Community Protests Against Parker School Expansion in Lincoln Park

A small, dedicated group of neighbors gathered in Oz Park on Saturday to protest the expansion of Francis W. Parker School onto Belden Avenue in Lincoln Park. The demonstration included signs and ‘Stop Parker’ buttons as the community voiced its concerns over the school’s growth plans. This protest reflects ongoing tension between the school, established 125 years ago, and local residents.

Parker’s expansion proposal involves adding athletic field lighting, a pedestrian overpass, and a new building to their campus. Neighbors are opposing the ‘School and Neighborhood Improvement Proposal’ to prevent these changes from becoming permanent features of East Lincoln Park.

While fewer than 100 people attended the protest, approximately 1,900 residents have signed a petition against the expansion, according to Kelsey Burr of the East Lincoln Park Neighbors. Arden Austin, a local resident, highlighted that the neighborhood does not generally approve of Parker’s plans. Austin, who attended the protest with her young son, criticized the expansion as unnecessary and disruptive to the community.

Supporters of the school’s plan argue that it will enhance educational opportunities and support local public schools. A Parker spokesperson emphasized the potential benefits for students and the community.

Michelle Hoppe Villegas, a Mid-North Association board member, spoke against the expansion, emphasizing that a six-acre campus should be sufficient in a densely populated residential area. Among the biggest concerns is the conversion of existing residential buildings into classroom space, which could displace families. Affected buildings include historical structures with affordable housing units.

As part of its proposal, Parker has pledged to donate $25,000 annually for the next two decades to Lincoln Park High School and Lincoln Elementary School. Additionally, they plan to convert their current administrative building into new affordable housing units. Despite this, some locals feel the compensation is inadequate.

Wendy Foster and her partner David Merriman, who have resided in East Lincoln Park for three years, are active in gathering signatures against the expansion. They argue that the loss of housing outweighs the benefits offered by the school.

There is also dissatisfaction with Alderman Timmy Knudsen, who supports the expansion. The proposal requires approval from Knudsen and the City Council zoning committee. Earlier this year, Knudsen’s office conducted a survey showing that 60% of 43rd Ward residents favor the expansion. However, Burr’s petition suggests that opposition is strong within the ward.

Samvith Srinivas, a father and protester, expressed distrust in local officials, accusing them of catering to wealthy interests rather than the broader community.