FOTP calls on Alderwoman to include key park benefits in proposed Edgewater development on N. Sheridan Road

Proposed developments would close part of the city’s last major gap in public access, but current plans don’t guarantee it.

Chicago – Friends of the Parks (FOTP) is calling on 48th Ward Alderwoman Manaa-Hoppenworth to strengthen the public benefit commitment regarding the proposed rezoning and planned development at 5959, 5965, and 5948 N. Sheridan Road. FOTP sent the Alderwoman a letter warning that the current framework fails to secure permanent public ownership of one of the last undeveloped parts of the Chicago shoreline.

“This is possibly the only chance the public will have to secure the final piece of the city’s northern shoreline. The 1.9-acre lakefront parcels at the center of the proposal sit between two existing public beaches, making this a rare and possibly final opportunity to close the gap,” said Brian Gladstein, FOTP Executive Director. “Elected officials need to do what’s right by the people of Chicago and help create more public park space for everyone that’s accessible to all.”

The shoreline north of Hollywood Avenue is one of the last stretches of the Chicago lakefront without a public park system. Lake Shore Drive and the lakefront parks both end at Hollywood Avenue.

“We support the congregation remaining at this location, with its new facility facing the lake. But the city has an obligation to turn the park space to the east and north of the property, also part of the development plans, into an extension of Lane (George) Beach,” said Gladstein. This gets us one step closer to completing a lakefront park system for everyone.”

FOTP sees two critical pieces missing from the Fern Hill development plan: How much shoreline will actually be protected and who will own the land.

“We believe there is a win/win scenario for the congregation, the community, and the lakefront. We know that the best way to protect lakefront properties is with adequate lake setbacks. One hundred feet of park space won’t just protect against lake erosion, it will give the community the lakefront access it deserves,” said Gladstein.

Read FOTP’s letter to Alderwoman Manaa-Hoppenworth here, and FOTP’s letter to the Zoning Commission and the Department of Planning here.

###

For more than 50 years, Friends of the Parks has worked to preserve, protect, and promote Chicago's parks and open spaces so that every community can thrive.