OPEN LETTER TO ALDERMAN JOE MOORE

Dear Alderman Moore,

The North Howard Neighbors Association is in the process of carefully reviewing the DevCorp/Rogers Park Business Alliance Plan (http://rogerspark.typepad.com/CommercialCorridorPlan/RP_Full_Plan.pdf) which was completed in 2006.


Our initial review shows that the "Revitalization Strategies for Howard Street" stresses "historic preservation" (see below). The 'development project' regarding the Wisdom Bridge Theatre site, completely ignores that. The ultra-modern glass high-rise building Mr. Aronson presented to the community last night has no aesthetic or viable place on this stretch of Howard Street for obvious reasons.


At this point, we are interested in knowing why the Alderman's office and zoning board would even 'present' this kind of possible development, which is obviously in complete disregard of the DevCorp/RP Business Alliance development 'plan' for Howard Street (see below)?


Also, we would like to know if the "Handbook for Developers" (see below) that the 2006 'Plan' calls for, has been developed? If so, how may we obtain a copy. If not available and or not developed, why not?


We will continue to raise community questions and concerns as we further review the 'Plan' as it impacts Mr. Aronson's specific development proposal for the Wisdom Bridge Theatre site on Howard Street.


Thanks in advance for your responses.


Mike Luckenbach
North Howard Neighbors Association


Bcc: NHNA Members, Rogers Park residents and various Media


Please be aware that this information request and all responses will be shared in the public domain.


References: The 2006 DevCorp/RP Business Alliance Plan


From the 'Plan':
Design and Appearance - Improve the appearance of the streets and buildings to cultivate a distinct district identity and encourage more pedestrian activity through better signs, greater cleanliness and physical improvements.


 Howard Street: The efforts on Howard Street will emphasize historic preservation and the reduction of commercial vacancies.


 Howard Street: The efforts on Howard Street will emphasize enforcing building codes, installing seasonal decorations and unique street identifiers, hosting festivals and completing the Howard Street streetscape. Historic preservation and the reduction of commercial vacancies should also be emphasized.


Develop a Handbook for Developers in Rogers Park


As there are currently no guidelines for new development in Rogers Park, DevCorp North should work closely with the Alderman’s office and the 49th Ward Zoning and Land Use Advisory Committee to assemble a task force to develop such a Handbook. Development Handbook Guidelines would include recommendations for general design and appearance (e.g. be context appropriate/sensitive, avoid block construction, vinyl siding, Dryvit/stucco)


The Alderman Responds:


From: AldMoore@aol.com
To: luckenbach@rcn.com
Cc: (removed by nhna for privacy purposes)
Sent: Tuesday, February 23, 2010 3:11 PM
Subject: Re: FW: The DevCorp/RP Business Alliance 'Plan'?


Mike,


You write: "At this point, we are interested in knowing why the Alderman's office and zoning board would even 'present' this kind of possible development, which is obviously in complete disregard of the DevCorp/RP Business Alliance development 'plan' for Howard Street (see below)?"


Quite frankly, I'm rather surprised you would even ask that question. I have never viewed myself, nor has the 49th ward Zoning and Land Use Advisory Committee ever viewed itself, as the final arbiter of what development proposals are "worthy" of community review. Both the Committee and I review development proposals and make suggestions to the developers prior to community meetings. Sometimes those suggestions are incorporated into the proposed design. Sometimes the Committee and I wait and see what the community thinks of the project.


You would be the first person to complain, and rightly so, if I acted as gatekeeper and prevented a legitimate proposed project from public review. The Business Alliance plan is just that--a plan or set of guidelines. It is not the holy grail. The Committee, which has on its ranks several Business Alliance board members, and I use it as a guideline to help us analyze development proposals on Howard Street. The guidelines are by their very nature general in scope. It is up to us and the community to determine whether a particular project falls within the scope of the plan.


As one example of this need for a broad approach, you stress the emphasis on "historic preservation." As was noted last night, the preservation of the Wisdom Bridge Theater is not economically feasible. And I would add that it is safe to say the building immediately to its east is not historically significant. Do we preserve those buildings at all costs in the name of "historic preservation" or do we examine the possibility that a new development might be a better use for the site? It's certainly something worthy of discussion by the broader community, and should not be subject to aldermanic fiat.


With respect to your request for a Developer's Handbook, I will refer you to the Rogers Park Business Alliance.


Finally, I note your e-mail is written in the third person. In the interest of full transparency, who besides yourself is the North of Howard Neighbors Association? Do you have regular meetings? If so, when do you meet? If someone is interested in becoming a member, how do they go about joining? And why did you blind copy "NHNA Members, Rogers Park residents and various Media" in your e-mail to me? Don't you think these unnamed individuals would be interested in and entitled to reading my response to your inquiries in an unedited and unfiltered fashion?


Thanks for attending the meeting last night, and sharing your thoughts. I will advise you and others as to the next step in the review process for the proposed development.


Joe Moore


My Response:


Joe,

The question is asked because the development proposal Mr. Aronson presented last night is totally out of touch with and in complete disregard to 'your' 2006 DevCorp/RP Business Alliance development 'plan' for Howard Street. Perhaps if your office did more to insist on at least some semblance of following 'your' established "plans or guidelines", our Rogers Park 'community development' wouldn't be in such a sorry hodgepodge, helter-skelter mess with numerous failed projects scattered about and the resulting empty lots and holes pock-marking our community. One only need to look at the Edgewater community, the 48th Ward, as guided by Alderman Smith, to see the difference that is made when community leadership provides clear, concise and adhered to, community development guidelines and plans, with real neighborhood input (block clubs) forming a basis for solid planning and future thinking on community development.
With respect to the 'Developers Handbook' the DevCorp North/Business Alliance 2006 'Plan' states..."As there are currently no guidelines for new development in Rogers Park, DevCorp North should work closely with the Alderman’s office and the 49th Ward Zoning and Land Use Advisory Committee to assemble a task force to develop a Development Handbook." I appreciate you referring me to the 'Alliance' for the Developers Handbook. Am I to assume that means such a Handbook does exist?

Regarding your interest in the NHNA;  the membership of the North Howard Neighbors Association is comprised of ALL people living North of Howard and any other Rogers Park residents who wish to be included. There are no formal or scheduled meetings or dues. Living NoH automatically makes one a 'resident' member. We do maintain an active data base of contact information for those who wish to be kept informed and up to date on issues affecting our neighborhood. That data base currently numbers 98 individuals/households. Our mission statement/purpose is clearly stated on our blog as follows:
North Howard Neighbors Association "The NHNA was formed in February 2003 to provide the North of Howard neighborhood, (historically known as Germania) with a forum, giving all North of Howard residents full representation and a voice in all issues affecting our past, present and future community direction, development and quality of life. "CONSULTATION NOT NOTIFICATION"!"
Anyone wishing to 'join' the NHNA should contact me direct: luckenbach@rcn.com or 773-465-2433.

FYI, I blind copy our members and my media contacts as a way of protecting their privacy, while keeping them informed. And rest assured Joe, your replies to NHNA inquires are always copied to the members, without ANY editing or filtering.
Mike
NHNA
Bcc: NHNA members, Rogers Park residents and various media.