As you may recall, Hamlin Park Neighbors (HPN) and Roscoe
Mr. Michael Merchant Chief Executive Officer Chicago Housing Authority 60 E. Van Buren Street Chicago, Illinois 60605 December 6, 2014 Dear Mr. Merchant: As you may recall, Hamlin Park Neighbors (HPN) and Roscoe Village Neighbors (RVN), representing residents adjacent to the Julia Lathrop Homes (Lathrop), were integral participants in the series of community meetings that led to selection of Lathrop Community Partners (LCP) as master developer for redevelopment of Lathrop. We provided continuous feedback to both LCP and the Lathrop Homes Working Group about our constituents’ primary concerns of density, scale, traffic, river access and Lathrop’s reintegration into the surrounding communities. Recently, members of HPN and RVN met with LCP to discuss LCP’s July 14, 2014 draft plan for Lathrop. The revised draft proposes 1116 units constructed in three phases. These revisions also show that during Phase 3, 2820-58 N. Leavitt, containing 20 units, will be razed and Elizabeth Wood Park will be destroyed to build new buildings designated N104 and N105, containing an unknown number of new units of indeterminate height. Seven or eight stories were previously mentioned as a possibility. While we support razing the Leavitt buildings, destroying a river edge park to construct new units is a planning mistake of the highest order. Previously, the Chicago Park District, the CHA, Lathrop Homes Local Advisory Council and Friends of the Chicago River worked diligently to create the park and the Jimmy Thomas Nature Trail, much needed green oases at the river’s edge. The city, the surrounding neighborhoods and Lathrop can ill afford the unnecessary destruction of such hard earned “green” jewels. Setting aside the irony of plowing under a park dedicated to Elizabeth Wood, a progressive housing reformer who tirelessly advocated for CHA recreational space, there are other reasons to preserve the park and surrounding open spaces. The proposed N104 and N105 site contains a Metropolitan Water Reclamation District Tunnel and Reservoir Plan drop shaft. The tunnels were constructed to reduce flooding by diverting storm water and sewage into temporary holding reservoirs deep underground. These open drop shafts often exude dangerous noxious gases from the deep tunnels, clearly a health hazard for CHA tenants if new buildings are built adjacent to the drop shaft. Instead, the open green space surrounding the drop shaft should be preserved and included in an expanded Elizabeth Wood Park, similar to Clark Park on Roscoe Village’s west border with the river. The site could highlight native plantings, innovative storm water management techniques and new vistas of the river. An open site would provide easier river access for Lathrop residents, runners, bikers and walkers. Mayor Emmanuel called the river “the city’s next recreational frontier”. The mayor is committed to building more parks. Why destroy one? While we still harbor doubts about the wisdom of constructing new high rise public housing, HPN and RVN will support a building of 13 stories or higher on the southern point of the site, but only if Elizabeth Wood Park is preserved and expanded and nothing is built on the 2820-58 N. Leavitt site. The units proposed for N104 and N105 should be easily redistributed throughout the new and preserved buildings during Phases 2 and 3. A well designed redevelopment plan which preserves existing public parks and expands precious green spaces will be a sign of good faith to Lathrop’s returning residents, new tenants and surrounding neighbors, consistent with the intent of CHA’s Plan of Transformation. Improvements to the Plan In general, we would like to see revised architectural designs before LCP applies for a planned development permit. Specifically, we urge LCP to: Raze and not rebuild 2820-58 N. Leavitt, redistribute their units among new and preserved buildings, and transfer ownership of the land to the Chicago Park District for an expanded public river edge park and nature trail. Preserve Elizabeth Wood Park and transfer ownership of the park to the Chicago Park District for an expanded public river edge park and nature trail. Resolve and disclose the legal question of whether the great lawn will be public property accessible to all or remain CHA property for its residents. Provide details on the boundaries between CHA property and CPD public property along the river. Describe in detail how the Mary Crane Center and Boys and Girls Club buildings will be treated. Conclusion HPN and RVN oppose the destruction of Elizabeth Wood Park and construction of any new buildings on a pivotal river edge site. We are confident that a properly modified plan which does not rebuild 2820-58 N. Leavitt and preserves and expands Elizabeth Wood Park will contribute to Lathrop’s vibrant mixed-use transformation. We stand ready to work with the Chicago Housing Authority and Lathrop Community Partners to assure the success of the next generation of Lathrop Homes. Sincerely yours, David Kerber David Kerber President Roscoe Village Neighbors Charles Beach Charles Beach President Hamlin Park Neighbors Tom Bader Anthony Ceravolo Tom Bader & Anthony Ceravolo Co-Chairs Zoning & Land Use Committee, RVN Cc: Mayor Rahm Emanuel Ald. Proco Joe Moreno, 1st Ward Ald. Scott Waguespack, 32nd Ward Commissioner Andrew Mooney, Department of Housing and Economic Development Assistant Commissioner Eleanor Gorski, Landmarks Division Ms. Patricia Scudiero, Zoning Administrator, Department of Housing and Economic Development Mr. Jacques Sandberg, Lathrop Community Partners Mr. Daniel Levin, Chairman of The Habitat Company Mr. Michael Jackson, Chief Architect, Illinois Historic Preservation Agency Mr. Michael P. Kelly, General Superintendent & CEO, Chicago Park District Friends of the Chicago River Friends of the Parks, Attn: Cassandra J. Francis Blair Kamin, Chicago Tribune
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