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2ND WARD ALDERMANIC QUESTIONNAIRE
The Prairie District Neighborhood Alliance is
Asking the Questions that Matter to YOU!
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Local Schools - Parks and Open Space - Development Review - Improved Transportation - Commercial and
Retail Development - TIF Spending (your tax dollars)
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The Prairie District Neighborhood Alliance has facilitated this questionnaire because most voters are unable to attend meetings and forums. The questionnaire was sent to each 2nd Ward aldermanic candidate in an effort to give the candidates an opportunity to address relevant concerns voiced by a large number of South Loop and Near South Side community members. These concerns have been identified through PDNA survey feedback and suggestions and questions addressed directly to our organization.
Candidate answers can be found below, or use the links.
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Genita Robinson - Did not return questionnaire
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 Responses from 2nd Ward Candidate Enrique Perez
1. What are your plans for adding and improving public schools in the South Loop and Near South Side? Set forth your education plan and the timeline.
A. South Loop School – Overcrowding and expanding the border south of 18th Street.
The overcrowding at South Loop School threatens the quality of life in the South Loop. Here are the steps that I propose to alleviate the overcrowding:
1. Contract the Attendance Boundary - Currently, South Loop School's neighborhood attendance boundary is as follows: Wacker Drive on the north; the Chicago River on the west; 18th Street on the South; and Lake Michigan on the east (with a small cutout at around Monroe so that the condos along Randolph are not included). This means that every single elementary school-aged child who lives within this boundary can attend South Loop School as of right per state law. This further means that all of the high-rises in Central Station and the Prairie District, all of Dearborn Park I & II, Printers Row, Michigan Avenue, the Wells Street corridor, the new building at 235 West Van Buren, that new high-rise on Wabash in Jewlers Row, and every single residential building in the Loop itself for that matter, can have its children enroll at South Loop School. Now for a school that has a capacity of around 600 students, a capacity constraint is staring us right in the face. The attendance boundary must be contracted or the overcrowding will only get worse. To decide on what the proper boundary might be, the first step would be for CPS to perform a demographic analysis showing the current and projected school-aged population - if it hasn't done so already. I have already gone on record as requesting that CPS do such an analysis and make its results public so that a proper community discussion can begin.
2. Completely Phase Out the Magnet Cluster Program, Including the Sibling Option - While the magnet program might have made sense at one point when South Loop School was underutilized 10 years ago, it doesn't make any sense now. A definite sunset period for the Magnet Cluster Program (including the Sibling Option) must be instituted.
3. Adjust the Attendance Geography of the Gifted Program - The Gifted Program at South Loop School has been instrumental in making it a school of choice for many parents. As such, I am not in favor of phasing it out as has been suggested by many as a possible solution. However, I am in favor of limiting attendance into the Gifted Program by instituting some type of geographic boundary. To do so however would require a change in CPS policy, as Gifted Programs currently allow attendance from all of Chicago.
4. Even with these steps, the potential for overcrowding at South Loop School still exists. As such, we must give serious consideration to building an additional school facility somewhere in the South Loop / Near South area in the not too distant future. The funding can come from one or a combination of the TIFs that intersect the South Loop. The money is there currently but we lack the political will to discuss such an option. If I am elected alderman, I will make this a point for discussion to solving the overcrowding problem at South Loop School.
5. Keep the existing Jones College Prep facility for local public educational purposes once the new facility is built. While it is way too early to propose specific uses for the existing Jones facility, I am not in favor of using the building or the land for anything but a public school.
B. National Teachers Academy (NTA) – Under used
Any discussion regarding the NTA MUST acknowledge the fact that the NTA is in the 3rd Ward, not the 2nd. As such, any discussion about using the NTA MUST include the full participation and leadership of the Alderman of the 3rd Ward. That said, I believe that the reason that the NTA is underutilized is because its boundaries are too small relative to its capacity. For example, the NTA's boundaries are about 1/3 the size of South Loop School's boundaries, but the NTA has twice the capacity. This just doesn't make sense. The logical thing to do would be to expand the boundaries of the NTA to more precisely match its larger capacity. The question then becomes where and how to expand its boundaries. If you look at a map, you will see that the NTA sits right around the south end of the South Loop, but just northwest of Bronzeville. Basic fairness would therefore dictate that all residents in the communities surrounding the NTA would need to have a say as to how to more fully utilize the NTA. Such an approach however might very well result in the boundaries expanding towards the southeast into Bronzeville as well as north into the South Loop. Regardless of how the boundaries are expanded, doing so will
ultimately result in a more fully utilized NTA.
C. Jones College Prep – Receiving $100 MIL in TIF (tax payer) money. What will you do to ensure a commitment for a more intensive neighborhood allotment of South Loop and Near South families? Specifically, how many neighborhood slots will you guarantee?
If the neighborhood is paying $100 million from its local TIF to build a new Jones, then more than 300 spots need to be allocated for the neighborhood component. Plain and simple. If elected alderman, I would not approve of a situation where local taxpayers pay a huge sum of money without getting the benefit of same. As to the exact number of slots, that would depend on CPS doing a demographics analysis and making the results available for public discussion. As mentioned in the previous question however, CPS needs to keep the existing Jones facility for public educational purposes. As alderman, I would vigorously oppose any attempt to do otherwise. Additionally, I have gone on record as asking CPS for answers to some simple questions about the existing Jones facility, such as why it is not being maintained (e.g. its facade has broken concrete and exposed rusted metal).
D. Any additional schools for the area
I am in favor of giving serious consideration towards building another elementary school in the South Loop / Near South Area. One possible source is the TIFs in the area. Another source to consider might be general obligation bonds; yet another source might be impact fees. Nevertheless, I believe that the population growth in the South Loop will make this a necessary thing to consider.
2. Open green space, park land and park facilities are an important focus for the South Loop and Near South Side. Set forth your plan for adding new or improving existing parks and the timeline.
A. Park 550, South Loop Field House – 1801 S. Indiana
B. Mark Twain Park – 15th and Prairie Avenue
NOTE: For the parks/facilities at 1801 South Indiana and at 15th and Prairie, I am in full support of seeing these project come to a full fruition. The funding is always going to be a problem. I am in favor of looking at using TIF funds for these parks however.
C. 16th Street and Indiana Park – Northeast corner - I am not in favor of the proposal to build a parking lot at that site. I believe that the Park District needs to take over that land and make it into a public park. I also believe that the Park District needs to reimburse the condo association at 1600 South Prairie for their costs in maintaining this land up to now. If elected Alderman of the 2nd Ward, I will make this a high priority of mine.
D. Dog Park proposed for 16th St. and Wabash - I am in favor of the park itself, but I am not happy with the process by which it came about. For example, the last dog park that was built in the South Loop (at Grant Park) required a community group to fund raise for a few years before the park could be built, whereas this dog park at 16th and Wabash is being built with TIF funds. My question then becomes: When did we as a community make this decision. Who made it. Believe me when I say that I am all for more dog parks in the South Loop (BTW - I own a dog). We definitely need them. The process by which these decisions are made must be fully transparent however.
Additional comment on dogs in the South Loop: I think that most of us can all agree that the South Loop is a dog friendly community. Yet not everyone agrees that this should be the case. Part of this stems from the fact that far too many dog owners are not responsible. This needs to change. As alderman, I will promote responsible dog ownership throughout the entire ward, not just in the South Loop.
E. Any additional parks or recreation open space for the area - Yes. For a starters, I could easily see a dog park being built in Dearborn Park or perhaps in the Wells and Polk area. As I say above, 16th and Wabash is fine if the decision-making process was more transparent. In general, I think that dog parks and recreational open spaces should be amenities that should be available within a short walking distance from anywhere in the South Loop.
3. One of the big challenges facing the South Loop and Near South Side is the lack of commercial anchors and retail infill along Michigan Ave and Cermak Rd. Set forth your commercial development and retail plan and timeline.
A. South Michigan Ave from Roosevelt Road south to the Stevenson Expressway
The office and bully pulpit of the 2nd Ward Alderman needs to be used to its fullest potential to attract businesses big and small into the South Loop. As alderman I would streamline the permitting process for starters. More importantly though, I will create an environment of certainty and stability that will allow business owners to plan for their future as South Loop stakeholders. As for the given stretches of street, I will take a full inventory of business already there and of empty storefronts and then I will do the following: 1) Meet with each existing business owner to fully understand what their concerns are and how the alderman's office can help; 2) Meet with the landlords of the empty storefronts and work with them to see what bushiness can be attracted to move in.
In essence though, I will take a very hands on role to ensure that the South Loop becomes as business friendly as possible
B. Cermak Corridor from McCormick Place west to Clark Street
Same as a Point A above, except tht this stretch of street also encompass part of the 3rd Ward. A such, I will
work very closely with the Alderman of the 3rd Ward on this problem.
4. Do you favor expanding the CTA Green Line train stops in the South Loop and Near South Side? If so, set forth what you would do as alderman to make improved transit a reality and the time frame when the station(s) would be completed?
A. Do you favor a stop at 18th Street? - Yes
B. Do you favor a stop at Cermak? - Yes
C. Do you favor a stop at 26th Street? - Yes
Possible funding sources for the above CTA stops would be state and federal funds, TIF monies, general obligation bonds, impact fees, and my personal favorite, an operating budget with a slight surplus that can be used to help finance these projects. Aside from these specific stops, the city needs to do a better job at planning and operating the CTA. One thing that I would do as alderman is look to see where CTA bus lines could be restructured to better serve the residents of the 2nd Ward.
5. Outline your development review process? How will you facilitate transparent community input with adequate time to review proposed projects prior to approving development in the South Loop and Near South Side?
Development in the South Loop and in the entire ward needs to be transparent as to the process of how it will occur and residents need to know ahead of time what that process will be. For example, if you live next to an empty parking lot, residents need to know what can eventually be built on that lot based on the current zoning. In that sense, the current zoning already is the blueprint for future development. Leaving things at that is insufficient because the current zoning in any given block or neighborhood may not properly plan for the amenities or support assets that new development will require. For example, the current zoning on the stretch of Wabash Avenue from Congress to Roosevelt allows for 330 ft tall buildings to be built "as of right", but does not prescribe that any new schools or parks be built to service these new potential future high-rises. This is where development going forward needs to start with a master (i.e. community) plan that states what type of development is desired in a given area taking into account the existing character of the neighborhood and more importantly planning for the type of amenities that will be needed. Thus far in the South Loop we have done a bad job at doing this type of pre-planning before approving any development. The fact that South Loop school is overcrowded is a prime example of the current leadership's failure to plan at the community level.
If elected Alderman of the 2nd Ward, I will work with all of the community stakeholders to adopt a block-by-block plan for development that we can all support going forward. The process and timing of how development is approved also needs to be specified in great detail ahead of time to the point that condo residents living next to an empty parking lot can say that while they may not know what exactly will eventually be built on the lot next to them, they do know what can potentially be built and what the decision-making process will be before that happens. Specifically proposed projects that require a zoning change will need to go through a very detailed community review process in which the outcome is not pre-determined and community inquiry can result in changes to the project. I will also be okay with proposed projects being presented to the South Loop in multiple venues. For example, the South Loop has a number of community groups with different membership bases and different focuses. A such, I would actually encourage that proposed developments be presented to whichever community groups would like to host such a present ion. This is not currently allowed.
As the end of the day, the community must know what can get built, how it will be approved, and where/how/when one can get their concerns heard and questions answered.
6. What will you focus the existing TIF (tax increment financing) dollars on in the South Loop and Near South Side? Set forth your specific TIF spending plan and timeline.
My three-point plan/proposal for TIFs in general is as follows:
1. No new TIFs are to be created in an area that is not blighted.
2. All incoming (new) TIF monies would be allocated as follows:
a) 1/2 to be refunded back to the municipal funding streams where they would have gone in the first place if the TIF had not existed
b) 1/2 to be refunded back to the property tax payers who paid into them in the first place
3. The monies already in a TIF would be spent on public goods that provide the most benefit to the most residents. Examples of where I would like to see TIF monies spent is on more school construction, new parks, infrastructure repair/replacement such as sewers, water mains and public transportation assets, and street repairs. Another thing that would like to ensure happens with TIF monies is that local residents are hired in the jobs that are created/needed when TIF monies are spent. Above all though, you as a resident MUST have a voice that you currently do not have in deciding how TIF monies are spent.
 Responses from 2nd Ward Candidate Federico Sciammarella
1. What are your plans for adding and improving public schools in the South Loop and Near South Side? Set forth your education plan and the timeline.
A. South Loop School - Overcrowding and expanding the border south of 18th Street.
First and foremost a comprehensive plan for education in the 2nd ward must be laid out. With the statistics available from CPS we can see how to address all the concerns of neighborhood residents. The South Loop area has, over the past few years, grown at one of the quickest rates of any region in Chicago. The increase in the number of families in the area has caused some overcrowding at local schools, such as the South Loop School. This issue was briefly discussed at the State of the South Loop School Address that I attended.
One of the basic programs that was implemented to address the issue of overcrowding at the South Loop School has been to utilize student teachers in most of the classrooms. This solution helps to cut down the student to faculty ratio, which is necessary to ensure that students are receiving an adequate amount of instruction time. This sort of a program helps to address overcrowding, however more should be done. Essentially, an effort to generate more support via local universities and industry to create the opportunity for more learning is critical.
As an educator myself, I am a strong proponent of quality education and have done everything I can to help assist current CPS teachers and schools to reach their full potential. I would not expand the border south of 18th as we will have two (see below) new schools in that area to address this issue.
B. National Teachers Academy - Under used
Increased enrollment at other local neighborhood schools will help to address under-utilization in some schools and overcrowding in others. One of the main complaints about the National Teachers Academy is that it is under-utilized. There are many steps that should be studied as potential solutions to this problem.
First, community feedback about the level of education being provided by the school is necessary, a sort of community report card for the school. If the community believes that the school is underperforming, this may result in children purposefully not being sent to that school. This type of a community report card should be implemented for all schools. One solution may be to provide opportunities for more educators and more classes. There are a number of recent graduates who have come from local universities with education degrees that are finding it hard to find a job in a school.
One program that was implemented in Michigan recently was to buy-out some of the veteran teachers' contracts. As these older instructors took early retirement it provided new openings for newer teachers. This sort of a program holds the potential to allow for more instructors at the National Teachers Academy because it will give more opportunities for teachers and classes.
C. Jones College Prep - Receiving $100 MIL in TIF (tax payer) money. What will you do to ensure a commitment for a more intensive neighborhood allotment of South Loop and Near South families? Specifically, how many neighborhood slots will you guarantee?
The current belief that there is a need for selective enrollment schools, such as Jones College Prep, is built on the fact that not all neighborhood schools are performing at acceptable rates. We need to ask ourselves why this is true and how we can change it.
To address this compliant, the current alderman claims to have asked for an additional 300 seats for neighborhood children to attend Jones. This doesn't solve any problems though; rather, it has the potential to create more. How was it decided that there would be only 300 spots? And, will these 300 neighborhood students be treated the same as the other selectively enrolled students? At this point in time, sadly, it can be said that there wasn't a transparent process for arriving at the neighborhood element, and that the students will not be treated the same. By this I mean that these students will be put into a CTE program, which is a vocational program that merely provides students with the training to get a job after high school, while the rest of the student population at Jones Prep is being prepared for a successful secondary education.
This should not be acceptable to the alderman or to residents, because no child's education should be written off. We need to ensure that Jones has a viable neighborhood component and find a way to rid ourselves of this selective enrollment process and ensure our residents have the option to go to Jones and receive a quality education.
D. Any additional schools for the area
We should create, at a minimum, an additional elementary neighborhood school along with a high school that has a STEM component. We can reach out to IIT & UIC to help with student teaching in areas of STEM. We can partner with local businesses in the industry to help create innovative coursework and provide some materials/equipment. This could be done in some of the vacant buildings located in the southern end of the South Loop. The demand is there, and we should meet it. If we do not produce more people capable of handling STEM careers our very future will be at stake. This goes back to having a comprehensive vision for the area and making sure our constituents' needs are met.
2. Open green space, park and and park facilities are an important focus for the South Loop and Near South Side. Set forth your plan for adding new or improving existing parks and the timeline.
A. Park 550, South Loop Field House - 1801 S. Indiana
Yes
B. Mark Twain Park - 15th and Prairie Avenue
Yes
C. 16th Street and Indiana Park - Northeast corner
Yes
D. Dog Park proposed for 16th St. and Wabash
Yes
E. Any additional parks or recreation open space for the area
Not at this time because we need to have a thoughtful master plan laid out for entire ward before any further development or greening occurs.
3. One of the big challenges facing the South Loop and Near South Side is the lack of commercial anchors and retail infill along Michigan Ave and Cermak Rd. Set forth your commercial development and retail plan and timeline.
A. South Michigan Ave from Roosevelt Road south to the Stevenson Expressway
We first need to attract some of the more local restaurants that have had great success such as Franchesca's and Rockit Ranch Bar & Grill to create an atmosphere of viability. This can be followed with some other local businessessuch as Akira and Zara. However my main concern is to try and attract more industry such as tech and health care so we can create a base of business professionals that will work in that region.
B. Cermak Corridor from McCormick Place west to Clark Street
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It has been discussed to have some boutique hotels and bars that would have a musical theme to them. I think this is a great idea, but again, we need to focus on bringing in some more sustainable businesses to the area so the retail and service industry can grow around it.
4. Do you favor expanding the CTA Green Line train stops in the South Loop and Near South Side? If so, set forth what you would do as alderman to make improved transit a reality and the time frame when the station(s) would be completed?
A. Do you favor a stop at 18th Street?
Yes
B. Do you favor a stop at Cermak?
Yes
C. Do you favor a stop at 26th Street?
Yes
We should also have a bike station put somewhere near Roosevelt station for people that want to utilize their bike more.
5. Outline your development review process? How will you facilitate transparent community input with adequate time to review proposed projects prior to approving development in the South Loop and Near South Side?
It will be simple; no meetings will take place during the middle of the day when people are at work. Free training programs will be provided by my office so that people can understand what the development review process is all about. We will then form committees for the various types of developments and allow anyone to participate. Their recommendations will then be sent out to local areas and then we will approve projects.
6. What will you focus the existing TIF (tax increment financing) dollars on in the South Loop and Near South Side? Set forth your specific TIF spending plan and timeline
It will be necessary to do a full analysis on the region and ward. Then, I think it will be important to ensure our infrastructure is in place and well maintained. If there are TIF dollars for this area I would use it to attract advanced tech/manufacturing businesses to the area this will be key to the continued viability and financial stability of our region.
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 Responses from 2nd Ward Alderman Bob Fioretti.
1.. What are your plans for adding and improving public schools in the South Loop and Near South Side? Set forth your education plan and the timeline.
A. South Loop School - Overcrowding and expanding the border south of 18th Street.
I have been working with LSC members and S. Loop parents to urge CPS to offer a viable solution to the overcrowding at the school as well as a lack of a neighborhood high school option. I recognize that good neighborhood public schools are a key element to a thriving community. With regard to S. Loop we have advocated utilizing the NTA building as a South Loop College Prep, where the middle school classrooms at S. Loop Elementary (6-8) would be moved to the building and year over year a high school program (9-12) would be built out. We proposed that the boundaries now separating S. Loop and NTA be collapsed, so that the S. Loop boundary would extend to 24th street. This would provide a great K-12 option for all families living in these boundaries and would address the overcrowding at S. Loop as well as the lack of a neighborhood high school. Unfortunately, CPS, while agreeing with the plan in principle, has not yet acted. I will continue to work toward expanding the neighborhood school options for the area, both in terms of public elementary schools and a high school option.
B. National Teachers Academy - Under used
This building is underutilized because much of the housing around this school has been demolished. I have proposed to locate a middle school and high school in this building, as one possible way to provide better educational opportunities to the Near South area. The NTA building was constructed with federal funds, funds from the River South TIF and the Bronzeville TIF. This means to me that this building should serve the general area which supported its construction. Since this building is located in the 3rd Ward, Alderman Pat Dowell, her staff and her constituents are necessary participants in any discussion related to the use of NTA. I have worked with Alderman Dowell cooperatively on this issue, and I will continue to work on this issue.
C. Jones College Prep - Receiving $100 MIL in TIF (tax payer) money. What will you do to ensure a commitment for a more intensive neighborhood allotment of South Loop and Near South families? Specifically, how many neighborhood slots will you guarantee?
The new Jones building will have 1200 seats. The current building has approximately 900 selective enrollment seats, and about 50 of those seats are used for Special Education students. I have conditioned the use of TIF funds for this new building on CPS allocating the entire increase, or about 300 seats, to a neighborhood component of students who live in a 2.5 mile radius from the school. It is assumed that these students will be chosen by lottery. This neighborhood component was a part of the record in the approval of the expansion of the TIF boundary for Jones, as approved by the Community Development Commission last week. I will continue to require this neighborhood component as we go forward with this project.
D. Any additional schools for the area
There have been nine new charter and contract schools located in the 2nd Ward over the last three years. Several of these schools have since relocated outside the 2nd Ward. I have supported all of the new schools in and around the 2nd Ward, and I will continue to work with CPS to support the existing and planned schools. These new schools include ChiArts, the performing arts high school at 3200 S. Calumet, the Air Force Academy recently moved from the 2nd Ward near White Sox Park, and Muchin Noble Street High School on State Street Downtown. I have also encouraged the development of new private schools like St. Mary's new grade school.
2. Open green space, park land and park facilities are an important focus for the South Loop and Near South Side. Set forth your plan for adding new or improving existing parks and the timeline.
All of the parks listed below are the subject of increased budgets being approved through the TIF Task Force, based on my recommendation and support. Each of these projects will begin as soon as the funds are available, which we expect to happen this year.
A. Park 550, South Loop Field House - 1801 S. Indiana
The planned improvements to this field house are on schedule. They include an expansion of the indoor playground to an outdoor play area, a youth indoor weight and exercise area, and numerous general purpose rooms, a kitchen and community gathering space.
B. Mark Twain Park - 15th and Prairie Avenue
This site contains a playground constructed by the developer, which is not up to Park District standards. The Park District is proposing to remediate the site for environmental contamination, as necessary, and rebuild the playground through a public planning process.
C. 16th Street and Indiana Park - Northeast corner
This proposed project, which requires the amendment of the Planned Unit Development approval for the original project, was the subject of review by several community groups and was the subject of a public meeting. This project has gotten the support of Friends of the Parks and has both objectors and supporters in the neighborhood. I am waiting to hear the recommendations of the City Planning Department as to the proposal and any rules and requirements that should be applied, if this project is to be approved. Any change in the proposal as presented in the past public meeting will be made public and comments will be solicited on the entire proposal.
D. Dog Park proposed for 16th St. and Wabash
This is not strictly a dog park. It is a park with a significant dog-friendly area. Some 40 percent of the total area will be dedicated to passive park uses, including a small performance area and places to sit, rest and reflect. There has been one public meeting to discuss the conceptual plan for this park. Comments on the ideas presented at that meeting are being reviewed, and
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a second public meeting will be held soon to present a detailed plan for the park based on those comments. This site also requires significant remediation, and we believe that construction should begin this year and hopefully finished by Spring 2011.
E. Any additional parks or recreation open space for the area
I have approved TIF funds and ongoing support to improving Dunbar Park, where the Near South Youth Sports League plays t-ball, soccer and other sports with over 500 children. This work will continue, based on the master plan for that park that was developed and approved by the Chicago Park District. A new field house is being designed for Ping Tom Park. This will serve the entire Near South area. I have actively supported that effort, and will continue to do so. I have worked closely with the Park District on the plans for Northerly Island, including the park programs and planned facilities. These plans provide many new opportunities for recreation and activities for South Loop families.
3. One of the big challenges facing the South Loop and Near South Side is the lack of commercial anchors and retail infill along Michigan Ave and Cermak Rd. Set forth your commercial development and retail plan and timeline.
A.South Michigan Ave from Roosevelt Road south to the Stevenson Expressway
We have met with several prospects for the remaining empty storefronts, lofts and other larger spaces here. Many have failed to secure financing or were simply testing the waters. We meet often with Motor Row building owners when they are exploring various tenants who are interested. And we have worked with cultural affairs on the prospect of an arts center that may or may not be able to secure funding.
B.Cermak Corridor from McCormick Place west to Clark Street
As you know, not all of this corridor is 2nd Ward. However, we continue to look for opportunities to help to bring more hotels, restaurants and entertainment venues to this area. There are incentives for both small businesses and larger projects here and in Motor Row.
4.Do you favor expanding the CTA Green Line train stops in the South Loop and Near South Side? If so, set forth what you would do as alderman to make improved transit a reality and the time frame when the station(s) would be completed?
A.Do you favor a stop at 18th Street?
I am on the record favoring a new station for this location.
B.Do you favor a stop at Cermak?
I am on the record favoring a new station for this location.
C.Do you favor a stop at 26th Street?
I will look into this possibility. I generally support public transit and believe there should be adequate access so residents can use it easily and frequently.
5.Outline your development review process? How will you facilitate transparent community input with adequate time to review proposed projects prior to approving development in the South Loop and Near South Side?
Prospective developers and new business owners meet with the alderman, the affected community groups and the alderman's citizen's advisory committee of volunteers. His CAC includes residents from across the ward. He does not endorse projects that do not receive the support of the community groups and the CAC.
6.What will you focus the existing TIF (tax increment financing) dollars on in the South Loop and Near South Side? Set forth your specific TIF spending plan and timeline.
I am proud of the work we have done in the 2nd ward to secure TIF funds for schools and parks and to improve the Ward's infrastructure. In addition to using TIF funds for schools and parks we are working to secure TIF funds for street and alley resurfacing, and enhanced lighting for streets and alleys, and for water mains and sewer lines.
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 Responses from 2nd Ward Candidate Melissa Callahan
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1. What are your plans for adding and improving public schools in the South Loop and Near South Side? Set forth your education plan and the timeline.
A. South Loop School - Overcrowding and expanding the border south of 18th Street.
B. National Teachers Academy - Under used
C. Jones College Prep - Receiving $100 MIL in TIF (tax payer) money. What will you do to ensure a commitment for a more intensive neighborhood allotment of South Loop and Near South families? Specifically, how many neighborhood slots will you guarantee?
D. Any additional schools for the area
Education has to be a priority in 2nd Ward, and our education policy has to Children First. Our students are performing well above expectation, a testament of hard work and dedication by our teachers and school officials, but more funds and resources are needed to build, expand and improve public schools in our neighborhoods. I support the CPS plan to relocate some students from South Loop School to other facilities, such as the under-used National Teachers Academy; but the plan, now stalled, has to move forward quickly. The problems our education system are facing now, such as overcrowding, are foreseeable. A blueprint has to develop to secure funding and resources and to address future problems. I am also committed to allotting more TIF money for 2nd Ward schools. While I cannot guarantee neighborhood slots, as Alderman I pledge that residents, parents, teachers and school officials will have my utmost support in improving the quality of our children's education in 2nd Ward.
2. Open green space, park land and park facilities are an important focus for the South Loop and Near South Side. Set forth your plan for adding new or improving existing parks and the timeline.
A. Park 550, South Loop Field House - 1801 S. Indiana
B. Mark Twain Park - 15th and Prairie Avenue
C. 16th Street and Indiana Park - Northeast corner
D. Dog Park proposed for 16th St. and Wabash
E. Any additional parks or recreation open space for the area
Any open green space or any space zoned as public must remain under public domain and be maintained and/or improved for community use.
3. One of the big challenges facing the South Loop and Near South Side is the lack of commercial anchors and retail infill along Michigan Ave and Cermak Rd. Set forth your commercial development and retail plan and timeline.
A. South Michigan Ave from Roosevelt Road south to the Stevenson Expressway
B. Cermak Corridor from McCormick Place west to Clark Street
Incentives such as business tax breaks, fee waivers, employer tax credits and assistance from TIF funds are instances of resource I plan to tap in developing commercial and retail spaces throughout the 2nd Ward. The aldermanic office, in utilizing all available government resources, has to be a strong facilitator in attracting businesses to come and remain in 2nd Ward. I truly believe this can be achieved during my term as alderman.
4. Do you favor expanding the CTA Green Line train stops in the South Loop and Near South Side? If so, set forth what you would do as alderman to make improved transit a reality and the time frame when the station(s) would be completed?
A. Do you favor a stop at 18th Street?
B. Do you favor a stop at Cermak?
C. Do you favor a stop at 26th Street?
The CTA is grappling with serious budget problems, and the agency is already struggling to retain its services and employees. Planning new CTA stations, under the current budget predicament, is unwise. While I am much in favor of new stops such as the 18th and 26th Street (Green/Red Line), or for that matter, expansions beyond 79th Street (Red Line), the city will have to work hard on stabilizing the CTA finances first before expansions are considered.
5. Outline your development review process? How will you facilitate transparent community input with adequate time to review proposed projects prior to approving development in the South Loop and Near South Side?
Transparency, from the very start, is key. The process needs to be visible to all parties involved. Residents must be able to participate prior to, during, and after the planning and reviewing process. The development meetings have to be during days and hours that residents can readily attend. Information pertaining to the process has to readily available. Adequate review time must be granted if requested by residents. Also, an aldermen, or any candidates for the aldermanic office, must not receive money from developers - and I am proud to say that I did not. Rogue developers with bad history in any ward must be banned from doing future business in 2nd Ward.
6. What will you focus the existing TIF (tax increment financing) dollars on in the South Loop and Near South Side? Set forth your specific TIF spending plan and timeline.
TIF has to brought back to the very purpose it was introduced: to develop blighted are in our neighborhood, whether in South Loop, Near South Side, or the West Side. TIF dollars must be transparent in its allocation and process. I pledge to secure more TIF money for our ward, to utilize TIF money honestly and openly in tapping all resources available to attract and assist companies to do business in 2nd Ward, and in marketing 2nd Ward as the best place in the city for businesses.
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or pdna.chicago@gmail.com
Prairie District Neighborhood Alliance Board of Directors
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