politics Archives

Chicago Public Schools issued a last-minute press release tonight striking Prescott Elementary from the list of schools that the Board of Education will vote tomorrow whether or not to close.

In this ABC7 news report, 32nd ward alderman Scott Waguespack specifically calls out the Board of Education, Ron Huberman and Mayor Daley, insisting that schools like Prescott can thrive if given the right opportunity.

For the full CPS press release granting reprieve to both Prescott Elementary and Marconi Elementary School at 230 N. Kolmar, check out the ChicagoNow District 299 blog's most recent post.

What saved Prescott at the last minute? The ABC7 reporter says it is the community's plan to increase enrollment that spared the school, while an anonymous commenter on District 299 asserts it's the alderman who changed Huberman and Daley's minds.

What do you think, Lincoln Park?

(A special thanks to Joe Lake for sending this news tip to Lincoln Park Now)

A panicked pack of parents from West Lincoln Park are doing all they can to save Prescott Elementary School from the swinging CPS axe slated to shut down, turn around, phase out or consolidate several neighborhood schools this week.

At a Chicago Board of Education meeting on Wednesday, Feb. 24, officials will decide the fate of Prescott Elementary. Chicago Public Radio offers a comprehensive break-down of all of the targeted CPS schools and what they face in this week's vote.

The schools in question are being flagged for restructuring or elimination based on under-enrollment and low test scores, and if you take a look at Prescott's statistics, the neighborhood elementary school isn't doing so hot.

Still, a grassroots fundraising and marketing group called Prescott Parents has a different opinion, and they're voicing it loudly all over the internet in hopes of saving the school.

Grant an upscale, progressive, urban community like Lincoln Park three major hospital site re-developments in a few years and 60614 is one story on the beanstalk away from:  A New York Times cameo, reports galore, a Crain's play-by-play, Alderman moderated blogs, and what now? 

You've baited the site's new owner into calling you, Lincoln Park, that's right, you,  the "biggest classic case of not in my backyard as I've ever seen in my lifetime." Richard Zisook's deafening words to the Chicago News Cooperative for the New York Times are a serious allegation.  Battling the Mid-North Neighbors community association over their proposal, Richard Zisook and Michael Supera plan a five-building redevelopment of the former Lincoln Park Hospital into a mixed-use of senior-housing condominiums, a few single-family homes, commericial/retail, and an altered, already existing parking garage. 

Tribune photo by Tom Van Dyke. Lincoln Park Hospital, which closed in 2008, is now the hotbed of controversy as the Mid-North neighborhood assocation petitions against plans for its redevelopment into a senior housing, retail, and single family homes, led by developers Zisook and Supera.

Participate in the continuing carnage this Tuesday, January 12, at 6:30 p.m. in the auditorium of Lincoln Park High School.  Ald. Vi Daley will referee the latest stab at compromise between Zisook and Supera and the Mid-North neighbors over the modified plans for the site's use.   

Petitioning against the site drew over 400 signatures from residents who armed Michele Smith, 43rd ward Democratic Committeeman, with a hefty argument against tall buildings, traffic, excessive retail, and tarnishing the charm of their blocks.   

Championing a feasibility study last year on the community's guidelines for re-using the Children's Memorial Hospital space for mixed use earned Vi Daley her blogger black belt.  The use of community blogs to stage a podium for Lincoln Park citizen proposals and debate over this very issue not only left marvelous tracks for those of us who weren't there to watch in the beginning, but also sparks questions like,  "so what the heck is REALLY going on here?" 

While Americans passionately react to the Stupak amendment, 43rd Ward Ald. Vi Daley is being honored this month by Planned Parenthood of Illinois' at their  "Future of Choice" celebration to mark 37 years since the Supreme Court's ruling in Roe Vs. Wade.  

Ald. Daley sponsored the "bubble zone" legislation which passed in the City Council in October.   The ordinance restricts pro-life advocates from approaching women seeking services at reproductive health centers in Chicago.    The ordinance is designed to protect women's safety and privacy.  Daley referred to instances wherein women are often followed and photographed by pro-lifers.    

 

Controversy swirls around the ordinance, which, though modeling itself after like laws in other states, drew disapproval from the ACLU for infringement of free speech.   The Pro-Life Action League continues to document their protests against the Chicago law, and the Thomas More Society plans to file suit against the City Council. 

 

Tribune Photo, Antonio Perez, October, 2009. Pro-Life protesters voice backlash against Bubble Zone legislation after Vi Daley's sponsored bill passed in Chicago City Council, enforcing an ordinance against pro-life activists from approaching women seeking reproductive health services outside centers. An eight foot buffer is required between people, and a 50 foot buffer between centers and demonstrating groups.

   

Free speech may be the rallying cry of Pro-Lifers in opposition to the ordinance, but

one thing is made clear after a little digging.   On the issue of abortion in Lincoln Park,

 

 

MONEY TALKS.

Flickr user TheresaThompson doesn't want you to pick your nose, either.

If you've just turned 18, recently moved into Lincoln Park, or something just inspired you to become a voter (let me guess: living in Cook County in 2009?) - you're going to have to register.  

The last day to register for the February 2nd Primary Election is TODAY, at CITY HALL or until midnight at 69 W. Washington.  

Though nobody is up for City Council office, Lincoln Park, it's a statewide and countywide race this time around, oh, yeah, and U.S. Senator.   (Time to replace Roland Burris, at least!)  

So what's the deal anyway, you're thinking?  Are you? 

There are little bits of news to be found everywhere in Lincoln Park today!  Last-minute notice of how to donate bone marrow to a national hero, nail polish, and that proposal from the Chicago Park District 2010 budget to raise program prices in Lincoln Park more than in other Chicago neighborhoods... and more: we've got your latest here on Lincoln Park Now. 

                       Photo: Jenn Kloc            

 

Executive Director of the Better Government Association Andy Shaw opened the candidate's forum yesterday at DePaul with the suggestion that the Cook County Board President's race will be the "most important race on the ballot."

And Todd Stroger never showed.

Beside the empty seat marked for the incumbent Cook County President, 4th ward Alderman Toni Preckwinkle, President of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District Terry O'Brien, and Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County Dorothy Brown responded to Shaw's questions, some of his own and several audience submissions. 

The 43rd Ward Democrats committeeman Michele Smith was elated by the opportunity to co-sponsor a debate so critical, and to call it a  "Lincoln Park-centric" event.

We halt this search for the best place too see glistening pints overflow on Lincoln Avenue this weekend to give you the in on something we find positively fabulous, and not at all nerdy. 

So, Lincoln Parkers, may we subtly suggest the possibility of spending your last 50 degree weather Sunday of 2009 steered toward DePaul University's Student Center (Belden at Sheffield) at 1 p.m. this Sunday, November 15?

The Better Government Association (BGA) and your own 43rd Ward Democrats have organized what promises to be a proper meeting of the minds amongst those vying for the democrat nomination for the President of the Cook County Board of Commissioners seat in the 2010 primary on February 2. 

In case you haven't heard, the Lincoln Park Chamber of Commerce has spoken out against
President Stroger's veto power....