There have been many news articles and letters from Lincoln Park residents about the proposed plans for the former Lincoln Park Hospital site. My purpose in writing is neither in support nor opposition to the plans. Instead, I write to point out that it is the role of the ward’s elected alderman though established community groups to provide input to the zoning decision makers after considering input from all relevant parties.

My concern regards the actions on this matter of the 43 Ward’s Democratic Ward Committeeman Michele Smith. Recently there have been a number of communications issued by her — as committeeman — stating clear opposition to the project plans in inflammatory language. No constructive purpose can be served by opportunistically provoking those concerned with the change.

I believe this is a little-disguised effort by Ms. Smith to gain supporters for a likely aldermanic candidacy. I also believe such efforts actually drive more people away – namely, the more-silent majority of voting residents who prefer leadership that brings people together and whose focus is on what is best for the community as a whole.

The most concise definition of a Chicago ward committeeman’s responsibilities I have seen comes from Chicagoist.com: “The Ward Committeeman is in charge of activities such as voter registration within the Ward, hosting community forums, providing election materials, and facilitating the smooth operation of primaries and elections. They also recruit Election Judges, Precinct Captains and Area Coordinators.”

Nowhere is it within a committeeman’s role to promote specific positions — whether or not they are asked by people with one view or another to get involved. If Ms. Smith wants to promote a personal view, I believe she — like the rest of us — should do so as a private citizen, as part of an established community organization, or as a declared political candidate using campaign funds.

This all said, I would like to commend Ms. Smith for the panel discussion she coordinated June 7 on the ward’s vacant retail business properties. I attended this event and was pleased it was balanced and constructively brought people together on this important topic. I hope any future such forums continue to present a range of views and information. I also hope such gatherings begin to be closely coordinated with the alderman, who also has a designated responsibility to host community forums and who most directly works with Lincoln Park’s development matters.

The better way forward for the vacant hospital site is to bring people of varying views together for dialogue with the twin goals of determining: one, that which meets the best long-term needs of the entire community, and two, that which provides a fair way ahead for those willing to invest in improving Lincoln Park and creating substantive local jobs.

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By Boyee from Mid-North (Lincoln Park)
Posted: 06/28/2010 11:47 AM

Michele Smith is only stating the opinions of the Mid-North neighborhood where the hospital sits. Over 78% is opposed not to development, but to the current development as it exists by the developers. It is a quiet neighborhood of 3-4 story houses and small condo buildings with no retail. The hospital has been nearly non-existent for 20 years. Mid-North wants no housing taller than the existing housing of 3-4 stories and no destination retail which will change the neighborhood's character.