Email to City Officials
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TO:
CC:
cpecaro@cityofhighwood.org; mfiore@cityofhighwood.org; apeterson@cityofhighwood.org; mbradslavin@cityofhighwood.org; friendsofhistoricfortsheridan@gmail.com; nrotering@cityhpil.com; gneukirch@cityhpil.com; stack@cityoflakeforest.com; wichaj@cityoflakeforest.com; khanson@cityofhighwood.org; Rbauer@cityofhighwood.org; Gmarkoutsas@cityofhighwood.org
SUBJECT:
Objection to Midwest Young Artists Conservatory (MYAC) Rezoning Proposal
BODY OF EMAIL:
Dear Sirs:
This note is in opposition to MYAC’s proposal to rezone its 4 “residential” acres to “commercial.” And it is my request that these “Public Comments” be added to the Public Record and forwarded to all members of the Planning & Zoning Committee.
It is my belief that MYAC’s zoning request for a giant 728-seat, 4 story, 46,000 sq ft, $35-40+ mil commercial year-round event venue is ill-fitting for the Fort Sheridan residential neighborhood that is a former military base and a unique community of 503 residences with a “national historic landmark district” (NHLD) designation. Cities around the country revere, protect and celebrate their NHLD and military-rich communities. Does Highwood not want to maintain the intended pastoral and non-commercial nature of this one?
And please know, I am not anti-music nor anti-education. But I am against this venue development project proposed by MYAC.
Importantly, as a tax-free non-profit, there are no tangible benefits associated with this proposed massive year-round commercial venue for Fort Sheridan, or for the City of Highwood, its residents or businesses. And, MYAC doesn’t really have a need for such a large structure for its students to use on a regular basis. Rather, its viability must come from frequent non-mission uses and by outside performance acts/groups. MYAC will not put a limit on the number of performing acts, and this is probably why. As a close comparison relative to size and volume, Skokie’s North Shore Performing Arts Center is only slightly larger than the MYAC proposed venue and it boasts 200,000 patrons per year (see www.Northshorecenter.org).
It is also known that Highwood has many other real estate development projects underway with tangible and meaningful benefits. And these projects will provide a taxable base and lift to the local economy, will further support the city’s vibrant business and restaurant culture, and the city’s financial solvency. They too will add more traffic and congestion to an already busy little community. In contrast, the MYAC venue offers no financial benefit, and it will add additional excessive traffic.
With realistic expectations for a high-traffic year-round commercial venue, this will put undue stress on a Highwood neighborhood that is peaceful, serene and known as special for its airiness and link to nature with its walking paths, open spaces, lakefront and pastoral beauty. This is why it’s felt to be a gem by all who enjoy Fort Sheridan! This huge commercial venue will change the historic and visual character of Fort Sheridan, but more importantly, lead to increased traffic, congestion, parking problems, noise, crowds, pollution, safety concerns and alter ease of travel in/out of the Fort, in Highwood (HW), AND on surrounding roads in Highland Park (HP) and Lake Forest (LF). It will also increase public resource demands of police, fire, EMS, and other city departments in HW, HP and LF.
From a simple standpoint, there is not enough parking for the 728 patrons. Then add the necessary spaces required for members of a full orchestra (which includes another 100 spaces), plus parking needed for venue staff, security and maintenance staff, caterers, buses, trucks, etc. Insufficient parking is the conclusion already stated by the City of Highwood’s own consultant. This alone should suggest this is an ill-fitting location for this proposal.
In sum, this proposal just doesn’t add up or sound right. Please do not approve this rezoning request. Maybe a team of business consultants can help MYAC find another location for their expansion plans.
Thank you very much for your consideration and I look forward to a reply.
Sincerely,
YOUR NAME
YOUR ADDRESS
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