North Shore Citizens in Opposition to Loyola Academy's Parking Lots

North Shore Citizens to Preserve Green Space, Inc.

1049 Manor, Wilmette, Illinois 60091

312-446-8010

stoployolaparkinglot@gmail.com

May 16, 2016

Re: Opposition to Loyola Academy’s Application for Special Use

(Proposed Parking lots on Thornwood and Illinois)

North Shore Citizens to Preserve Green Space, Inc. (NSCPGS), a not-for-profit representing our neighbors and dedicated to preserving the residential character of our neighborhood and its green spaces--wants you to be fully informed of what is going on in your neighborhood. There is a public meeting scheduled at the Village of Wilmette on Wednesday, June 15 at 7:30 pm where the Wilmette zoning board of appeals will hear Loyola's parking proposal (through an Application for Special Use) and NSCPGS’ opposition. It is essential that all concerned citizens be educated regarding the facts in this case and be present for this meeting to support the neighborhood. Be aware that a continuance has been granted twice now so it is possible it will happen again. The Village of Wilmette phone number along with the contact person has been included at the bottom of the page so you can call the village to confirm the meeting is taking place prior to attending. Per the Village, if the continuance is requested by 3 pm, they will post notification on the village web site. Be aware that this is far from a sprint and going to require a marathon effort from all the neighborhood residents to Stop Loyola.

THE FACTS

-Loyola’s proposed plans include demolishing two residential homes and paving over two grassy lots with asphalt for the purpose of parking. The reality is they have much bigger plans for our neighborhood and are attempting to buy various properties around the perimeter of the school. It appears this is just the beginning of what they hope will be significant expansion.

-Loyola is claiming that the parking spaces are strictly for staff and visitors to the school rather than for students. This would mean you should still expect to have students asking to park in your driveway.

-Loyola is currently seeking funding for an Aquatic Center and Fine Arts Theater and the cost will exceed 40 million dollars so the argument that they cannot afford a parking structure on their own property has no merit.

-As of 2010, only 8% of families with a student at Loyola lived in Wilmette and paid taxes here. The percentage may be slightly different now but the majority of students at Loyola do not reside in the area and are not village residents.

-There are legitimate concerns regarding this project that include, but are not limited to, the reduction of green space and the environmental consequences of that, increased traffic with a new pattern that will threaten our safety, increased flooding, a decrease in property values and the likelihood of increased crime.

-Loyola is seeking a Special Use Permit to move forward with this project. The original permit was issued with a commitment from Loyola that their enrollment would never exceed 2,000 students. Loyola is currently in excess of that number (and has been consistently), thus violating that agreement.

-NSCPGS has a legal team that is holding both Loyola Academy and the Village of Wilmette legally accountable for decisions and agreements made in the past that have impacted this community.

-According to A Pocket Guide to Jesuit Education, there are three key parts involved in the learning process which include being attentive, reflective and being loving. The way this whole project has been handled is not consistent with the Jesuit Mission. Loyola has not been attentive to the needs of our community, they have not demonstrated that any sort of reflection has taken place for our benefit, and rest assured nobody in the neighborhood who is opposed to Loyola's plans for expansion is feeling love from the ever growing institution.

-Please be aware of what is happening in your neighborhood and get involved! Attend the public meeting(s) scheduled by the Village of Wilmette to voice your concerns regarding what would happen if the village board were to grant Loyola Academy a Special Use Permit to move forward with this project.

North Shore Citizens to Preserve Green Space is in opposition of Loyola's parking lot plans as well as further expansion. Please join us at the next village meeting where you will have an opportunity to learn more about our organization and learn how you can volunteer in an effort to preserve our neighborhood. We will have volunteers present to answer your questions and gather your contact information.

Meanwhile, all good fights require funding and tenacity. If you are in agreement with NSCPGS and want to Stop Loyola, go to stoployolaparkinglot@gmail.com for updates and the latest news. Stay tuned for information regarding an upcoming block party/fundraiser and other events to support our neighborhood. WE CAN STOP LOYOLA WITH YOUR HELP!!!

Village Hall Meeting

When: Wednesday, June 15, 2016 at 7:30pm

Where: Village of Wilmette, 1200 Wilmette Ave

Lisa Roberts regarding status of meetings: 847-853-7529

Jon Adler, Director of Community Development, regarding concerns and inquiries: 847-853-7528

North Shore Citizens to Preserve Green Space Outreach Committee is responsible for this document.

Dory Hixon for North Shore Citizens to Preserve Green Space

Anne Nagle for North Shore Citizens to Preserve Green Space

Maureen Kafkis for North Shore Citizens to Preserve Green Space