From the Chicago League of Women Voters:

“As a resident of the 43rd ward and President of the League of Women Voters of Chicago, I oppose the construction of the planned soccer field in Lincoln Park. It is a situation where a private institution, the Latin School of Chicago, wants control over a portion of public space: some acreage of south Lincoln Park. The “control” is that The land will be designated for what the school wants, the construction and design of the playing and seating area, advertising and hours of use. Nighttime activities will necessitate lights.

This land borders a residential neighborhood. Was there an impact study on the effect of the increased amount of pedestrian and vehicular traffic? Residents in near-by buildings will look out on advertising, bright lights and the stands. They will hear crowd and car noises. Other groups will have less desirable hours available for their use, particularly teams with school-age children like the scouts. The terrain will be covered with Astroturf which is supposed to be toxic. Should children or adults be exposed to this? An additional environmental issue is that birds and other small animals will come in contact with it. Neighbors and visitors from outside the neighborhood will find the area more congested. Perhaps those who wish to sell their homes a short distance away will find out that their property is lower in value and more difficult to sell. This could produce less tax revenue.

In accordance with the League of Women Voters position on land use and parks, it must be said that this proposed plan goes counter our philosophy that park land be clear of obstacles, that parks be well-maintained and available to all residents of the city.”

Yours truly, Esta Kallen President League of Women Voters of Chicago

From the Spring newsletter of the Illinois Sierra Club:

“Lincoln Park Land Grab: Protest Letters Needed ASAP to Mayor Daley

As part of a deal cloaked in secrecy, the Chicago Park District sold the exclusive rights to a four-acre chunk of the south end of Lincoln Park to the Latin School of Chicago.

There’s no other word to use regarding this deal except “sold.” The Chicago Park District Board approved a contract with minimal public notice that gives the school the right to build a $900,000 artificial turf soccer stadium at the very south end of Lincoln Park. Email Mayor Daley to express your opposition.” Read the full call for action.