Editor’s note: The following letter was sent to Ald. Leslie Hairston (5th) Dear Alderman Hairston: I am writing to express concern about the University of Chicago’s plans to close 58th Street between Woodlawn Avenue and University Avenue in order to create a pedestrian area between the Oriental Institute and the Becker-Friedman Institute. Although I am(…)
To the Editor: As principal of St. Thomas the Apostle School, I invite everyone in the community to share in our students’ celebration of Children’s Book Week May 13 to 17. Why are we participating in this national literacy initiative? Because at St. Thomas the Apostle School, we know “Readers are Leaders.” Reading opens doors(…)
To the Editor: The University’s McMobil building will increase our parking problems, and I salute that. Instead of asking for more places to put our cars, we should learn from the greenest town in America – New York – that density means less parking, fewer cars – and less carbon dioxide. Last week the world(…)
To the Editor: In recent weeks, members of the Hyde Park community have shared their opinions about Mesa Development’s proposed project for 1330 E. 53rd St. in various ways — including in letters to this newspaper. In my role as the University of Chicago’s vice president for civic engagement, I have heard directly from individuals(…)
To the Editor: I oppose the current plan for the development at the McMobil lot on 53rd Street. I am in favor of development at that site in scale with that end of 53rd Street, an area of Hyde Park in which many of us have chosen to live in because we value the scale(…)
To the Editor: As a resident, property owner and business owner in Hyde Park for more than 15 years, I support the proposed 14-story development (i.e., mixed-used development) on the Mobil gas station site. Clearly, I understand the trade-offs associated with aesthetic appeal and return on investment. However, economic development in Hyde Park is far(…)
To the Editor: I have been a resident of Hyde Park/Kenwood for 50 years, and I have seen many changes both good and bad. The proposal for the McMobil development is one of the worst. The developers say that by not providing enough parking they will encourage residents of the apartment building to “walk or(…)
To the Editor: It has been interesting, and somewhat disheartening, to read and hear the resistance to the proposed redevelopment on the McMobil site. To be clear, I am in full support of what has been proposed. I thank and applaud Ald. Will Burns for giving his support for this transformative project, especially in the(…)