Everybody.
Good afternoon. Now it's one minute after 12.
We're gonna get started. We're gonna start off
with public comment today.
Um,
yeah.
All right. Yeah. All right.
Uh, we did, uh, we're gonna start with public comment.
We did receive one written comment from our good friend,
John Paul, uh, Jones, uh,
from Greater, uh, Englewood.
Uh, if you're listening, John, thanks as always
for, uh, for weighing in.
Um, so leading off, uh, public comment today will be,
uh, Nicole Foster.
I'm not gonna say your address, Nicole.
We just need your name, and
Nicole will be followed by, uh, Mark Weber.
Good morning, chairman Bodo.
My name is Nicole Foster,
and I represent the Restore Gompers Park Coalition,
Mayfair Residents in the 39th Ward.
We support Ms. Sharon Bush's appointment as Commissioner
of the Chicago Parks District Board.
As Commissioner, we believe she will champion the Parks
District's mission to give people of all ages, identities,
and abilities, access to quality, recreation,
wellness opportunities, and sustainable green
spaces in every neighborhood.
In order to deliver on this mission,
Gompers Park would need the Chicago Parks District Board
to increase their efforts to ensure Gompers Park is a safe
place to play and congregate.
Over the past two years, the use of Gomer Park has decreased
by residents, families, and children due to safety concerns.
Our coalition's safety concerns are twofold.
We are concerned about the safety of the unhoused.
Living ENC tent encampments in Gompers Park, then tents
as winter is approaching in unsanitary conditions.
No potable water. Restrooms means to wash clothes,
prepare food, or stay warm.
It has been an ongoing public health crisis
for the past two years.
We continue to ask Mayor Johnson
for an accelerated moving event
to get the unhoused placed into affordable
housing before winter.
With wraparound services, much like the ames
that were recently given to Humboldt Park,
we are equally concerned about the safety of children,
families, and residents who used to freak with in the park.
9 1 1 calls in this area are up 20% over
the same period last year.
Constituents do not feel safe using the park,
and the Park District programming is
being negatively impacted.
There is widespread public drug use in the park.
There have been threats of violence, battery acts
of prostitution, open alcohol consumption occurs
during all hours of the day.
Human feces use sanitary pads, bathing
and clothes washing in the lagoon and the wetlands.
During monthly parks.
Cleanups use drug needles and knives have been found.
Earlier This month, a tent went up in flames next
to the Salvation Army,
which the Chicago Fire Department had to extinguish.
Thankfully, no one was hurt.
Neighbors are asking why people are being allowed
to light fires, consume alcohol,
erect tents without permits, and remain in the park
after 11:00 PM when Park District Policy clearly
prohibits these activities.
These ordinances used to be enforced
so everyone could access the park.
We call upon Chicago Parks District
and Ms. Sharon Bush, if appointed to deliver for all
of Chicago's citizens a safe place to play
and congregate, including Goers Park.
Thank you. Next up, Mark Weber, followed by,
I believe it's Brooke Smith.
Berk Smith. Okay.
Hello, my name's Mark Weber.
Um, I'm president of, uh, friends of Winsley Parkway.
Winsley gets its name from the Bordering Streets,
Winnemac and Ainsley.
It's along the, the, uh, railroad embankment, um, uh,
the Metro Railroad embankment between Winnemac and Ainsley.
Uh, it's two blocks long right now,
and we've been in existence for 25 years.
Well, the, the park has been there for 25 years.
Um, recently we formed a 5 0 1 C3 nonprofit in order to, um,
uh, raise money and to, uh, begin an expansion project.
This has been so successful.
Um, we would like to expand it
to go from Ainsley down to Lawrence.
That would be three times as big as what we have now.
Um, we're being helped by, um, Josh Mark
and Matt Martin at the 47th Ward, as well as Neighbor Space,
who has basically brought us here today.
Be Before we met Ben, we didn't really know what
to do to get this done.
So, um, it's,
I can just say it's been a very successful green space,
and we would just like to make it a little bigger,
because right now, the railroad embankment is, um,
not looking really very good.
It's, it's a mess. It's, um, there's, uh, a lot of, uh,
debris, a lot of trash, and, and,
and actually homeless people as well.
One, one homeless person, actually in that space, uh,
he has chosen to leave
because he knew we wanted to put this park in,
and we don't know where he is right now.
But anyway, we're asking you for these funds
because I think it's something the neighborhood
could really benefit from.
We, and seems like we have a lot of support.
So, um, unless I'm forgetting something
that, that should do it.
Thank you. Thank
You.
Next up Berk Smith, followed by Jessica Jackson.
Good morning. My name is Berk Smith.
I'm a city of Chicago, uh, resident.
I'm a native of Chicago. I'm a retired fireman.
I actually work for the city of Chicago in the capacity
of a, as a master labor of trades.
I built the Chicago Police Marine Unit.
I'm a Desert Storm veteran.
I'm a, I'm a resident, uh, next to 63rd Street Beach,
I believe now after the, uh, re uh, re re re mapped it,
that's the Seven Ward, uh, 63rd Street.
Bungo Beach has been a beach that's been, uh, known
to be in the black community for over 60 years.
I happened to be the artist who painted the drum circle
at 63rd Street Beach.
I am a, I'm a activist against police
brutality and child abuse.
Uh, the, there's been a immense budget that has been, uh,
correlated for police to become the security
for a conglomerate named Reggie's.
Reggie's, uh, is allowed to be there
and disenfranchise the, the natives
and the citizens of Bungo Beach.
They don't have police there to police.
The, the, the, the traffic.
When there's blocking off the parking lot,
they're always blocking off the parking lot,
even though the capacity hasn't been met.
Also, they are sure of force against the natives of America,
and they allow the Venezuelans
and other foreign people to come over there
and have sanctuary where we don't have
sanctuary in our own state.
It's violent and it's dangerous.
The Venezuelans show up in groves of 50
unruly on motorcycles.
The, the Hispanics come there and burn their rubber
and act like they're wild cowboys on
motorcycles and things like that.
And we're not being protected.
The police stand by blind eye
and watch that I have personally been a black
activist there for black people.
I have witnessed overtime for plain clothes
and uniform members to come there
and intimidate black people so
that other people can come there
and enjoy the beach, a assure force.
Okay? And it's not right.
How are they approving all of these undercover
and plain clothes policemen?
But they're not giving us benches.
They're not giving us barbecue grills.
The waterways eroded, all the masonry,
all the brick structures are eroded.
They, they take out fire, pins, pits, and, and benches.
Well, we don't even have a place to sit down in, in a place
of, uh, serenity.
So it's not serenity.
What it is, is a melting pot for something bad to happen.
Those other people who are allowed to come to my state
and get sanction sanctity are allowed to do that.
And I'm not allowed to have sanctity as a black man.
I'm offended as a citizen. I'm offended.
What you guys are doing is in cor, a war from people
who passed a lot of borders to get
to United States of America and disrespect people like me.
It's not gonna happen. Now. You guys are responsible for it.
I say no to the new commissioner.
I think the IG and everybody needs to take
that over anytime.
They are approving this immense budget for the police
to be security for a private vendor
and disenfranchised Americans is un-American.
I'm p****d off about it,
and it's going to be a pissy situation.
Thank you.
Thank, thank, thank you for your comments.
Jessica Jackson, followed by Wan Sims.
Well, you know, people are saying what they see, you know,
and the Democratic Party can act like it's not happening,
but the people are telling you that it is.
So, this is supposed to be special events and recreation.
And people are telling you right now
that we not having recreational time in our communities,
our communities are being taken over by situations
that are just unheard of
and disrespectful to us as a people.
So my advice to people right now, in the next, what, 10,
11 days until election, use your recreational time
to sit back, take an opportunity to actually turn on
the, a real hearing on Capitol Hill.
Don't look at this local stuff.
Look at Capitol Hill and look at how the Democrats are
and look at how the Republicans are
and look at the conversation
that's going on on Capitol Hill right now about America.
And be able to vote intelligently, not outta habit,
but to address the things
that we are complaining about right now, right now,
that the Democratic Party has ignored over and over again.
Miss, you said that you saw the change in Gum Park
occur in 2022, two years ago.
Ask yourself, who was in office that at that time
and remains in office at that time
that has made your community be the way that it is to you.
The answer to that is the Harris Biden administration.
Do you want some more of that?
That's your question to ask yourself, brother.
You just said what you said. Ask ourselves.
Do we want some more of that?
Or do we wanna live the way our tax dollars
are supposed to make us live?
Do we want to live the way our liberties are supposed
to have us to live?
And we are not going to let a bunch of people with an agenda
that has absolutely nothing to do with our progress
as a community, as citizens,
or as a country, put some stupid guilt trip on us to try
to make this about something that is not.
We are intelligent people.
We are intelligent country,
and we are not going to be dummied down by the tactics
of the Democratic party that's going to have us somewhere
that we can't get out of.
A lot of us don't have nowhere else to go.
We are not like these immigrants that if they don't like it,
they gonna go back to their country.
In fact, the money that they're making right now,
they sending it over there
to build up they self over there while
we ain't got nowhere to go.
But over here. So I'm gonna say it one more time.
Trump 2024, make America great again. What is great?
Us being able to pay our bills. That was great.
Trump 2024, think intelligently about who you going to, uh,
vote for this election season.
Think about being American 'cause that's what's happening.
Not all this other stuff.
Thank you very much for your comments.
Last speaker is Taiwan Sims, Sergeant at Arms.
Did we miss anybody over there? Anybody else? One more.
Okay. Can you get that, Dan? Okay.
Alright. So for the budget, well, the budget
where it stands now is a billion dollars in debt counting.
That's plus, however, in, um, a statement
that the mayor made, he said
that there wouldn't be any service or what service cuts
or what city taxes or property taxes,
but we find that there has been,
and it still will be in taxed,
and everybody keep coming in this room speaking about
viral or speaking about this group of people.
But we don't get to solve the problems.
And we didn't start the problem or the issue.
But I feel like the thing is by us being able to come in
and say to the people, you know what?
We hate the treatment that we receiving.
For one, y'all said no service cuts.
However, there's a black festival
that's held the Wild Literary Festival that's held
by Burst in the books, no funding.
This year. Gary Comer had 11 people cut outta
their after school programs.
No service cuts though,
and all of these things happening in the black community.
But y'all gonna pay no attention.
Hey, go ahead, have your conversations. Go ahead.
But it's still a reality here in Chicago.
And the reality of it is y'all caused it,
but y'all will not have any standing next year.
I'm sure of it. They already did the grading
while y'all ignoring us.
Y'all report cards are out. Y'all failed. A failed Effort.
This new arrival initiative, a failed effort
to eradicate black Americans outta the city of Chicago,
a failed effort to disrespect us as much
as y'all could in this room.
Hey, thank y'all. Y'all gave us the content,
which I also gave us a raft.
Enough so that we've been able to point to others
and say, Hey, man, we can't, we, we out
that we out there sinking ship that democratic ship
that has abandoned all black Americans here in Chicago,
and I believe all over the country.
We sleep on buses and trains.
We sleep in corners.
We have nothing how, and y'all can disrespect us.
Our kids come in here, y'all parade us around
like it's an auctioneer type thing.
But ain't nothing special about what we going through.
But I especially love what's going on in the,
um, on the internet.
I especially love seeing those feeds.
I especially love to see how the American people responded
to how the, how y'all treating us.
I love that. That's special. It's especially great.
It's especially wonderful since you want, y'all want
to ignore us and take us for not,
we was a joke one week, but it's gonna be funny.
But I won't laugh at none of y'all.
I'm gonna learn from y'all on how to be human, human
from the inhumane treatment I have received.
Y'all know that. Um,
Thank you for your comments.
That that concludes our public comment.
Um, so let's start off. We'll get ready to started.
First, I wanna apologize for a Friday meeting, folks.
I, I, I have to play with the hand I was dealt,
especially this Friday.
I know we're all very busy today, so, um,
I apologize for a Friday meeting.
I promise to try
to make sure we never have a Friday meeting again.
So, good afternoon, everybody.
Today's Friday, October 25th, 2020 fourth, uh, this meeting
of the Committee on special events, cultural Affairs
and Recreation, as I call it.
The Happy Committee is now called to order.
We'll start off with a roll call. Uh, chairman SDO is here.
I see Vice Chair, uh, Scott is here. Derman Hopkins.
I saw him. He's here.
Paul, I do not see Derman Hall, Allman Curtis here.
All man. osha. I didn't see him. Derman Mosley. Here.
Allman Rodriguez. Here. All the women. Cruz here.
Derman Conway here. Other Waba here saw him.
Father Women Nugent. Here. Allman Lawson here.
And Erman Silverstein not here. Okay.
The role is tallied. How many do we Me?
We have 10, 11 members. 11 members.
11 members and two non-members. Three. Three non-members.
Okay. We also have some committee members who are crested
to participate through Rule 59,
and we'll do a roll call for them.
Alderman Robinson.
We don't see him.
Alderman Napolitano, present Alderman Gardner.
Okay. All right.
Of the three, we only have Alderman Napolitano here. Okay.
Can I get a motion to approve the remote participation
of these members motion by other women crews
to approve the remote participation of Alderman Napolitano?
All in favor signify by aye. Aye. All opposed, say nay.
Any opinion of the chair? The ayes have it.
Uh, the, the one member is approved. Uh, public comment.
We took care of that already.
Um, items Florida Committee, we have, uh,
six items on the agenda today, folks.
So, couple of really good things, especially
for Alderman LaSpada.
He's the big winner today. So, um, all the happy stuff.
Uh, first, first on the agenda is the approval of the
September, 2024 monthly Rule 45 report.
All members of the committee should have received a copy
of this report electronically.
Uh, I don't believe there's any questions,
but does, does anybody have any questions?
No questions. Can I get a motion for passage?
Does somebody have a question? No. Okay. Alright. Okay.
Allman Conway Sole moved by Alderman Conway.
All in favor signify. Aye. Aye. All opposed, say nay.
Any opinion that chair the ayes have? Okay.
Second item on the agenda is the, is an appointment
of Sharon Bush as Commissioner of Chicago Park District.
Uh, Sharon and me had a little chat yesterday.
She's here to introduce herself.
Uh, a little thing about Sharon
and me have in common, uh, we went to grammar schools
that were a, a mile apart from each other back in the day.
I, I think I'm probably quite a bit older than her,
but, uh, she went to a school that was a,
a mile away from the grammar school that I attended.
So, um,
almond Robinson is here.
Almond Robinson is here. Sorry, we didn't see him. Okay.
Alderman Robinson is here, so
we're gonna add him to the quorum.
All right. Uh, I guess we'll start off with, uh,
you wanna tell us a bit, little bit about
yourself, uh, Ms. Bush?
Sure. Thanks. Um, I have, uh, some prepared remarks.
Uh, just first of all, good afternoon to you all, PIDO
and other members of the special events committee.
My name is Sharon Bush, and I'm really deeply grateful
to be here today and for your consideration
of my appointment to the Chicago Park District Board.
Like all of you, I love this city,
and I look forward to the opportunity
to serve in this capacity.
I believe the park system is one of our greatest assets,
offering a range of benefits to residents.
Just a little bit about me personally.
Um, I'm the second oldest of five kids, and I was born
and raised in West Garfield Park.
So my parents later moved to the east side of the park, um,
during my college years, and they remained there today.
Um, for me, Garfield Park was a safe haven
and an anchor of activity for my entire family.
It was one of the few places that my mother allowed us
to go unsupervised as young children.
Um, so we played in the park with our friends.
My three brothers played basketball with my dad
and my dad and his friends.
Uh, my youngest brother
and sister learned to play tennis in the park.
They later played in park district tournaments.
My mother worked for decades at Leif Erickson School, which,
um, directly faces the park,
and she worked there for many years
and enjoyed the park with the kids there.
Um, the Garfield Park Conservatory, um,
is and remains one
of my favorite places in the city. And for me,
Alderman Sdo, alderman Gardner is on,
but he's having problems with his audio.
Okay. Well, Greg, we're we're,
we're in the meeting right now, but we'll get back to him.
So tell 'em to keep working on it.
Okay. Thank you. That's okay.
I just wanted say the conservatory is really,
uh, should I go on?
Yeah. Um, remains one
of my favorite places in the, in the city.
So, growing up, it was really a place of wonder for me,
and it was a place where I first learned
to, uh, love nature.
It's also one of the ways I've introduced my children,
my three daughters to nature.
And really, for me, it's been really amazing
to see the evolution of this gym as a place that's enjoyed
by both neighborhood residents
and tourists from around the world.
Um, also, as an adult, the parks continue to serve
as a means for maintaining my mental and physical health,
and in a way to enjoy the rich cultural diversity
of the city through a broad range of special events.
Um, I've enjoyed events in Humboldt Park, Douglas Park,
Columbus Park, uh, Washington Park,
the South Shore Cultural Center,
and other places professionally.
I spent years, um, on workforce development.
So I understand how important youth employment is
to families and to the safety and security of the city.
Summer jobs and employment opportunities are
among the many ways that the Park District can positively
impact families, um,
and the city in the immediate and over the long term.
I've also spent time and learned from many who advocate
for open space and who tell all of the social, economic,
and health benefits that I just described.
I hope that I can bring the combination of my professional
and lived experience and my love for the city, um,
to the Chicago Park District Board.
It's an honor to be considered and to serve residents,
and to ensure that they continue to have experiences that I
and my family have had over generations.
And I just thank you again for, um, your consideration
and look forward to working together.
Thank you, Ms. Bush. Thanks for stepping up
for this important job.
With that excuse, excuse me. Excuse, excuse me, folks.
Excuse me. Okay. Questions for Ms. Bush.
All the women. Nugent, sit down, sir. Thank you.
Thank, thank you, chairman. Um, welcome Ms. Bush.
Thank you for chatting with me earlier this week.
Um, you clearly are very committed to the,
the parks in the city, and we both really, um, have a love
for Garfield Park Conservatory.
I I just wanna mention something
that I brought up on our call,
and clearly, um,
my community was here today speaking about Gomer Park.
I know that you are being sworn in, um,
or you are being, this is your
appointment process right now.
But I just need to, to mention that the enforcement
of park rules is really important right now,
and we have to find balance.
But I am really hoping that you'll be able to work with us,
uh, in your capacity
with the Park District on enforcing rules at the park.
We're really struggling in my community,
and I just, I just wanted to at least pose that to you and,
and see if you had any thoughts on that.
Thank you. Next up while I'm in Rodriguez.
Oh, Mr. Chairman, I was gonna see
if she had any thoughts on that.
Oh, okay. I'm sorry. You asked a question.
I thought you were commenting my, my bad, my bad.
I, I appreciate you sharing the concerns.
You and I talked about that, um,
when we spoke a couple of days ago.
Um, I just look forward to working together.
I look forward to learning and listening
and, um, right now, like that's, you know, I,
that's the best I can offer.
Um, I'm learning
and, uh, I've been a long time resident of the city,
so it's, um, I look forward to hearing more about like,
what's happening, what people are concerned about,
and figuring out the best ways to work together.
Thank you. I, um,
Folks, folks, hold on.
Sergeant in arms. Folks, this isn't an interactive meeting.
This is a public meeting.
You're here to watch you add your public comment time.
Please, please behave. Thank you.
If you, if you act up again, we're gonna have
to ask the sergeant Arms to take you outta here.
Thank, thank you. I would just,
perhaps once you're in your role, if you could come, uh,
to the ward or, or with your, your board members.
I think it's really critical, um, that we,
moving forward parks, the administration,
we work together a little bit more
and enforcing the rules of the park, uh, to ensure
that the park can be usable by, uh,
also by the community too. So, thank you.
Thank you. Thank you. Thank
You. Allman Rodriguez,
followed by Erman Lawson.
Okay. Thank you so much, chair.
Um, Ms. Bush, I just wanted to say I'm very impressed
with your record, uh, and your resume.
Thank you very much for reaching out.
Um, particularly as it relates to, you know,
the foundation world.
I'm very, very, um, you know, excited about the work
that Grand Victoria and Lloyd have done,
the Thrive Foundation have done, uh,
particularly in the communities that that, that I work in.
And I know you've had some of, uh,
those investments under you.
So I wanted to thank you for that work.
Um, I am a, I'm the chair of workforce development in here,
city Council, former SAU local 73 member out
of the park district to the workforce.
And supporting the workforce is very important to me.
And I'm just wondering if you'd bring, um, some
of your thoughts to that matter here, um, to the discussion,
particularly as it relates to labor relations
and, um, um, our staff in, in, in the park district.
You know, I, I'm a, I'm a strong advocate
for workforce development policy.
I've spent a lot of time like working on that
and over many years.
Um, prior to my time at the Fry Foundation, um,
as you could probably see on my cv, um,
I, I'm, I'm looking forward to learning.
So I don't, I haven't, I've gotten a chance
to talk to some of you guys.
I, I'm got, I'm getting a chance to hear
what the concerns are.
Generally I'm getting to know, um, and meet
and greet the staff at the district
and look forward to working with them
and hearing more about the issues.
Um, and so I would like to have an opportunity
to learn more deeply so that I can address that,
or in the board, like in a way that is, um,
that honors the question.
Yeah, it's a strong board
and I, uh, look forward to supporting you getting on there.
It'll be tough. There's a lot of, uh, important issues
that our city needs, um, to face.
Um, but I think you're up for the challenge.
So thank you for stepping up. Thank you for
Your, thanks you for sharing your
concerns. Thanks a lot. Thank you.
Well, man, laws end followed by Alderman Curtis.
Great. Uh, thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you, Ms. Bush.
I appreciate you reaching out. I'm sorry we didn't connect.
I think you have a, a great resume here.
Um, every good board needs a good fundraiser.
And with your experience in the grant making
and nonprofit world, I hope we'll be able to lean into that.
To look for new revenues, new new opportunities and,
and new programs in the park.
Um, I think you've heard that most of us, uh, are, are, um,
deeply invested in our parks,
and a lot of our parks are, are very well used and,
and that very, very important
no matter what neighborhood you're in.
Um, and you're gonna find that everywhere
and that there's different needs in Lincoln Park than there
are in Gompers or Garfield.
Um, but they all have them. Um, certainly.
Um, I wanted to, I saw that sort of, uh,
at the end here, you're a member
of the Illinois Board of Higher Education.
Um, curious about that, uh, that role, that commitment,
and is there a term that over that overlaps,
obviously with the park term?
Uh, I just got appointed to the board Mm.
Um, about a year ago. Okay.
Um, so I, it might, it'll overlap probably for most
of the time, so I'm not filling someone else's appointment.
So I think I'm starting a term from new as part of the, um,
state board, uh, higher ed board.
Um, and then what was the,
what was the remainder of your question? Sorry.
Um, just, uh, the first part was, you know, if, if
with your experience in, um, nonprofit grant making, if,
if there's a, uh, any, anything we can learn
or bring, bring to the park district
to help us find new revenues, resources, um, opportunities.
I, I think there's always an opportunity to partner.
Um, I will say a lot of the time, in my experience,
I've spent a lot of time trying to figure out how
to fundraise for other issues, um, related to things
that I've been working on over my time in philanthropy, um,
that involves working with government.
Like I've done that over many years
and in different situations.
So I think anything's possible.
Um, as long as there's a vehicle
and the will to do it, like,
I think there's a way to figure it out. So.
Excellent. Thank you. Chair. Welcome.
Thank you. Allman. Derman Curtis followed
by Alderman Waga Bank.
Thank, uh, chairman.
I know, um, Derman Scott actually had a hand up
before me. I Oh,
Really? I'm
sorry. We missed you.
Like I'm
Ms. Scott. We'll get her, we'll get
her after you. No.
All right. Thanks. Um, uh, good morning.
Um, Ms. Bush, uh, I'm also original West Side.
I grew up at, um, Madison Sacramento.
So Garfield Park was my park.
Also, uh, Garfield Park, huge lot of space,
lot of indoor space, a ton of outdoor space.
Uh, coming to the south side, uh, there's,
we, we, I have a lot of parks in my ward
that has a lot of outdoor space.
We have tiny indoor spaces when, uh,
we have summer programs.
There's not enough indoor space, uh,
for enough summer kids to actually
come to the parks,
and we have to send them away to other parks.
And, and I'm trying my best to, to remedy that
You have any suggestions to keep
our neighborhood kids in those parks,
in those particular programs.
And this is the first I'm hearing in the issue.
So I thank you for sharing that.
And like I said, I, I look forward to figuring out how
to address these issues
and learn more about them with you together.
No, they, they're the old tiny buildings, but,
but the park is humongous.
Yeah. There's a lot of space there.
So there's the golden dome.
I mean, I, I know the park very well, so, um, I look forward
to working with you on those in the future.
Absolutely. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
Allman wa is back
Chairman. Uh,
thank you for being here today.
I apologize for not getting, uh, uh,
into a conversation with you ahead of time.
Um, just had three questions.
Um, you know, number one, uh, some
of the issues have been brought up, you know, some of
what we see, um, is related to funding issues.
So most recently we've had suggestions
by some organizations in the city to dissolve all TIFs.
And if we dissolved all TIFs, um,
how would you replace the tens of millions that the council
or the city gives to parks each over, over, like, um,
say a five, 10 year period?
I, I think that that would be a place
where I would wanna hear from both of the sides of whether
to do that or not.
I don't have a position on whether
or not to dissolve TIFs or not.
So, um, that's just a place where I'm open
to learning and figuring out.
But that there, I don't have a position on that.
Okay. Um, another issue is,
it's a little bit related to that.
Sometimes we deal with, uh, parks where we've,
and this one you'll probably hear when you're on the board,
um, dogs off leash and parks.
Um, two of the things that happen there, one is
you have a lot of damage to the parks, which leads
to request to repair a lot of turf
or grass areas, um, via
funding from either the menu or in some cases tiff.
Um, so if you, if you were looking at that, um, this kind
of goes to the same thing of trying to find money
to repair parks, but the other issue is the number
of attacks reported by families on children, um, related
to dogs off leash and parks.
How, how would you deal with an
issue like that on the board,
The families?
Well, just in general, if you, if you're on the board
and you're hearing reports about dogs off leash being a,
a consistent problem in our city parks,
how would you deal with that as a commissioner?
I mean, that, that's an understanding of like,
what the code is, like, whether there's enforcement,
make sure that there's proper enforcement of code
and um, and proper safety.
Okay. Yeah. And that proper enforcement goes down to
how many officers are patrolling the parks,
which is virtually none.
I mean, we do have staff out there,
but that kind of leads down another path.
I think you're gonna run into that.
Um, our police officers
and the regular CPD don't always have time
to patrol the parks.
There are park officers,
but they're spread very thin throughout the city.
Um, I think that's an issue you're gonna have
to be very concerned about when you get on.
Um, and then finally, um, an issue that came up a,
a few years ago that it has, uh, kind of long tails
to it, unfortunately.
And what we just saw with CPS, um, is this overall issue
of, um, protecting our families
and our, especially our young children in our parks
and our schools from, uh, abuse,
harassment, and bullying.
Um, and particular with the abuse we've seen, uh,
uh, sexual abuse of both lifeguards
and children in our parks, in our cities, uh, schools.
And I would like to know, based on your experience, um,
right now, how would you address that issue,
uh, as a commissioner?
And what are your, uh,
feelings from your experience working in these
different agencies?
How would you address that issue and tackle it in this city?
It's my understanding that a lot has been done to,
to address that issue.
So I, I mean, the first is to acknowledge all of the work
that's been done before.
Um, it is my understanding that there's more work to do.
Um, I, you know, I'm looking forward to getting a chance
to get in and learn so that I can figure out ways
to address these things in much more detail.
Um, it is not acceptable to have that kind of, um,
uh, behavior activity, um, so
that, that is an intolerable thing.
And so I share your concern around, um, around the issue.
Okay. Alright. Thank you.
I hope that, um, as you, you know, get on that board,
that's an issue that you take, as you've said, you know,
learning, learning what you've, um,
what actions have already taken place.
When we look at our schools
and we look at our parks, our kids are using, you know,
they're using our school playgrounds, they're using
what they have, and they're going to the parks
after hours to essentially, you know, kind
of keep their life going.
Um, they have to be safe in both of those places.
And we haven't seen that, um, based on the, um,
you know, the legal actions
that have been taken most recently.
But I think it's something that behooves us, uh,
as elected officials, appointed officials,
whether on the parks or school board
or whatever it might be, to start tackling this issue
in a very serious way.
So thank you for your answer. Thanks
For raising Thanks, chair,
Vice Chair Scott, and our park district expert. So,
Yep. Hi,
how are you? I'm doing well.
Um, so I, I, I keep hearing that, you know,
it's a learning something you're gonna learn.
Just so you know, parks are very sensitive to,
I think everybody that's in here,
because that's the root of where our seniors
are, our children are.
And so it would be very beneficial to have a, a,
a strong suit of where you'll specialize, if it's gonna be,
you know, the park needs serious help with, uh, permits of
how they're permitting, because some
of their permits are gonna push park, go to the county
and go to the county because of how, uh,
permits are really high to have just a picnic in the park.
So some, those are some of the things,
some takeaways from today that I would like for you
and other board members to think about also, of how,
you know, we, there are 274 parks,
and as my colleague, uh, in the back stated that some
of our parks are very small
and how the city helps the parks,
because they're two separate governments
and how they help the parks are through tiffs.
That's the only way we can help parks are through Tiff.
But the park as well as the board who the park likes to
push, sorry, park, no disrespect,
but when it's, the park likes
to push towards the board when it's an issue,
and the board then push back over to the park,
but the park needs to figure out how,
and since I see that your, your resume is extensive
with nonprofits of how we can find more profit for parks
to revitalize, uh, many of our parks,
our parks have looked the same since the last 50.
I'm, I'm 52, and Douglas has looked the way it's looked at
for the last 52 years.
And it's deplorable to see some
of our kids use the restrooms, the pools,
and then have to go and change.
And the lower levels and the money
that we are getting from the state does not suffice enough.
And then we have to go and dig into our pockets
and give the tiff, uh, so that we can repair.
So, I mean, the board
and the park district really needs
to have serious meetings on how
collaboratively we can pool more money.
Because the, the, the programs that are offered in the park,
those are nominal fees.
Some are free. And so we know that the, the money
that the parks have for per, for, um,
like Lala and nascar, that's the money that brings, that
brings the park money
because that's how we are able to, uh,
subsidize all of those programs.
So that's very important to me.
I've, I've been talking about the, the permits for the park
for a long time and
how the sustainability of our parks look.
And, um, you gotta have a focus when you're coming into this
commissioner spot,
because I don't wanna, I, I come to some
of the board meetings and I fight for my community hard,
and I don't mind attacking
because I will fight for Douglas, I will fight for Holman,
I will fight for Franklin, I will fight for my parks,
and I will fight for my community.
And so, um, you get you, you know, in this spot,
you're gonna get tough, tough situations.
And I just hope that you support the communities that
will support you because it does come to that sometimes.
So have a open ear, open heart, and just listen and,
and just be supportive.
So all of those things. Thank you. I appreciate that.
Thank you. Vice Chair Scott, uh, Allman Conway, followed
by Allman Mosley.
Mr. Chairman, um, so I, I first wanna tell you,
I appreciate that you reached out to,
I believe members of the committee.
And I, I certainly appreciate reaching out to me
and I enjoyed our conversation.
Um, you know, downtown, we have very little park space
and, um,
despite the amount of density we have,
however, perhaps we have an ability to
bring private dollars to the parks
that other areas don't have, uh, noting
that you have extensive nonprofit experience.
And I would, and I would note I have had a heck of a time
terrible, no good time in terms of trying
to bring private dollars to the parks in my ward, uh,
in working with the Park District.
So based on, based on your experience, which, um,
which I appreciate, how do you think about, uh,
public-private partnerships
and how they can help help our parks broadly?
I mean, the, the dollars leverage each other.
I mean, I, that's, you know, that's been my experience,
um, over many years.
Um, I think, um, my experience also is
that if there's a willingness on both sides on the public
side and on the private side, like there's a way
to figure out how to leverage
and how those dollars work together with each other.
Um, I mean, I, I, you know,
I've had some experience doing that.
I believe in that. Like, um,
and that's, that's, you know, my, I, you know,
I keep having the same answer, which is, you know,
I look forward to learning and trying to figure out how
to understand like all of these different things
and, um, to, uh,
figure out the best way to like, make sure that like,
we have the right resources to address all
of these critical issues.
So I don't, I, that's the best I can answer.
No, no, no. And so I, I, uh, I,
and I will say I have tried
to engage the park district on both a developer building a
field house for free for a two acre park,
and was not able to get any engagement.
I also can never seem to get a clean screen
for our movie nights that 2000 people attend.
They always get a dirty screen. So one's a huge thing.
One's a small thing. I could get private dollars for either
of those immediately.
Um, however, I have not been able
to get engagement from the Chicago Park District on either
of those things, despite multiple attempts.
So I hope that as a board member, you will, uh, and,
and your expertise will bring a willingness to engage,
uh, philanthropically with people
who want to help the parks. Thank
You. Thank you. Thank you.
Erman. Alderman Mosley, followed by Erman Moore.
Thank you so much, Mr. Chair.
Uh, Ms. Bush, it's good to see you.
Nice to see you too. Uh, you know,
I've had the pleasure of colleagues.
I've had the pleasure of working with Ms. Bush, uh,
I think formally and informally.
So M**k a challenge, we both served on that board together.
Um, and I can tell you right off the bat,
she's not afraid of challenges.
Um, throughout that tenure, we had to
reorganize the organization, expand the organization,
and search for strong leadership.
And we were able to do that.
Um, and even before I got to know her, uh,
her work supported my work as a build in the First
Nation's first, um,
millennial Gun Violence Prevention Network across the
country through Center for American Progress.
So I, I want to say that she is not just up for the task,
but I'm inspired about how I've seen you, um,
support and advocate for black people, for women,
for youth, and not just support, uh, or not just advocate,
but actually create space to provide mentorship, uh, to,
to help others, uh, as we say, to lift as you climb.
And so, I, I can see nothing else, uh,
but happening, um, in this new endeavor that you're taking
and this opportunity that you're given to serve back
to the city of Chicago, um,
and ask that you bring that same spirit from mikvah,
that same dedication, that same prioritization,
particularly for our youth.
We know that as they are given, uh, the space to be, um,
that we are always amazed is what they create.
And thankful that we have you in this role
to be a partner in that creation.
So, thank you so much. And thank you, Mr. Chair.
Thank you. Erman Wo Cruz, followed by Erman Moore.
Thank you Chairman. Um, hello Mrs. Bush. Um,
Thank you for your grace.
I appreciate it. You're
Welcome. Um, I, I'm
just, you know,
I wanna get a little more feedback from you.
I know we, we didn't have the opportunity to speak, um,
yesterday, but what I'm hearing is, you know,
your willingness to learn, your willingness to hear,
participate, but, um, I, I need
to hear a little more on your plans.
I mean, if you, you wanna be part of the board, there is,
there's a reason why, like,
you have an extended experience is impressive,
but I'm, I'm just not, you know, getting much.
Um, from the answers that you're giving today, um,
what are some, based on what you know about the park,
based on what you have your experience, what are some
of the things that you would like to see?
What are some of the things that you're gonna bring
change, continue?
What are some of those plans?
So the things that I can bring, like in terms of
what I like, what my background is,
there's a high priority on youth employment.
And to think about like how to use the district,
the park district to do that.
Um, so in terms of like what it means to like, specialize in
what it is that I could bring, like that is that expertise
or that thought, um, is, is one of the things that, um,
I look forward to working on, um, as part of the board.
Uh, the issue around like what it looks like to make sure
that all of the parks and that there is a, a,
an equitable way that people, um, can experience the park.
Um, make sure that the parks are, um, that they all, uh,
have a look and feel like, um, you know, that is,
uh, the same, right?
Um, that's another issue that is a high priority.
And that, that's another place in terms
of just thinking about, um, understanding,
using the, using in the data to make sure that,
that we can take an equitable approach to what
that looks like, another priority.
So, I mean, those are two things, um, that, uh,
my experience can bring.
Um, I've heard a bunch of other issues, right?
Where it is about like how it is that we can think about
bringing other funds, um,
and other resources to the park district.
Uh, I do have experience in doing that,
and I look forward to learning more from the other board
members and from the staff to understand like, what
that looks like, what it is that they need, um, in order
to bring my expertise to bear like very directly on that.
So those are several things
that I can offer you today in terms of
what my experience is, what my understanding
of priorities are,
and how I might think about those just at a high level.
So I appreciate your question.
Have you had the opportunity to connect
with the board members, or I, I know you say you,
you know, you wanna talk.
I'm like, have you had the opportunity to connect?
So I've talked with at least one, two other board members.
Um, the two issues that I've brought up just now in terms
of like what the, the conditions are of the park
and the, um, the employment workforce issues are two things
that I've, um, been, uh, talked to about.
So those are the two things that I know, um,
from other board members.
I've had a chance to meet other staff, um,
of the Park district.
And so, um, and then I've had a chance,
or at least as best chance I could to talk to each
of the members here to hear other concerns.
Thank you. Thank you all and more.
Thank you, chairman. I appreciate it so much.
Um, thank you for, um, being here.
Um, and thank you, um, see yourself
as being an honest person, right?
They can't hear you.
Yes. Okay. It's not,
it's not a trick question. I'm getting nervous.
Just thank you. Ask
A question. Nothing is tricky
here.
You see yourself as being an honest person, right?
Yeah. I'm not a I, I am honest. Okay.
Apart, at least I think I am.
And so, and so you ever heard of Inglewood?
Yes. What do you think of Inglewood
when you hear Inglewood?
That's a community where my family has resided.
My sister lived there for many years with her family.
It's a place where many people have been there
and call it their home.
And they're proud to be there.
That's what I think about it when I hear that.
Okay. You know about Ogden Park in Inglewood? Mm-Hmm.
Have you ever seen Ogden Park in Englewood?
It's blocks from where my sister lived.
Okay. How does Ogden Park look to you?
You know, from what I know, what I've seen
people use the park.
I've seen walkers out there, I've seen runners out there.
Um, it's a place where people can use the park.
Um, that's what I, that is what I'm gonna say.
So it's a place where people can go.
People do, do use the park.
I've seen people out there enjoying the park
and getting exercise
and, um, um, using the park.
I'm not from Inglewood. I'm not in a resident of Inglewood.
Um, so I know like there are many issues
that the community faces.
I don't have a direct knowledge of them,
but I, I I am not oblivious to
what challenges exist in the community.
Absolutely. 'cause I believe that you're honest
and you're saying that in all honesty.
And so you've seen the people running and, and, and playing.
Um, that means you've seen the field house, correct?
On the outside. I, I, well, I've been in there once, like
during the jazz fest, I think.
Yeah. You've seen the outside of the field
House and Yeah. Both. What
does the outside of the field house look to?
How does the outside of the field house look to you?
Yes. How does the outside
of the field house look to you?
Field? How does the field, How does the, how does
outside of the field house that you've been in once
or that you've seen, how does that field house look to you?
I mean, it looks, it looks like the field house
and it probably looks like many of the others that are part
of the, the Park district system as well.
No, they don't. So, so it looks like a prison bottom line,
no windows or anything like that.
It looks like a prison.
And so I'm a, I'm a, I'm gonna challenge you to go back over
to Inglewood and, and look at the field house
because the moment before you even begin
to play your mentality, um, it's messed with
because of the way it's looked.
Um, I'm saying this to say that Ogden Park Field House,
as Inglewood goes, so does this city,
whereas we talk about things that's going on in this city.
Um, one of the communities that they talk about is Inglewood
lagging behind in every single area.
And so if we are lagging behind in all of those areas,
we have to be making sure that we are intentional
about improving those areas,
whether it's public safety development,
which you are not responsible for, but only for the parks.
I'm gonna live that piece to you.
So I encourage you to go out there and look, to go out there
and see, because when you see it, you're gonna feel that,
which I'm feeling, and the reason why I have to stand up,
because I want to make sure you feel that.
So, uh, I want you to get out there
and see that that's number one.
Please jot that down. It's on six. Well, lemme
Just respond, respond to one thing.
So when I say that it might, that,
that it may look like other field houses in the park
district, Inglewood,
and probably many others maybe have the same field, so
that I'm not suggesting that like there are, that,
that there are not other places that are, that need
to have the same issues addressed as well.
So that is what I mean to say.
I'm not suggesting that like, it looks everything is great,
but to suggest that like there is an
understanding of there are
Issues. Equity,
I understanding within the
Systeming was just so different.
It looks like a prison. And anybody would
know that when they see that.
I appreciate that. So, um, so I'm done with that part.
I have a seat now in terms of, I want to get to what, um,
alderman Curtis was saying,
and that was, uh, people turning away, um, um, from parks.
And when we are in Inglewood, we have to turn away our kids.
That's because of not having enough space there.
That's why a new field house is important,
and I want you to get that in your system.
Not only just you, but when you're talking
to your other board members, they,
and they all, some of 'em already know that the, the, um,
park, CEO everybody know how important Ogden Park is.
But I need, when I say have somebody sitting on the board,
I'm always thinking corporate.
And when I think corporate, I think of board of directors.
When I think of board of directors,
I think they're doing what's best, um,
for their shareholders and they direct, um, making sure that
that CEO um,
and everybody below are doing what's best, um,
for the shareholders, which are our, our taxpayers.
And so, um, from that standpoint, I just wanna make sure
that we understand when we're turning the kids away from
Ogden Park, we are turning them sometimes into
elements of crime.
And that is why, that is why it's important
that we get a new Ogden Park Field house.
So let me get to my question.
And it's going with, um, towards what Alderman Cruz
and Alderman Lawson were, um, talking about.
As I'm looking at your, um, um, resume in terms of
being Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, um,
community economic advisory committee.
And you did speak
and said something about, um, you've been able to, um,
you know, work to bring money back and things like that.
If, can you give me an example
of a situation you've been in in terms of,
from a philanthropy standpoint
or dealing with businesses and organizations?
Um, have you worked to, have you worked, have you worked
to bring money back?
And what is the largest amount that you were able to get
for whatever project that you were working on?
I,
There, there was a, a time where we were, I worked
with a bunch of different, um, job training providers, um,
to apply for a federal grant.
And we brought $2 million back to the city, um,
into the workforce board in that regard.
So like, that's one example.
Um, I would say, um, there's also, um,
work that I've done in the workforce space
where I've brought together, I don't know,
probably a dozen other, um, local private philanthropy folks
to pull their resources together to do additional work
around job training
and workforce development, to, to compliment
or to, um, think about new ideas as it relates to the,
the workforce development training system.
So that's was additional money to supplement like
what the public dollars were already doing.
Um, I've been part of collaborations that were, um,
that brought together or at least try to figure out the best
and most efficient ways to, um, help, uh,
public housing residents, uh, figure out,
get the best opportunities
to become employed when the rules were changed,
when they had to like, um, they enforced a,
a new work requirement.
Um, so there are different examples of like,
when I've had an opportunity to lead
and to like, bring folks together
to leverage additional dollars,
either like directly within public systems
or to compliment like what happens within a public system.
And will you continue to
use those resources like the Federal Reserve?
Do you think you can, um, use your relationships to go
after some, um, um, funds from the, your relationships
with the Federal Reserve
or other businesses that you may have developed
relationships to help, um,
bring additional funding to the park district?
So, certainly, um, so I've done
that like throughout my career.
Um, places like the Federal Reserve are good for data
and information and analysis.
Mm-Hmm. Um, other people who are part of
that committee are people who can be approached, um,
or connected with in order to think about, um,
what partnerships or public-private
partnerships can look like.
Um, uh, you know, I have ties, um, and,
and, and a willingness
and ability to, um, leverage the network in other ways
that you might see on my CV as well.
So I, I mean that I'm not, um, afraid to do those things
or those are things that I have
experienced doing over the years.
Okay. I think I have one more
comment and one more question.
Sure. I think, and correct me if I'm wrong, just, um,
by listening to you, which I can appreciate, um,
because when people bring on board, come on a board,
we bring different diverse backgrounds
and, and things like that.
And so, um, I think yours,
and I think you've stated it's probably more towards, um,
youth and, and,
and making sure that we, um, increase, um,
jobs for our youth.
I know that's critical for the mayor's initiative
to really get youth to working
and that's part of his mission and that,
and that's one I appreciate.
So that may be your strength, but so
therefore, knowing that what I,
what I'm primarily gonna hold you
to is developing relationships with your other colleagues
to make sure that somebody is there
because why they may hold you.
'cause they'll probably hold you responsible, right?
For the youth piece,
I want you holding them responsible in conjunction
with whatever little you could do.
Somebody has to be there that got some muscle
that can bring in, um, money.
And so I want you talking to your board members
and having those conversations to see who has the muscle
that's making sure that we are bringing in, um, money from,
whether it's other, um, companies, corporations,
or, you know, philanthropies,
philanthropists, or anything like that.
So that part I'm, you know, I'm gonna ho more
or less hold you two to have those conversations with them
as, I think I'm gonna see your strength more in the, um,
workforce side.
And if I'm wrong about that, feel free to correct me.
And then, um, my, my final question is, have you ever heard
of the Trust for Public Land?
I've heard of them. I, I, but I can't say
that I don't know it well, but I heard, I, I know
Of them. Okay. Write
them down. Look 'em, see, see
what we can do with them.
And because I don't think anybody that I know of,
and if so, I at least haven't heard that's really working
to see how much from a, um,
um, physical structure standpoint.
I know they sometimes do programming,
everybody wanna do program, but we have to, which is good
'cause we need programming, but, um, how we get some money
for infrastructure.
And so if you can, can you reach out to someone at the, um,
at the Trust for Public land
and see how we can, you know,
um, get some more of those dollars.
I appreciate that's, and please follow
up with me at some point.
Maybe it's sometime in the new year, spring at the latest
and just say, Hey Alderman Moore, this is what I was able
to find out from that.
And I would greatly appreciate that
because you being a board member, um,
is a bigger bully pull pit than, you know, I even have
as an alderman from, you know, since you're
with the Park district, which you'll, since you'll be
with the park district on that board now.
Thank you. Alright. Thank you so much.
And I'll give you my card so you'll have my number. Thank
You. Thank you, alderman.
Did I miss anybody?
I don't believe I did.
I just think I know I'm getting, I'm getting to him.
That's for okay. We know he doesn't. Okay. All right.
All right. Thank you. Everybody just wanna add one thing?
Thanks Mrs. Bush. I Ms. Bush.
I don't, I'm not sure if you're a Mrs.
Or Miss, so feel like I should call you Sharon
'cause I think we have a friendship.
But just to let all you know, the Park district
has public meetings.
Anybody who wants to attend those meetings, you could check
with our friend Mike Merchant over there when the meeting
are, or when the schedule
is, you could reach out to anybody.
So I believe you rotate 'em,
believe they rotate the meetings in different neighborhoods.
So anybody has any questions looking for anything
for their communities, I would suggest either reach out
to the commissioner or you go to those public meetings.
With that, I think we covered everything.
Sharon, I'm gonna call you
Sharon 'cause I consider you a friend.
All right. We got a friendship already.
Can I get a motion to recommend passage of this? So moved.
Who said so moved? Mosley Curtis. All right. Okay.
All right. So moved by Alderman Mosley.
All in favor That signify by Aye. Aye. All opposed, say nay.
Chairman. Yeah, we're getting Chairman.
We, we, we are getting to you.
We are getting to, alright, thanks. Thanks, chairman. Okay.
Okay. All in favor? Aye. Nay.
And if you need chair, ayes happy.
Okay, we're going back to our roll call.
All Iman Robinson is here in person.
All Iman Garner present. Okay. Thank you.
All right. All right. I'm sorry people.
All right, we're getting to our third item, finally.
The happy stuff. Now we got to,
third item on the agenda is an Ordinance zero, I'm sorry.
Oh 2 0 2 4 dash 0 0 1 2 4 9 1.
Expenditure of open space impact feed funds
for improvement at LaSalle to elementary school Turf Field
1 1 4 8 North Rey.
Joining us today is our good friend,
MG Gustafson from the Department
of Planning and Development.
Thanks for being here.
As usual, Meg, I know you have a hopefully brief
presentation for us.
Thank you very much. Uh, for the record, Meg Gustafson,
department of Planning and Development.
Um, I have four items today.
All are open space impact fee expenditures,
which are must be approved by city council.
Um, they're collected by community area on, um,
new residential development
and must be spent on new, um, open space.
Um, they're collected by community area, like I said.
So Alderman, I'm happy to give you the balance
of the community area, which your ward is a part of.
Um, just reach out to me through the chair. Thank you.
Uh, first I have LaSalle two School Turf Field.
This is at, um, 1148 North Honoree in Alderman Laspas Ward.
Um, this is a new turf field.
The, um, co the total cost is $1 million.
The, um, funds from impact fees will be, um,
let's see, where's my $500,000 CPS is, um,
putting in 300.
Um, and then there's other funds from the LSC and the PTO.
This is the location of the site.
Um, we've been working with Alderman, LaSpada,
and CPS on this for a few years now.
Um, the estimate right now is nine 50 to $1 million.
Um, there may be a second phase coming, um,
but for right now, the, this expenditure is
for $500,000 in impact fees for the Westtown community area.
The field will be turf and have soccer goals.
And, um, baseball.
There will also be a cement, uh, uh, asphalt walking track.
And that's the end of my LaSalle two presentation.
Should I ask answer questions? Uh, well,
We'll see if anybody has any questions.
But I, I, I guess before we ask for questions, hopefully,
uh, I'm guessing all Lata is here
to make some brief comments about the project.
I don't, I can't believe anybody will opposed to this,
but maybe some of my colleagues
have some questions about it. Al Lata,
It'll be so brief.
Uh, I really appreciate the committee's consideration today.
I, I know, because I believe that she's listening in. Dr.
Albani, uh, we waited for things to be in writing
and really, really real.
And now things are really, really real.
I appreciate your leadership and accountability.
And Eric Monson, if this video gets to you.
I appreciate your leadership and the tireless fundraising
and advocacy from you and all of our parents at LaSalle two.
It's a beautiful project that you dreamed up years ago
and have played Our small part in making this a reality is
incredibly fulfilling.
So, thank you. And, and thank you Megan. Thank you, chair.
Thank you, Allman. Any committee members have any
questions or comments about this?
All right. Moving right along. Okay. Motion by Allman Waba.
Uh, direct R oh Rodriguez. I'm sorry. He moved on me. Okay.
I, I'm sorry. My head is,
Um, oh.
Oh, he didn't have, he didn't have a question.
He motion to prove it? Yes. Okay. I'm sorry.
Motion by Alderman Rodriguez.
All in favor signify by Aye. Aye.
All the opposed say no nay in the opinion.
The chair, the ayes have it. The due pass recommendation.
This ordinance will be reported out at the next City council
meeting on October 30th, 2020 fourth.
Uh, just to let everybody know, police
and fire meeting has started in 2 0 1 A.
So if anybody feels the need to run in there, feel free.
Uh, we did get, we did get, uh, alderman Robinson. Correct?
Correct. Okay, we got him. Okay.
The fourth item on the agenda is an ordinance
oh 2 0 2 4 dash
0 1 2 4 5 4 9 5.
Expenditure of open space impact fee funds to neighbor space
for development of win win Winsley Parkway,
community Garden on east side of Ravenswood Avenue
from Lawrence Avenue to West, an Ainsley.
Our friend, Meg is here again from the Department
of Planning and Development to present this project.
Thank you. Meg Gustafson,
department of Planning and Development.
Um, this is a, this is a project called Winsley Parkway.
Um, it is located, uh, in Ravenswood.
This is an expansion of an existing garden.
Um, so CDOT is working on, um,
redoing curbs
and reconfiguring parking, which created new open space.
Um, 0.93 acres of new open space along the Ravenswood,
um, embankment.
Uh, this is an Alderman Martin's ward,
and we have his support, uh,
because this project is the dividing line
between Lincoln Square and Uptown.
We are using funds from both community areas.
Um, neighbor space, um,
will be signing a user agreement with cdot.
Um, and they're working with Winsley Parkway, uh, community
to build this out and maintain it.
Here are the current conditions.
Um, the parking will move from diagonal to parallel,
creating more open space.
Um, the outline in green is the expansion.
And, um, wait, the outline in green is existing,
so we'll be expanding south to the outline in black,
which is almost a full acre of new open space.
Um, we'll be using, oh,
the open space balances are listed here.
Uptown currently has $829,000
and Lincoln Square has $288,000.
Um, this is from C DOT's Neighborhood Plan.
Um, they went out to the community
to present this last year.
Um, and here is the budget.
We wanna use all the funds from Lincoln Square, the 288,000
and the remaining of the bun, uh, budget gap.
$14,000 from uptown. Uh, so the total budget is $303,000.
Um, CDOT will be building the curbs
and getting the land prepped for neighbor space
to take over, put in the, um, any of the,
um, landscaping and planting mulch, fertilization.
Um, and then the community group will be taking
it over to maintain it.
Um, here's a zoom in of the space
that's being created, as you can see here.
Um, it's just a zoom in of
that earlier, um, exhibit.
And I believe that is my last slide.
Do we have any questions about Winsley Parkway? Any
Questions, anybody? All?
I'm in Lawson.
Thank you, chair. Hi Meg. Um, uh, this is all good stuff.
I have a question about, uh, the cost though.
'cause CDOT is doing the work to do, to move the curb out.
They're, I'm assuming they're relocating, uh, sewer or,
or other services as well?
Or, and, and,
and is there cost that they have given?
Is, is that something C DOT's absorbing
or being paid for by menu?
I, I, I know it's not here. It's, it's too cheap to be here.
Right? Right.
Um, CDOT is paying for this out of, I'm not sure
what funds, but I can get you that through the chair.
Thanks. Um, this 300, 3000 is just for neighbor space.
Once it is built right.
And once the, um, Parkway is expanded
to create the green space.
Um, and there's been a lot of communication
and planning with neighbor space of how to do these curbs
and what kind of gravel they need and that kind of stuff.
So it's been a great, um, success story.
I think in a neighborhood group working with cdot,
A lot of us would like to soften
some of our parkway. Yeah.
A great use of Impact fees.
Even if, even if it's not, I mean I, you know,
even if it's not with Park Space, okay.
You know, but making them greener
or making, you know, a add, adding those spaces.
So that's why I was curious about what the CDOT cost is.
'cause this is something we should all be looking at. Yes.
Yeah. Thank you.
Okay. Anybody else? Okay. Motion by Alderman Lawson.
Then the recommended passage of this item.
All in favor signify by Aye. Aye. All opposed, say nay.
Any opinion Chair ayes have it.
Uh, recommendation of this ordinance will be reported out at
the next city council meeting on October 30th, 2024.
The fifth item on the agenda is an ordinance
oh 2 0 2 4 dash 0 1 3 24.
Expenditure of open space impact fee funds for improvement
of, I'm not sure how to say this.
Is it Goth Hy gta? gta gta,
Gta, GTA where there's no R in there.
Elementary school athletic
and recreational facilities at 2236
North Rockwell.
Once again, the big winner for that one is Derman. Lata.
But with, before we give him a chance to speak,
'cause we know he supports this, we have our good friend
once again, Meg, from Planning
and Development. Meg, fire away.
Thank you. Uh, uh,
Gerta Turf Field is located in Logan Square, um,
at 2236 North Rockwell.
Um, we are requesting $504,000 in impact fees
to create a turf field.
This is, um, similar to LaSalle two.
Um, this turf field is estimated at $1.48 million.
Um, CPS is putting in 626,000.
There's a hundred thousand in menu funds.
Uh, friends of, uh, Gerta have raised $50,000
and there's A-D-C-E-O grant from the state for $200,000.
Um, this one will,
the reason it's a little bit more expensive.
Um, these, all the phases are in one here.
There's a two lane asphalt running track, the turf field,
uh, draining, uh, drainage and stormwater improvements.
Um, and here are the drawings.
Um, this is currently on compacted soil
that is not usable right now for the school.
Um, $1.4 million, four $8 million is the estimated
total project cost.
I also have someone from CPS here,
if there are specific questions about either
of those two CPS projects. Thank you.
Thank you. Okay.
I'm sure Lan Ada has a, a brief comment about this for us.
So brief, yes.
The German language has tricky pronunciation, but yes, is
For Italian. This, this
is named after the, the German poet kta.
The school is, um, if you wanna know
how compacted the soil is, you can ask my 2-year-old.
She points it out to me on a regular basis.
Uh, but I will thank, uh,
former state Senator Iris Martinez for getting us here.
I will thank, um, uh, Senator Del Toro
for her support on this project.
Former principal Barb Cargas, current principal Alri.
Uh, but a couple folks I didn't get to name earlier,
Chuck Swarski, Jamel Chambers, uh, Pedro Martinez.
One of them is no longer with CPS.
But Chuck, when this reaches you for both LaSalle two
and this project, and Otis and tka,
and for the work that we've done together, uh,
my incredible thanks to you.
This project is a long time coming
and it's gonna be an incredible blessing to the school.
Thank you, Meg. Thank you, chair. Thank
You, Allman. We sure to
miss Chuck already. Lemme tell you.
So, uh, any other questions or comments from anybody? Okay.
All right. A motion recommending passage
of this item by all, all the women.
Scott. All those in favor signify by Aye.
All those opposed say nay.
The opinion, the charity ayes have it.
The due pass recommendation
of this ordinance will be reported out at the next city
council meeting on October 30th, 2024.
This the sixth and final.
Mm-Hmm, the sixth and final item on the agenda.
Ordinance oh 2 0 2 4 dash
0 0 1 3 1 2 5.
Expenditure of open space impact fee funds.
The neighbor space for installation of permanent funds.
The neighbor space for installation
of permanent infrastructure
and community open space at Garden at 9 4 7
West Cullerton Street.
Once again, Meg Gustafson, our good friend from planning
of development is here to present.
Thank you again. Uh, for the record,
Meg Gustafson, department of Planning.
Um, this is a very exciting open space impact fee
expenditure for neighbor space.
Um, at 9 47 West Cullerton.
Uh, this is in Alderman Ccho, Lopez's Ward,
the Lower West Side, otherwise known as Pilsen.
Um, we have been working on this site for decades,
cleaning up, uh, Lowenthal Metals.
Um, we used, uh, the city owned this site.
We cleaned it up and now it will be open space.
Um, Ben, uh, is here from Neighbor Space.
We have any specific questions.
This is still going through somewhat of a community process.
Um, but, um, these impact fee funds will help.
The, the land is now in Neighbor Spaces
inventory, so they own it.
Um, the proposed budget is $455,000.
Um, all impact fees.
Um, we have, uh, an aerial photo of
how big this site is here.
It's very exciting for, this is one
of the biggest neighbor space sites, I believe.
Um, let's see.
Um, they have been doing activation events on the
site for a while.
Um, this is some community feedback.
Uh, looks like, uh, this design proposal is,
is the one right now
that I think still needs a little bit of community work.
But, um, about a third of it will be a dog run.
Uh, there's a picnic area, nature play, and then open space.
I'll go back to the budget here if it'll let me.
Um, thank you.
I think the budget is maybe the most
important for this meeting.
Um, that concludes my presentation about, um,
the color and open space.
Um, the name is also TBD, so, um,
let me know if you have any questions.
Thank you.
All right. And then,
well first we'll have our derman speak on this.
I'm sure he has a brief comment to say about this.
Allman Lopez.
Right. Thank you. Thank you, chairman.
And, uh, thank you, uh, Meg for, um, um, the presentation,
the, the site as, as, as you see in the presentation,
has gone from an, uh, polluted site to an area that now is,
uh, really needed in the community green space that, uh,
neighbor space with other community partners are working on.
We are grateful, uh, for the opportunity to, um, be able
to create this green space in one of the areas that are to,
you know, continue to be one
of the most polluted areas in, in the city.
So we are grateful for the partnership
and the support for this project.
We, again, as me mentioned, we'll continue working
with Neighbor Space and our community partners
and neighbors throughout, through the area, uh, so
that we can follow so of the community feedback
that we've gathering in terms
of activating and using the space.
But I think this is a welcoming, um, opportunity
and green space that is desperately needed in our community.
And again, I wanna thank the chairman, um, uh, DPD as well
as neighbor space for, for, uh,
collaborating on this important effort.
Thank you Allman. Any committee
members have anything to say?
No more questions. Okay. Motion by Allman Rock Rodriguez.
Recommending passage of this item. Oh, we missed somebody.
You got it. He was raising, he was raised hand. Okay, good.
I got 'em this time. All those in favor signify by Aye. Aye.
All those opposed say nay in the opinion of charity.
Ayes have it. The due passes of this item, recommendation
of this ordinance will be reported out at our next city
council meeting on October 30th, 2024.
Uh, there being no further business before the committee.
A motion by Alderman Wapac to adjourn.
All those in favor signify a Aye. Aye.
Can your chair the aye have it hearing? No objections.
So ordered the meeting on special events,
cultural affairs recreation,
also known as a happy committee.
May have set a record for our longest committee,
but the meeting is now adjourned.
Uh, see, see you, uh, police and fire everybody. Thank you.
Thanks for coming everybody. Sorry.
Thanks everyone for being here.
Sorry for the Friday meeting.
It'll never happen again.
Happy meeting.