open spaces. There is an abundance of property nearby that could offer a better site.” Park Commissioner Board President Gery Chico promised to meet with the Committee to hear our plans for resolution. Read the Medill News Service story. Read the Skyline story. Read the full story of the Committee’s work to date from Chicago Loop News. [Large PDF file, 6.8MB]
