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The proposals for Olympic 2016 facilities in Washington and Jackson Parks on Chicago's Mid-South Side and historic Olmsted parks, with Community commentaries This page is presented by the Hyde Park-Kenwood Community Conference, its Parks and Development-Preservation-Zoning committees, and its website www.hydepark.org. Join the Conference to support and take ownership in our work; join our committees to make a difference.
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Index to page. Contacts and meetings. Jackson Park & Coverage ahead of Jackson Park meeting.
The Chicago 2016 Olympic Committee has submitted the Applicant File, the next stage in its bid documents and proposals, January 2008. President Bush has offered full support of the bid. The file is on line at the Chicago2016 site. We are trying to get a direct pdf link as this file is very large. Contact meanwhile as in the following notice. In February 2008, Mayor Daley announced a CTA repair and upgrade program, with most of the projects to be done by October 2009 when the bid is reviewed by the International Committee.
By Gary Ossewaarde:
The Conference has received virtually no response on requests for information on Olympic planning and impact.
In general, not much information
on plans to accommodate the Olympics and provide lasting facility legacies has
come forth from the Chicago2016 Committee, and little local planning is being
done. Mayor Daley did announce a program of transit and related upgrades apart
from Olympic considerations and generally thought needed in any case-- and requiring
state and federal help. Foundations have set up some small funds to study, with
communities, impacts and legacies. But most commentators (and a recent forum
at the University on Displacement) point to little local positive economic or
development results from recent Olympics. They also see little evidence of detailed
and collaborative planning underway in Chicago, but much evidence that some
parks and neighborhoods will be both bowled over and left ill-prepared for the
Games and their aftermath.
From: Chicago
2016 Applicant City <info@chicago2016.rsys1.com>
To: rumsey@aol.com
Sent: Fri, 18 Jan 2008 6:02 am
Subject: Download the Chicago 2016 Applicant File
On January 14th,
our response to the International Olympic Committee Applicant City Questionnaire
was submitted to the IOC headquarters in Lausanne, Switzerland. The Applicant
File is the first official document we’ve sent to the IOC and gives a
detailed glimpse into our concept for the Games. As I remarked at the press
conference to introduce our Applicant File to the public, Chicago 2016’s
plan will create a spectacular Olympic experience for the athletes, Olympic
Family, residents, spectators and the global television audience. I am committed
to this vision and truly believe our city can provide an unrivaled Games celebration.
The PDF of the Applicant File is posted on the Chicago 2016 website* and I invite
you to examine our concept and share it with anyone who is interested in supporting
our bid for the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Patrick G. Ryan
Chairman and CEO, Chicago 2016
*http://www.chicago2016.org/ The committee says all that it has decided to date, and goals and objectives are publicly on line at this site.
Washington Park Olympic Committee of WP Adv. Council meets 1st Saturdays 9 am, Washington Park fieldhouse, 5531 S. King Drive. Contact 773 493-0754.
So,
Chicago has won its U.S. Olympic Bid, Advances To International Competition.
Commentary. Saturday, April14, 2007, 3 pm: Chicago
is the United States' pick to host the 2016 Olympic Games, and will
now go on to compete with other cities worldwide. The U.S. Olympic Committee
announced in Washington, D.C., this afternoon, that they had picked Chicago
over Los Angeles. Mayor Richard M. Daley and other city officials have been
working for more than a year to envision a plan to host the 2016 Games. Pledge
by a local insurance company to cover up to $500 million and a scholarship fund
including by U of C that will enable athletes to study in Chicago helped
top LA's last minute sweeteners.
Valerie Jarrett, vice chair of the Committee, says much
more community input will now be sought. Meanwhile in October 2007 Peter
Uberoth of the U.S. Olympic Committee said Chicago's bid is in about 4th place
against Rio, Madrid, and Tokyo.
What does this selection mean for our local communities and, should the International Committee select Chicago, how can it be made a positive, community-advancing and least-disruptive experience?
You are invited to send
your views, whether for inclusion here or not. Send to hpkcc@aol.com,
Attn. Washington Park Olympic proposals. You should also send your views to
Cecilia Butler, President of the Washington Park Advisory Council (call her
at 773 667-4061), Alderman Preckwinkle, Alderman Troutman, Park District General
Superintendent Timothy Mitchell, and Mayor Daley. Scroll down for mailing address
of International Olympic Committee. Gary Ossewaarde, HPKCC Parks Chairman.
The website of the Olympic Bid Committee is http://www.chicago2016.org.
Hyde Park Herald is also asking for opinions for and against. letters@hpherald.com.
HPKCC's Letter is also in its
own page for printing. Note:
Chicago Park District General Superintendent and CEO Timothy Mitchell has agreed
to a meting with HPKCC spokespersons; a meeting is being arranged with Timothy
King, External Affairs Director. HPKCC is also in touch with Gyata Kimmons,
2016 Committee community liaison.
For Washington Park's history
and significance, the present park, its council, programs and facilities, visit
this site's Washington Park homepage and navigate
to sub pages on special facilities there.
Maps of Washington Park. Parks
home. Park Issues. DuSable
Museum of African American History website. Chicago
Park District website.
In this page:
Chicago 2016
Phone 312 552.2016
Fax 312 861.4801
E-mail info@chicago2016.org
visit www.chicago2016.org
180 N. Stetson, Suite 1500
Chicago, IL 606012016 Committee Community relations liaison is Gyata Kimmons. 312 861-4852, gkimmons@Chicago2016.org.
Also serving as liaison from the city is Arnold Randall, Deputy Chief of Staff to the Mayor for Development, Room 509, 121 N. LaSalle St. 60602, 312 744-6655.The Washington Park Council will not discuss the matter regularly: Instead it has spun off a Washington Park Area Olympics Coalition, which will meet 1st Saturdays 9 am in Washington Park Fieldhouse. Watch for updates on successes on its evolving set of points to be engaged with the Olympic committee. Next October 1.
Fifth Ward Olympics community focus and committees meet every 4th Thursday at 6:30 pm in Jackson Park Fieldhouse, convened by Ald. Leslie Hairston. That on May 22 will concentrate on transportation and transit, with CTA Metra et al to be invited.
From
the March 2008 Conference Reporter, View from the Parks by Gary Ossewaarde
On the Olympics...
The Conference has received virtually no response on requests for information on Olympic planning and impact.
In general, not much information on plans to accommodate the Olympics and provide lasting facility legacies has come forth from the Chicago 2016 Committee, and little local planning is being done. Mayor Daley did announce a program of transit and related upgrades apart from Olympic considerations and generally thought needed in any case--and requiring state and federal help. Foundations have set up some small funds to study, with communities, impacts and legacies. But most commentators (and a recent forum at the University on Displacement) point to little local positive economic or development results from recent Olympics. They also see little evidence of detailed and collaborative planning underway in Chicago, but much evidence that some parks and neighborhoods will be unduly affected and left ill-prepared for the Games and their aftermath.
Alderman Hairston tackles Olympics
April 24 in Jackson Park fieldhouse, over 40 savvy residents of Hyde Park, Woodlawn and South Shore, including stakeholder representatives, met in Jackson Park Fieldhouse to ask many questions and give ideas to Gyata Kimmons of Chicago 2016 and Alderman Hairston. It appeared to be just sinking in how complex the issues and enormous the impacts will be. The reaction of at least some was that we should focus on preventing destruction and disruption in the park and on getting replacement trees for previous storms, projects etc.
Herald, March 26, 2008. By Sam Cholke
Ald. Hairston (5th), members of her staff and constituents gathered Thursday night to discuss where to begin addressing residents' concerns about implications of the 2016 Olympics should they come to Chicago. "Even if we don't get the games, we can still have a place for the South Side as we grow and prosper," Hairston said. The potential of the Olympic games coming to Chicago gives Hyde Park an opportunity to address a lot of issues, she said.
Hairston said the neighborhood needs to find out what kind of licensing and restrictions are going to be expected of vendors, so women-owned businesses, minority owned businesses and businesses in general on the South Side of Chicago can be competitive.
Gyata Kimmons, director of community relations with Chicago 2016, said these issues were important considerations to keep in mind. "Chicago is a Pepsi town," Kimmons said. "Coca-Cola is a major sponsor of the Olympics." There may be certain area where vendors contracted to do business with the Olympics can't advertise some Pepsi products, Kimmons said.
Hairston said it's important for business owners to start thinking about getting licensed and bonded and getting their line of credit in anticipation of contracts being announced in 1911. "Between now and 2011, they can have a viable business set up," Hairston said. Hairston said the community needs to find out which contracts will be through the city of Chicago, the federal government and other organizations.
Kimmons said the committee would like to see minority-owned businesses getting 25 percent of the contracts and women-owned businesses 5 percent. "I think we should set our minimum at 25 and 5 [percent] and work our way up from there," Hairston said.
Kimmons said that federal department of Transportation dollars often flow into U/S. cities hosting the Olympics for temporary and permanent infrastructure improvement. Kimmons said the geological makeup of the are was important to keep in mind when assessing what should be done to improve infrastructure and parking. "Because of the water table, we can't do anything underground, Kimmons said. "Even if we don't get it, we can still do something about parking," Hairston said.
The alderman's office will be hosting a series of meetings to assess the impact the Olympics could have on Jackson Park and the South Side. The next meeting will focus on how the Olympics could benefit Jackson Park and the broader community and will be held at 6:;30 p.m., on April 24 at the Jackson Park field house, 6401 S. Stony Island Ave. For more information, call the Alderman's office at 324-5555.
Ald. Hairston says "no pink elephants" warns Gyata Kimmons that the 2016 Olympics must benefit the whole communityHyde Park Herald, April 30, 2008. By Sam Cholke
Gyata Kimmons, director of community relations with Chicago 2016, met for a third time with 5th Ward residents and Ald. Leslie Hairston to make sure the proposed Olympic games did not "leave any pink elephants in the city." "If it doesn't make sense for our communities, we're not going to get it," Kimmons said.
One of the potential "pink elephants" is a proposed widening of Hayes Drive that would remove a chunk of Jackson Park to be restored after the Games. "You cannot 'restore' a 60-year-old tree," said [Ver]nita Jones, a member of the Jackson Park Advisory Council. Kimmons assured the audience that no trees would be removed and the entire project would work around existing trees. A few shrubs would be removed, but they would work to have them replaced after the Games, he said.
With recent state funds to repair damages to Stony Island Avenue from the Dan Ryan Expressway reroute rescinded, Hairston approached these promises with skepticism. "Somebody is making these decisions who is not our neighbor," she said. "I'm cautious when people from outside the community come in and tell me what the use is."
Chicago 2016 is a $49 million, privately funded organization with one goal: "to get the Olympics in Chicago," Kimmons said. That being said, Kimmons explained that all the plans and objectives Chicago 2016 has created to reach that goal are publicly available on its Web site, chicago.2016.org.
Several in the audience expressed doubt that the transparency of the bid group would translate to transparency were it to successfully get the Olympics in Chicago or apply any pressure on the International Olympics committee (IOC) for transparency.
"I am not confident that t he IOC is not going to come in here and change the rules on us," Hairston said. She encouraged anyone in the audience with experience working with t he IOC to help her expedite the learning process.
Hairston said the next meeting will focus on transportation issues and she hopes to have representatives from Metra, CTA, IDOT, RTA, Pace, the Park district and Chicago 2016 available to listen to concerns and answer questions about the Olympics. Current transportation plans for all Olympics events at Jackson Park involve transporting spectators to and from the ark b shuttle. No parking will be available in the park. Neighborhood parking issues will be discussed at a later meeting. The next Olympics meeting will be at 6:30 p.m. May 22 at the Jackson Park fieldhouse, 6401 S. Stony Island.
Ben Joravsky of Chicago Reader April 3 says [the fight over council guidelines is] All About the Olympics
The last time a Park District advisory council weighed in on the Olympics, it didn't come down on the side Mayor daley wanted. That was back in July, when the Jackson Park Advisory Council passed a resolution against the city's proposal to build a temporary 20,000-seat field hockey arena in the south lakefront park, part of its bid for the 2016 Olympics.
Well, this oughta teach 'em a lesson: In February Park District superintendent Tim Mitchell introduced a drafted of revised guidelines that would impose stiff new condition for membership in local park advisory councils, including criminal background checks. They've been sent to several advisory councils for review, but the Park District itself has the final decision.
Tim King, the Park District's officer who drafted the guidelines, told Crain's Chicago Business that the background checks are intended to keep pedophiles out of field houses (except of course the ones who can just walk in off the street) and embezzlers away from the councils' books (though th Park District doesn't fund the councils). Park District spokesman Jessica Maxey-Faulkner adds that the measure wasn't prompted by specific incidents but is meant to be preventive.
I think there's a more likely explanation. The Park District is essentially an extension of City Hall. The mayor appoints its whole board, and Mitchell was once his deputy chief of staff. Wining and hosting the games is contingent on Park District support. The events will be held on Park District property and will be paid for in part by Park District funds. Mitchell and other Park District leaders are the ones who'll take the heat for interrupting regular park activities--softball, soccer, football, tennis leagues-- to get the facilities ready. As one former board member recently told me, "It's all about the Olympics, my friend."
Historically the park advisory councils have had little clout. They were started in the 80s by Friends of the Parks to provide community oversight, but though the district touts their involvement it also limits it to recommendations and suggestions. There are close to 100 in the city currently (for more than 550 parks), and how active they are varies, with some vigorously raising funds for park improvements and others meeting erratically. All you have to do to join on i show up and fill out an application expressing interest. Still, once you're in, you can yell, scream, and turn blue in the face without ever stopping Mitchell from doing whatever the mayor has ordered.
But the advisory councils have a window of influence right now--and it closes next year, when the International Olympic Committee announces the host of t he 2016 summer games. While the councils can't single-handedly upset Chicago's bid, they can undercut the appearance of support Daley has so carefully orchestrated, and the mayor takes that threat seriously: When members of he U/S. Olympic Committee visited Washington Park last year, Daley deviated from plans and kept them on a bus rather than let them mingle with anti-police-brutality activists who'd come out to get their attention. (The official line was that the USOC folks stayed on the bus because there was snow on the ground.)
Currently the Park District park advisory council guidelines, last revised in 2000, are loose. There are no restrictions on membership and no term limits. The councils are encouraged to form their own bylaws, and they're free to impose dues or not. The new guidelines would change al of that. The revised membership application would require not only a criminal background check but three references. "The decision of the Park District to accept or reject" applications is final, it notes, and volunteers "may be terminated at any time with or without cause." The terms and conditions go on to prohibit volunteers from media contact concerning the Park District and to bar them from passing on any information concerning the district without written authorization.
Dues are also prohibited, but fund-raising is strongly encouraged--though the Park District would reserve control over how any money is spent. it has also drafted universal bylaws that include term limits of two years for all officers. Members would be required to live within a certain distance (yet to be determined) of th park or have and "interest in or use of" it, such as participating in a Park District program or having a child who does.
Jill Niland, president of the Lincoln Park Advisory Council, calls the proposed conditions "preemptive strikes" designed to make advisory groups less likely to rebel against its policies. Ross Petersen, president of Jackson Park Advisory Council, agrees: "They're trying to crate an atmosphere to discourage any type of whistle-blowing," he says. I have to think our opposition to the Olympics has something to do with this."
When they passed their resolution in July, Petersen and other Jackson Park Advisory Council members were concerned about rumors that construction of the temporary field hockey arena could tie up the park for several years. The resolution made them the only park advisory council to go on record against bringing the Olympics to town.
The city responded by sending a slew of top officials to the council's September meeting. Chicago 2016 vice chair Valerie Jarrett acknowledged to the group that the games would have a local impact but emphasized the possibility of lasting improvement to the park. Planning commissioner Arnold Randall went so far as to promise that the park would be affected for no more than ten months. Since the Olympic games take place in August and the Paralympics in September, that means construction would start in January and the arena would b down by october--a preposterous promise give the cost overruns and delays associated with most major projects in Chicago. It's not even likely that Olympic officials would allow Chicago to begin building so close to the start of the games, when a harsh winter could prevent the project from being finished in time. But the city will say whatever it has to say to maintain the appearance of widespread public support.
The next big fight looks to be in Lincoln Park, where resident are already up in arms over a sweetheart deal in which the Park District gave Latin School exclusive prime-time use of a new soccer field the private school built on public land near the zoo. Just wait till they learn what t he city has in store for the field west of the bird sanctuary near the Waveland Clock Tower: a 10,000-seat tennis arena. In January Olympic Committee officials gave a presentation to the Lincoln Park Advisory Council, drawing a chorus of critical questions and concerns. The committee promised to return with more specifics. But it's one thing to ask for a council's advice; it's another thing to follow it.
Maxey-Faulkner says the Olympics has nothing to do with the proposed guidelines. In fact, she says, advocates like Friends of the Parks got the ball rolling four years ago by asking that the advisory council guidelines be rewritten. Furthermore, she emphasizes, the proposed guidelines are not by any means final. "This is a draft," she says. "We're listening to what people have to say."
On Friday, April 4, Park District officials will meet with select park advisory councils to discuss the new proposed guidelines; we'll se how their input is heeded.
Erma Tranter, president of Friends of the Parks, says that two years ago the Park District came to her asking for help in reworking the guidelines. The issue at the time was advisory councils that were failing to meet regularly. She says the new draft was a surprise to her, and that Friends of the Parks does not endorse the revised version: "The guidelines from 2000 say everything that needs to be said," she says. "Why wouldn't you just stick with those?" Top
May 1 2008 Univ. of Chicago Chronicle sites Prof. Allen Sanderson poses a poll question pitting Olympics v other priorities in April 22 Tribune:
"If Chicago were going to spend an additional $1 billion over the next few year on various civic projects, how would you like to see the mayor, City Council and other public agencies allocate that amount of money? Alternatives could be: (a) The 2016 Olympic Games; (b) Shoring up our roads, bridges and public transportation; (c) Putting more police on the streets and in neighborhoods; (d) Pubic Schools and healthcare; (e) Efforts to make Chicago a greener, more environmentally responsible city. I would be willing to wager a sizeable sum of money on where having a public parry in in eight years would rank on people's priority list--and how much they would be voluntarily willing to shell out for it." [Note, the city claims there will be no net city investment, all donations.]
July 9 2007 Jackson Park Advisory Council passed a resolution of opposition to venues in that park:
"The Jackson Park Advisory Council opposes as ill-advised and inappropriate the siting of Olympic venues in Jackson Park."
A largely-attended JPAC meeting with the Olympic Committee September 10 saw a serious engagement of question and answers and what might or might not work. JPAC passed no new resolutions and will continue to study and engage. Coverage ahead of the Sept. 10 meeting.
From the October JPAC Newsletter- Minutes of the September 10 2007 meeting.
Olympic and Paralympic presentation. Valerie Jarrett, Gyata Kimmons, Doug Arnot of Chicago2016 and Arnold Randall, Chicago Commissioner of Planning and Development. Also John Hillman, Mark Jones, Tony Romano; Alonzo Williams CPD.
Jarrett said there would be impact locally, but this is an opportunity to leave improvements and legacy with minimum disruption, if planned carefully and prudently. She said the Committee wants and needs continuing engagement in an open, fair, collaborative process. She noted that changes have already been made. A strong bid needs consensus. Concept drawings and a video on the citywide suite of venues were shown.
Arnot, who has worked on design at other Olympics, said they are working hard to avoid mistakes, including to the environment, or leaving white elephants. The park is to be returned to its condition and uses, with some compatible improvements (not asphalt but possibly including security features). Structures, lighting, stands will be temporary (although security features could remain) and will not go below ground. The two artificial surface fields and third, grass will be legacies. All facilities must be fully accessible to persons with disabilities, one of the reasons for artificial surface fields. Arnot said the latter would also allow maximum use afterwards since grass fields are and would be quickly degraded. Arnot gave the timeframe as a few months of phased work in late 2015 and again in 2016.
Questions and challenges.
· Parks, field team experts were asked experience with artificial turf playing fields. Offers advantages.
· What will be off limits or have impractical access? Hayes Drive, golf driving range, soccer fields, Hayes lots incl. for basketball there. Not Bob-o-link, Wooded Island, Golf course, Lake Shore Drive.
· Impacts on natural areas. Petersen showed what structures and activity might be too close to lagoons and the ADA boardwalk and where crowds, short-cutters, support vehicles, lighting might disturb birds and wildlife.
· Will infrastructure like sewers be affected; could improvements be made? Team: generally no to both. And any wider kinds of improvements like playlots, transit cannot come from Olympic program, funds.
· How will the athletes, people be moved? Shuttle buses; no autos (re-educate off autos). Plan will take time.
· Several feared congestion in neighborhoods, effects on mobility, harbors, golf et al.
· Will alternative places be offered teams, users? Past help in previous displacements can be a model. Sports team reps stressed management and success at such accommodation as critical.
· Several asked if more substantial legacies could be left: little result for lots of disruption. Also suggested for effect and congestion/conflict mitigation during the event was use of portable bridges for access, shiny steel. Team would consider but is cautious about redirecting the park or leaving white elephants.
· An archeologist said the law requires a full reconnaissance ahead of work; site was Columbian Expos.
· The short timeframe was generally challenged. Team cited Olympic, other experience, no work underground.
· Will there be an extensive set of public input meetings and charette? Yes. The presenters asked for input to help develop consensus on landscaping, behaviors, traffic, being green. An “Olmstedist” is on the design team. Full detail design starts in late 2009—that is the best window for input.The Olympic Committee was thanked for discussing and answering and were urged to return often. Members reviewed concerns and alternatives. Concern was expressed about the park’s current state and needs, including major facilities, that may not be adequately addressed because the energy and funds will go to the Olympics. Petersen summarized consensus: Continue to learn and evaluate, Compile member questions at the next meeting. Adjournment.
Respectfully submitted, Gary M. Ossewaarde, Secretary
Progress made between JPAC, Olympics Committee
Hyde Park Herald, September 19, 2007. By Georgia Geis
A line of communication between the Chicago 2016 Olympic Committee and the Jackson Park Advisory Council (JPAC) was opened last week at a well-attended Sept. 10 council meeting. Gyata Kimmons, Chicago 2016 community liaison, addressed residents' questions about the plans to use Jackson Park as a field hockey venue in the proposed 2016.
"There seems to be an openness for further discussions with the Olympic Committee," said JPAC Vice President Ross Petersen. Kimmons said he was encouraged to see so many park users at the meeting asking questions. "These are people who actually use the park," said Kimmons. "The audience really wanted to know about our proposals."
Valerie Jarrett and Arnold Randall from the Olympic Committee joined with Kimmons to present the Olympic and Paralympic plan for Jackson Park. They provided color posters of what they expect the sites to look like. They outlined the specifics about two new astro-turf fields that would be added. [note: these would replace 2 of 3 current grass fields and would be an advanced artificial surface, not "Astroturf".]
Petersen said that the soccer players in attendance saw potential in the new fields that will cost more than half a million each to complete. Petersen, who said he was optimistic about the open communication with Chicago 2016, said there were still many concerns and an enormous amount of skepticism about using the park as a site. "This is all uncomfortably close to a nature area," said Petersen....
(Community Media Workshop/Tom Clark's CANTV will tape a panel discussion on Olympics and Neighborhoods September 19, for broadcast ? People from our neighborhood will participate.)
Coverage, Hyde Park Herald, July 18, 2007. By Georgia Geis
Jackson Park Advisory Council (JPAC) members are fed up* with the lack of information they have received from the Chicago 2016 Olympic Committee about the proposed field hockey venue at Jackson Park and have officially taken a stand against such a proposal. Repeated calls by the Herald to reach Gyata Kimmons, the newly appointed community liaison for the Olympic committee, went unanswered during presstime.
On July 12, the Jackson Park Advisory Council (JPAC) issued an official statement opposing the use of the park in the proposed 2016 Olympics.
"The Jackson Park Advisory Council opposes as ill-advised and inappropriate the siting of Olympic venues in Jackson Park," JPAC secretary Gary Ossewaarde told the Herald.
The concerns JPAC discussed at its last meeting include heavily used parts of the park that would be closed for up to three years, the ecological damage to trees and other plants in the park and the replacing of turf grass with artificial astro-turf. The Herald was unable to confirm the planned time table or any other details with Kimmons and the Chicago 2016 Olympic Committee.
The lack of information and dialogue fueled the stand against the field hockey site. "We have invited the committee on several occasions to speak at our meetings," said JPAC vice president Ross Petersen.
The Chicago 2016 Olympic committee has appointed Gyata Kimmons as a community liaison but according to Petersen, it is "a little too little and a little too late."
Unlike the Washington Park Advisory Council, however, which has accepted the proposal to have the 80,000 seat temporary stadium in Washington Park if certain points are met, JPAC is strongly opposed to the Olympics in Jackson Park.
"Our position is we don't want it," Ossewaarde said. "This is not a negotiation."
Some longtime residents of Hyde Park fear that Jackson Park would be overwhelmed by such a large event. "It is a misuse of parkland in an urban area," said Hyde Park resident and real estate agent Winston Kennedy. "These parks were not made for these international events."
Ray Kuby first came to Hyde Park in the 1950s for law school. Kuby, who visits Jackson Park often, feels that the Chicago Park District has done a good job in the last ten years upgrading and tending to the park. He sites the Japanese Garden and the track field as examples.
"It may be for selfish reasons, but I like the parks the way they are," said Kuby. "Why don't they do a survey of the people living here?"
Jane Ciacci would like to find out more information about the Olympic proposal. "I'm waiting to see what happens," said Ciacci. I'm not developing an opinion yet."
Others see hosting the Olympics in Hyde Park as a good thing. "It would be a great boost for Chicago. It will bring a lot of jobs," Daisy Mitchell, who has lived in Hyde Park for 54 years, said. She laughs and adds that she will not be participating, though.
In the end, some like Hyde Park resident of 35 years, Fran VanderVoort feel this is a political issue. "Toni [Preckwinkle], Leslie [Hairston], and the University are behind it, they see it as jobs," said VanderVoort.
Vandervoort has a long history with Jackson Park. As a teacher, she would take her Kenwood Academy biology classes in the 1980s and 1990s to Jackson Park to explore the various pants an animals. She feels the long term ecological damage would outweigh any short term benefits.
In 1869 the famous landscape architects who designed New York's Central Park created park area encompassing what is now Jackson Park. Originally called Lake Park, Jackson Park was renamed in 1880 to honor the seventh President Andrew Jackson (1767-1845). Jackson Park was selected as the site for the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition.
*"Disappointed and dismayed" might be a better description, according to Gary Ossewaarde, JPAC Secretary.
Herald, July 25, 2007. By Georgia Geis
The Chicago 2016 Olympic Committee wants Hyde Parkers' input but said it is too early to say whether anything is negotiable, an official told the herald last week. "I can't necessarily say that things are up for debate," said Patrick Sandusky, spokesperson for the Olympic committee, on a call from Rio de Janeiro, where the committee was scoping out their competition for winning the 2016 bid.
Sandusky said the committee would like to meet with Hyde Park residents and specifically the Jackson Park Advisory Council (JPAC). "There are a lot of stake holders and we would like a dialogue with everyone," said Sandusky.
JPAC vice president Ross petersen said he would welcome the Committee to make a presentation at an upcoming meeting but is skeptical about any results. He said he has only heard "pieces of information" in regards to plans for Jackson Park. "It is the city's job to candy coat and sell [the Olympic proposal] to us," Petersen said.
Among concerns voiced by JPAC are installation of astroturf in the park, the environmental impact of using the park as an international sports venue and the length of time the park will be out of commission, which they estimate will be years.
Sandusky denied JPAC's claim that parts of Jackson Park would be closed for as long as three years. Sandusky's estimate for closure is six months. Peterson thinks that it is unrealistic to think that major parts of the park will only be closed for six months. He estimates that the park will need to be worked on the year before the event, out of commission for 2016 and that it will take a year to restore the park afterward.
Sandusky urges Hyde Parkers to take the long view about the proposed Olympic venue. "This going to be a long process, we still have 27 months until we know if we win the bid an almost 10 years before the event, said Sandusky. "Plans are still being shaped with the community."
Members of JPAC, which formed in 1983 to protect and preserve the 570-acre-park, were taken by surprise last year when the city announced Jackson Park was a proposed site for the 2016 Olympics.
Since that time JPAC maintains they have not received adequate information about the park's use in the Olympics. Last week JPAC released an official statement against the use of the park for the Olympics.
Reader Article October 4 2007, A Promise Made to be Broken. Could a 20,000-seat Olympic field hockey arena really leave Jackson Park unspoiled?By Ben Joravsky
A couple weeks ago Mayor Daley took his Olympics dog-and-pony show to the Walt Disney Magnet School on the north side, far from the south-side neighborhood parks that will be overtaken if his plans for the 2016 games go through. As PR spectacles go, it was pretty impressive. The stage was filled with Olympic stars. The auditorium was packed with kids hoped-up to be out of class and eager to cheer on cue for the TV cameras.
The event's ostensible purpose was to unveil the city's new Olympic logo. But its larger goal was to send the message that Chicagoans, like Disney's giddy students, are jazzed up about bringing the games to town.
Of course, the public's attitude towards the games is a lot more complicated. If you walk through Washington Park on a Sunday afternoon and ask the softball and tennis players and joggers and sunbathers what they think about the games, you'll get a chorus of jeers. As they see it, just about the only thing the games will do is turn their park into a construction zone.
Over at Jackson Park, the proposed site of a 20,000-seat field hockey arena, opinion's a bit more split, as some opponents try to figure out how to deal with an all-powerful mayor with a short temper and a long memory.
Stretching along the south lakefront, with Stony Island to the west, the Museum of Science and Industry to the north, and 67th Street to the south, Jackson Park, site of the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition, is one of the city's most storied natural splendors. Designed by the 19th-century landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted, it contains more than 600 acres of open land, including an oak savanna, a Japanese garden, and a wooded island in the middle of one of its two lagoons. To cross the bridge and walk through the island is to leave the city--you can't even hear the traffic from Lake Shore Drive.
The open field just west of the drive is used by dozens of youth soccer teams and some local high schools asa practice football field. It sits next to a driving range popular with local golfers, many of whom are biding their time before teeing off at the park's 18-hole course.
True, the playing fields could use some fixing up, though they're not as bad as some of the moonscapes that pass for soccer fields in other Chicago parks. But overall, Jackson Park's one of the few Park District benefits south-siders get for paying taxes, and if the city's not going to make necessary improvements, everyone would probably be better off it were left alone.
But Daley got it in his head that Chicago had to have the Olympics in 2016. And his planners assured him that the best way to win the nod from the international Olympic Committee over competing cities like Rio de Janeiro and Madrid was to keep all the venues relatively close together and put them on public land so the city wouldn't have to deal with the headache of taking over property through eminent domain. Realizing that there would be holy hell to pay if he tried to plow over Grant Park or Lincoln Park, Daley earmarked the south side, dressing it up as a gift to the community.
In the case of Jackson Park, residents aren't sure it's a gift they really want. How can the city bring in so many spectators without paving over parkland for parking? How can they build and tear down a 20,000-seat arena without closing down the park for at least a couple of years? And what about fencing off and tearing up valuable parkland--scaring birds, trampling grass, disrupting tranquility, and evicting soccer and football players--just to host a three-week party? What does Jackson Park get out of the deal?
Not enough, the Jackson Park Advisory Council concluded. In August it passed a resolution opposing the games. "We said the plans were ill conceived and we didn't support them," says Ross Petersen, vice president of the council. (The former president, Nancy Hays, died in May.)
The council's opposition drew the attention of the city's Olympic committee, Chicago 2016, which depends on th enthusiasm of the city's residents. If it comes out that a significant number of south-side residents oppose the games, the IOC would be less inclined to give Chicago the nod. Given all the logistical and financial problems of staging an Olympics, the last thing any candidate city needs is local opposition.
So the Olympic committee did what they hadn't done before: they reached out to the advisory group and asked for an opportunity to make their case. On September 10 they brought in some of their heavy hitters, like former planning department commissioner Valerie Jarrett and new planning department commissioner Arnold Randall. And they assured about 50 residents that there would be no long-term damage to the oak savanna or the island or the Japanese garden. There would be no parking lots built--spectators, players, reporters, and coaches would be brought in for the games by bus. From start to finish, construction would last no more than ten months--the temporary stadium would be moved from the park as soon as the games were over. Other south-side park sites would be found for the soccer and football players who lost their field And as a lasting legacy, the park would gain two synthetic-turf fields.
Now the advisory council has to decide whether to trust the city to make good on these promises. Not that they have much choice: if Chicago gets the nod it will be virtually impossible to stop it from doing whatever it wants. But given the city's track record when it comes to large public projects, it's exceedingly unlikely that the stadium will be built and dismantled in a timely fashion without cost overruns. The financing of the games is already iffy. Who knows if there'll be any money remaining to restore the parks once the games are over?
On the other hand, the community could use a couple of nice new playing fields--even if they're a decade off. "I spend a week in the new season filling in holes on that field. This will leave us with field that is not so dangerous to our children," says Louise Mc[C]urry, another member of the Jackson Park Advisory Council. "I feel it's going to be a very good thing. It would be a nice thing for children to play on a field where the Olympics were held."
McCurry says she trusts the city to fulfill its promises, noting that Randall, a Hyde Park resident, coaches a team that plays in a Jackson Park youth soccer league. "The head of the city's planning department is one of our coaches," says McCurry. "I think we'll be taken care of.
But can't the city just build two soccer fields--which will cost about $2 million--without the folly and expense of the Olympics? "I don't know the answer to that," McCurry says. "There are always pros and cons to anything. It would be inconvenient for a year but we can work around it."
Still, the majority of the advisory council remains unwilling to endorse the plan, though members are guarded. The last thing they want to do is antagonize Daley, who in the recent flap over moving the Chicago Children's Museum to Grant Park showed that he gets mighty angry when locals oppose his plans. "We have opened a dialogue and that's an important first step," says Petersen.
Some council members tell me they hope the IOC will do the dirty work for them. If the OIC awards the games to some other city, then Jackson Park's users will get the best of both worlds. They won't have to deal with the Olympics, and Daley will have someone else to blame.
Before the meeting: Will JPAC buy it? Olympic liaison to make the case for games in Jackson ParkHyde Park Herald, September 4, 2007. By Georgia Geis
Gyata Kimmons, community liaison for the organization trying to win the Olympic bid, Chicago 2016, will plead a case for the benefits of hosting the Olympic Games in Jackson Park at the Jackson Park Advisory Council (JPAC) meeting next Monday. Kimmons will be responding to JPAC's official stand against using the park for a field hockey venue.
"This will be a very difficult sell," said JPAC member Fran Vandervoort "We certainly do want to meet with people."
A couple months after winning the US bid, Chicago 2016 hired Kimmons to field concerns and gain input from residents. "We hired Gyata to outreach to our communities and make this a part of our bid process on the international level," said Patrick Sandusky . Sandusky, who worked to win the bid for 2014 [sic] Olympic Games in London, said that the London committee did not hire a community liaison until they were a year further into the process than Chicago 2016 is now.
Kimmons said he is prepared to hear all kinds of criticisms and concerns about Chicago hosting the Olympics. "I'm taking all the criticisms, all the issues, all the concerns--anything anyone has to say."
JPAC members feel that the Olympics will cause too much disruption to the 136-year-old park by being closed before, during and after the games. Another concern is replacing the existing grass field with astro-turf which they think could cause accidents. In response to the astro-turf complaints, Kimmons said the current technology for astro-turf eliminates the concerns about "rug burns" and other injuries.
Kimmons, however, acknowledged other impacts the Olympics could have on the park. "There are huge environmental concerns... We want to hear exactly what those concerns are," said Kimmons. "Because it is not always the situation that we are going to do what we are going to do and not really care what people think." Vandervoort said she is skeptical of how much change residents can have when it comes to the Olympic plans. "How effective can our small community group be? If the city wants it, the city gets its way," said Vandervoort. Kimmons said community discussions can make a difference in the planning of the event. He cited an example when the Olympic committee in Vancouver, Canada changed plans based on what the residents thought.
Chicago native Kimmons is no stranger to debating. He received his law degree from Howard University and most recently worked on legislative issues for the Chicago Public Schools.. Kimmons said that it was the young people who drew him to working with the Olympic committee. Kimmons said he knows the impact exposure to Olympic sports can have on children... "It's really about these kinds," said Kimmons. "The average age for an Olympian who would be competing in 2016 is 12 years. old. Education and the youth movement is a very strong piece for the Chicago 2016."
Regardless of what issues are brought up in regards to the 2016 Olympics Games, Kimmons said people must keep in mind that Chicago has not won the international bid yet and 2016 is far away. "We are still trying to get the bid, so nothing is in concrete," said Kimmons. "We have poured no concrete. We have dug no dirt."
The Jackson Park Advisory Council meets Sept. 10 at 7:30 p.m. at the Jackson Park Field HOuse. Kimmons will be attending the meting. For more information, call 947-9541. To contact Kimmons, email him gkimmons@chicago2016.org.
From the August 2007 Conference Reporter. by Gary Ossewaarde
Upon learning with surprise in September 2006 that a 80,000-seat stadium in Washington Park is the centerpiece of Chicago’s 2016 Olympic bid, the HPKCC Parks committee examined the issues and what could make the experience positive and bearable for Hyde Park and nearby South Side communities should the plan go forward.
Some organizations as well as individuals have come to flatly oppose using parks or the Olympic venues proposed—Hyde Park Historical Society the stadium, Jackson Park Advisory Council field hockey or other possible venues in its park. But Washington Park Council accepts the Games and is focusing on having the 2016 Committee, city and park district address “Points” (topics and demands) important for the park and community whether or not the Olympics come. Its Olympics subcommittee holds open sessions every first Saturday, 9 a.m. in Washington Park fieldhouse, 5531 S. King Drive.
In May, the Hyde Park Chamber of Commerce heard an address in which a community-wide committee was proposed to assess and present to the city and Olympics what community needs and interests need to be addressed and promoted out of the Olympics. Many think we need better information on the experiences and solutions of other Olympic cities, especially Los Angeles, Atlanta, and London.
The Conference has not taken a global position, but on February 25, 2007 sent a letter, with a large set of questions and matters needing to be fully studied and addressed, to the Chicago Committee, Mayor Richard M. Daley, and Parks General Superintendent Timothy Mitchell. The letter expressed disappointment at not addressing why parks are taken and at lack of notice, input, and transparency.
We particularly stressed need for broad, systematic, continuing public communication and input for a good outcome and legacy and to demonstrate “local support” to the International Olympic Committee. As President Rumsey concluded, “HPKCC and the rest of Hyde Park will be in better position to show that support when these concerns are addressed.” To date, HPKCC is in process of establishing dialogue.Rather late, the Olympic Committee and city recently began holding public meetings, the most significant to date being that convened on July 2 by the aldermen of the 4th, 5th, and 20th wards, with participation from the 3rd. Several attendees gave strong reasons against the Olympics or siting in parks; others expected mainly dangers and inconveniences. Both the Committee and the audience demonstrated awareness of the enormous range of issues to be addressed, although Committee presenters Valerie Jarrett and newly appointed Community Representative Gyata Kimmons had limited answers at this time. One outside study cited was that done by the Urban League and Northwestern’s Kellogg School of Management on jobs, development, and minority and women business participation (accessed at www.thechicagourbanleague.org). The committee announced programs to engage, train and inspire schoolchildren through the Olympics and permanent Olympic training facilities and said they are committed to balanced economic development and local jobs and “legacies”. Some resident concerns included
· taking of property (This will not be done, the Committee said.)
· parking, gridlock, access of safety vehicles, and inability of current or dedicated transportation to handle the load (Cars will be discouraged; there will be resident permit parking; a fleet of buses will be rented; the state and feds will be enlisted to fix our transit and roads problems.)
· crowds and security, closures, trash and people management
· who will have use and control of a remaining amphitheater and whether it will hurt the park
· effects on the parks, including historic status, current organized users, presumption that parks are to be open space
· taxes and other pricing of residents out (The city needs to address this.)
· a deficit taxpayers may have to bear (They said they have enough money-no taxpayer impact; Public Building Commission is responsible.)
· ensuring fairness in who benefits, gets contracts etc.; balanced development
· medical center and health problem impacts (They are working on a plan with local providers.)
· need for an expanded committee or local advisory council.The next steps in the Olympics bid process is submission of the formal bid September 13 and preliminary proposals January 14. Contact for the Chicago 2016 Olympic Committee is (312) 552-2016, FAX (312) 861-4802, info@chicago2016.org, website http://www.chicago2016.org. Community Representative is Gyata Kimmons, 312 861-4852, gkimmons@chicago2016.org.
Contact us at (773) 288-8343 or at hpkcc@aol.com.
As in the December 2007 Conference Reporter: HPKCC Meets with Chicago Park District about the Olympics
As per agreement of the Parks Committee, a delegation met with the Chicago Park District Department of External Affairs August 21, 2007 to discuss Conference question and concerns about the 2016 Olympics.
Attending for the Conference were George Rumsey, president, and Gary Ossewaarde, parks chair. Attending for CPD was Janis Taylor.
Ms. Taylor was given copies of the original February 25 2007 letter with document of questions and queries sent to Mayor Daley, Chicago 2016, and Parks Superintendent and CEO Timothy Mitchell; A shortened version on park impacts; and two features from the August 2007 Conference Reporter, “Party in the Parks” and “Olympic Process and Outcome Questioned by HPKCC Committee, Neighborhood.”
George Rumsey discussed neighborhood and conference concerns about continuing lack of community conversation and involvement on developing Olympic plans, and strong fears and opposition from many in the community. He noted that opinion ranges from strong support to outright opposition as expressed in resolutions against passed by Hyde Park Historical Society and Jackson Park Advisory Council. Reasons for opposition range, he said, from very practical matters such as fire truck access to a feeling that giving Washington and Jackson parks to the Olympics violated public trust and purpose of parks and took what belongs to the citizens. Concerns cover what will happen before, during and after the Olympics. He noted that the Conference has not taken a position on having the Olympics.
Rumsey cited examples of Hyde Parkers backing up their strong opinions and said residents need to be engaged and have their concerns addressed as early as possible, whether or not details are available, if difficulties are to be avoided. The International Committee, he noted, insists on strong local support when choosing an Olympic site.
Rumsey concluded by proposing community advisory task forces.
Ms. Taylor, who during her many years at the Park District has dealt with implementing projects and proposals in parks and volunteer programs, agreed to bring our message to her superiors, to ask when local meetings will start and answers be available, and that the rule of thumb is to meet with communities to vet projects and proposals.
Respectfully, Gary M. Ossewaarde
July 2 2007 the first wide public meeting on the Olympics was held for 4th, 5th (and opened to 20th and 3rd) ward residents. Doing most of the answering was vice chairman of the 2016 Committee Valerie Jarrett. Also answering, and the contact /community relations point person for communities, was Gyata Kimmons, 312 861-9852, gkimmons@cityofchicago.org. Four aldermen were present- Preckwinkle (4th) and Hairston (5th) who originally convened the meeting, the third Ward alderman, and Cochran from the 20th.
There was a fair cross section present. Nearly every topic and concern conceivable was touched upon, sometimes with contentiousness. A few questions could be answered definitively, but most seemed to be awaiting more completed studies and decisions or were answered with confidence that they could be resolved. Jarrett agreed that input is needed and said it is wanted and that the experience/ management and aftermath must include participation by and better communities (including schools) without displacement. She said many of the improvements needed will have to come from the city and higher funders rather than the Olympics. She guaranteed there will be no cost to taxpayers.
Here is the Herald's take, July 11, by Kalari Girtley.
In a key concession to demands by Hyde Park residents and other South Siders, the Chicago 2016 Olympic committee recently acknowledged their arm's length approach to residents and vowed to open up their process. "The time for secrecy is over," said newly appointed Committee Community Relations Director Gyata Kimmons. "We have to get everyone involved and we have a lot of work to do."
Ever since the city announced months ago plans to erect buildings in Jackson and Washington parks, Hyde Parkers have been complaining th at they are not getting accurate information about the plans, nor are they a part of the conversation. The Olympic committee's plans include a massive, 95,000-seat stadium in Washington Park and a hockey rink in Jackson Park. "I want to know what influence the Olympics will have on businesses during and after they have left," said. Hyde Park resident Michael Cannon. "I want to see what is going to happen to our park during the construction and breakdown of this temporary stadium." The proposed Washington Park stadium would be dismantled after the games and a 5,000-seat arena would take its place, according to Olympic committee officials.
Kimmons promised residents access to the committee. "You have to come out and hear the people. You have to hear the good and the bad so the things that are good you try to continue and things that are bad you try to address," Kimmons, who was appointed to his post a few weeks ago, said. "I am not trying to say that I have the magic bullet to address all the issues , but what I will be able to do is to advocate on the individual's behalf."
Kimmons comments came at a public meeting convened July 2 by the aldermen of the 3rd, 4th, 5th and 20th wards, the first effort the politicians have made to address the community as a whole regarding potential impact of Olympic building construction on the parks.
"All these things that will be happening in the Olympics will be impacting our homes," said 5th Ward Ald. Leslie Hairston. "This is one of the reasons [4th Ward Ald. Toni] Preckwinkle and I decided we needed to bring all the wards together instead of acting in a vacuum."
Washington Park Olympic Committee continues to refine and group its points for research and for discussion with Olympic and other officials (some impacts, some what is desired or needed out of the Olympics or in spite of it) and to organize several topic and action subcommittees. Experts as well as community residents are engaged in this process; more of both are encouraged to participate. This is a public document in progress; when reasonably ready in revision it will be shared. A large review and action public meeting is expected October 13 Saturday morning. The Committee meets in open session every first Saturday, 9 am, Washington Park fieldhouse. Contact Cecilia Butler. The Committee is refining a framework discussion document on impacts to be assessed and prepared for and want the park and surrounding area need or should ge tout of th e Olympics. The more close-in WPO impacted area is defined as 43rd to 67th and the Dan Ryan to the Lake.
Meanwhile, DePaul University divisions will be conducting Olympic studies- here and at other Olympic cities- how structured, what impacts, what kinds of "legacy", and what collateral benefits agreements were made and how they worked This is in addition to the Urban League/Kellogg School of Management survey already released and on line at www.thechicagourbanleague.org.
Washington Committee alters stand, name April 5, 2008
Olympic group sets new goals. Hyde Park Herald, April 9, 2008. By Kate Hawley
A group that has been trying for almost a year to ensure benefits for the community if an Olympic stadium is build in Washington Park set a slightly different course Saturday, changing it name and considering a narrower, more focused set of priorities. The Washington Park Advisory Council, a volunteer group that oversees park activities, formed its Olympic Committee last May, when it became clear that the 2016 Games could radically impact the park and the surrounding communities.
At a meeting Saturday at the Washington Park Field House, the committee renamed itself the Washington Park Olympic Coalition as part of its strategy to partner with other community organizations. "I think a coalition has more depth. It's more inviting," said Michael McClinton, a council member. The dozen or so people who showed up for the meeting agreed, including Phil Beckham. It was his first time attending a meeting, but not his first experience with how the Olympics impact American cities.
His company, the Harvey-based Beckham Transit, provided buses for the 1996 games in Atlanta, allowing him a firsthand look at how community groups succeeded or failed in securing benefits, he said. These groups need to be large, with hundreds of people involved, and they need to ask for just a few benefits, he said. He surveyed he coalitions's "26-point plan," drafted in October, with goals ranging from "representation on the Olympic Committee" to "Concession and other agreements for the African-American community throughout infinity."
"It has to be one group with four or five initiatives," he said. "Wow," said Cecilia Butler, who chair the advisory council and the coalition. "I want to thank you, because you put us in a different direction." Butler said the group remains committee to the goals laid out in the 26-point plan. but she began writing down Beckham's suggested goals, with an eye toward focusing on them in coming months: creating companies, helping schools, purchasing property and making money from property they already owned. "It's about the money," Beckham said, eliciting murmurs of agreement from the group. He suggested starting a fund that would allow the coalition to purchase property near the park-and hold onto property they already owned.
Butler asked if Beckham would speak on this subject at the coalition's one-year anniversary meting, to be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 3, at the park's refectory, 5531 S. Russell Drive. "You bring it down to where it needs to be," she said. In the meantime, Butler urged fellow coalition members to brainstorm ideas for a ballot referendum on "taxes, zoning and eminent domain." several people who attended the meeting said t hey feared t heir property would be seized under eminent domain should Chicago be chosen for the 2016 Olympics.
The coalition also set a goal to get schools involved with Washington Park Discovery Day in early June. The annual event aims to introduce school children to nature and science through displays from an array of recreational agencies and cultural groups.
The coalition hopes to form strong relationships with local schools, eventually introducing the Olympics into their curricula, said Christine Perkins, who also works on education for the Grand Boulevard Federation.
Butler was in favor of spreading the word to as many people in the community as possible. "This time next year, everybody's got to be in love with the idea of the Olympics," she said.
Metropolitan Planning Council
has issued "Rules for the Games" for the 2016 Olympics bid.
Priority #1: improve transportation options in metropolitan Chicago. (based on already developed plans)
Priority #2: Coordinate pre-Games development with the revitalization of Chicago's Mid-South and West side communities currently underway. (community input, redevelopment to reverse disinvestment)
Priority #3: Maximize benefits for Chicago's low and moderate-income residents. (expanding earning power for neighborhoods and attracting, retaining young professionals and middle-class families)
Priority #4: Grow Chicago's reputation as a green city. (sustainable revolution: green neighborhoods with ped-bike friendly streets, compact mixed use development, accessible open space and transportation, mix of housing types)
...and learning from London
"Plans for leaving a lasting ..legacy rest on transforming he poor transport and environmental features of the area, as well as improving the job prospects, skills and health of the local population."
This could well be a statement about Chicago, and the potential it now has as the U.S. candidate to host the 2016 Olympics Games. However, this remark was made by David Higgins, chief executive of London's Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA), the quasi-government agency responsible for the delivery of venues, infrastructure, and a lasting legacy for the 2012 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games in London.
London's selection was announced in July 2005. Well before that--and to strengthen their bid--city leaders were already deep into planning the long-term benefits of hosting the Games. They established a Legacy Board, secured "planning consent" for Olympic Park, won approval of an extension of London Underground's East London line, one of three major transit projects, and commenced construction on a world-class Aquatics Centre.
For its Games, London will use a mixture of newly built, existing and temporary facilities. Afterwards, some of the new venues will be reused in their Olympic form, others will be reduced in size, and several will be relocated elsewhere in the United Kingdom. Olympic Park, located in East London, will leave 9,000 new homes, community facilities, retail space, and new offices.
London 2012 Chairman Sebastian Coe said "We have known from the outset of our bid that creating long-term benefits requires early planning, consultation and commitment."
So, while Chicago takes a well-deserved moment to savor its victory over Los Angeles, MPC is already exploring how it can help Chicago 2016 address some of the city's biggest transit and housing challenges, while also transforming large swaths of the city and region.
To spark our creative thinking, prepare us for pitfalls, and learn from first-hand perspectives, MPC is developing relationships in London, as well as Beijing, China, host of the 2008 Games, and Sydney, Australia, Olympics host in 2004. "The Games are a catalyst for 60 days," Higgins said. "But we are working towards a lasting legacy." MPC's sentiments for Chicago exactly.
____Top_________________________
The U.S. Olympic Committee visited, and announced its decision in April 14, 2007, which was to award its nod to Chicago. (The Int'l Com. will make is selection in October 2009.) The final duke-out with LA was with sweeteners, implying, one hopes, that the merits of the bids were equivalent. (A Chicago insurance firm offered to back up to $500 million.)
The visiting committee did not alight from buses during its South Side excursion, so avoiding a small group of opposed demonstrators (report below.) Yet, the visitors were reported by Patrick Sandusky of the Chicago 2016 Committee, pleased at the proximity of each venue to the others and to the lakefront.
The apparent shocker was their insistence that the city back/guarantee from city funds to the tune of $500 million - just a short time after the Mayoral election, Mayor Daley having said there would be not public cost. Actually, it is a backup, partly with sale of city assets by McPier, and is unlikely to involve any kind of appropriation. In city Council, Ald. Preckwinkle voted no, citing lack of transparency or information-sharing, while Ald. Hairston voted yes, saying it is a wonderful thing to host an event on that scale and prestige and full of wonderful things and opportunities for the neighborhoods. (She did call for inclusion and transparency.) She clarified to the April 11 Herald that she hopes Chicago is chosen: "We have a beautiful city, and this will give us an opportunity to share it with the world." Cecilia Butler, President of Washington Park Council, said the stadium will bring tourism an money to the area, and an entertainment venue. The said the next hurdle is answer to the community's other 28 points.
The Chicago Maroon said April 13 that Olympics or not, don't give up (City) on the needs and opportunities of Hyde Park and surrounding communities.
...If Chicago beat Los Angeles [it] will have to undergo a world of change to prepare for this immensely popular, but extraordinarily expensive, spectacle of sports. Chicago's proposal calls for an Olympic stadium with 80,00 seats to be built just west of [U of C] campus in Washington Park. After the Games, the stadium would be partially deconstructed and converted into a 5,000-seat amphitheater for community use. Similarly, the Athletes' Village would be turned into a mixed-income housing complex, offering new opportunities for an entire neighborhood on the South side. The city would finally have the impetus to make much-needed enhancements to area infrastructure, such as improving street lights, repaving roads, and adding parking.
In addition, the large-scale construction projects and influx of an estimated 6 million tourists would galvanize slumbering sectors of the South Side economy, creating new businesses and hundreds of jobs. Higher population density would increase consumer options, bringing new restaurants, boutiques, and grocery stores. Although some local residents worry about being priced out of their neighborhoods, Hank Webber, U o C vice president of Community and Government Affairs, has praised the plans as "extraordinarily positive." He believes that the Olympics would provide a unique chance to jumpstart community development, and we share his optimism.
No matter what happens tomorrow, the people of Chicago can be winners if city officials still strive to improve the areas identified by the bid proposal. The Olympic planning process has prompted the city to assess the needs of normally neglected neighborhoods, and top urban architects should continue to investigate innovative ways of raising the South side to a world-class standard.
The areas around Washington Park need better road and economic revitalization, regardless of whether a multi-million dollar stadium becomes the new next-door neighbor. Mayor Richard M. Daley and Chicago's philanthropic community should keep the prosperity of these areas among their top priorities, regardless of where in the world the Olympics happen to take place. Such a game plan will not only allow city strategists to capitalize on this golden opportunity but also allow the people of the South Side to benefit from vital economic assistance.
Commentary on and details of winning the bid
Hyde Park Herald, April 18 2007
By Kalari Girtley
As Chicago won the U.S. Olympic bid over the weekend, Washington Park moved one step closer to becoming the site of an 80,000-seat stadium. ...Now the United states faces four other countries for the Games, a decision that will not be made until [October] 2009.
Patrick Sandusky, spokesperson for the Chicago 2016 Committee, said he felt complete jubilation when the decision came in. He said the committee has worked really hard to get community support along with the elected officials. "Now we have to convince international voters that Chicago is the best place for the games, Sandusky said.
Cecilia Butler, president of the Washington Park Advisory Council, said now that the city has the United States bid, she will turn up the heat on Mayor Richard M. dAley about her council's 27 concerns voiced at recent council meetings. The concerns range from greater security and lighting in Washington Park to the construction of a stadium and other facilities.
The proposed stadium will host the opening and closing ceremonies of the XXXI Olympiad Games. The stadium is temporary and will be reduced down to a 5,000 -to-10,000-seat amphitheater after the 28-sport event leaves.
Butler hopes that Hyde Park can tap into any surge in commerce that comes as a result of the Olympics. "The community needs both 53rd street and 55th Street to have a viable business district, Butler said. "There is a lot of work to be done."
Not everyone is excited about Chicago's chances of hosting the Olympics. Ross Petersen, vice-president of the Jackson Park Advisory Council, said he does not want the 111-year-old Olympic festivities in the park. Jackson Park is the site of a proposed field hockey rink. "I think it will forever change the park, and the park will never recover," Petersen said. "There are other locations all over the city that will be just as good. It is just disappointing." Petersen said his council was not consulted when the committee selected Jackson Park as a site.
Chicago Maroon, April 17, 2007. By Aaron Brown
The city of chicago was selected as the American bid city for the 2016 summer Olympics on Saturday, beating two-time Olympic veteran Los Angeles for the opportunity to compete in the international phase of the selection process, which will include such Olympic hopefuls as Tokyo, Rio de Janeiro and Prague.
The decision...following extensive review of the two American finalists, means that Chicago will now enter a more intense phase of planning and preparation for the international competition. The host city for the 2016 Olympics will be selected by the International Olympics Committee (IOC) on October 2, 2009.
As part of the city's plan for major improvements to the municipal areas most affected by a successful bid, much of the area around the University and Hyde Park will undergo significant economic and residential redevelopment if Chicago is selected in 2009. Washington Park, directly west of campus, would be the site of the Olympic Stadium, an 85,000-seat arena used to host the opening and closing ceremonies as well as several athletic events. Following the Olympics, it would be downsized to a 5,000-seat amphitheater.
The University, which has worked closely with the Chicago 2016 committee to secure the bid, will continue to develop plans for neighborhood development and direct University involvement with the Olympic Games, with use of University athletic facilities being one of the possible forms of cooperation, said Hank Webber, vice president for Community Affairs. President Robert Zimmer's status as a member of the Chicago 2016 committee will facilitate this cooperation. While plans for the University's role remain in nascent stages, many of those determinations will likely be made before the final IOC decision is made, Webber said.
Because the IOC has historically made selections based largely on development plans that bid cities are able to guarantee, Chicago's bid depends on significant and well funded proposals that will appeal to an international electing body. An inability to produce solid plans for the construction of an Olympic stadium, as well as issues regarding adequate transportation for athletes, were important factors in New York City's failed bid for the 2012 Olympics, which was instead awarded to London.
The guarantees that the city has already presented include funding in excess of $1 billion, as well a a significant academic fund that would enable participants of the 2016 games to attend various Chicago-area universities. The scholarship fund, publicly announced following Chicago's final presentation to the USOC in Washington, D.C. was the result of an agreement by several Chicago universities, including the U of C, to provide funds for Olympic athletes.
While the University has not committed a specific dollar amount for the fund, Webber expressed a commitment by th University to support the Olympic committee's efforts. "The Olympic committee has put together a proposal that provides scholarships for athletes, and given that we're able to provide for the full financial needs of our students, we're in a position to do this," Webber said. "Within our admissions policy, there'll be room to do something creative. We'll be working with [the Chicago 2016 committee].'
Aside from the support that the University will provide toward the Olympic effort, Webber cited tremendous benefits for the University and the community despite lingering concerns that major redevelopment of the South Side will intensify gentrification and contribute to increased housing costs that could put financial pressure on lower income residents. "Many of the concerns are going to need to be addressed. I am absolutely confident that with the energy generated, this will be a boon for the city, an enormous boon for the University and a great boon for the community. But it's going to take a lot of work," Webber said.
Speaking at a lunchtime rally in Daley Plaza yesterday, Senator Barack Obama highlighted how the Olympics will hit close to home. "Now I have to admit I'm also happy that we got that new stadium coming in Washington Park, because that's only a couple blocks from my house, so I'm going to be able to just walk a couple blocks to see it," he said. " I know it's not 'til 20-16, but I should be back from Washington by then."
At a rally held in Washington Park Field House yesterday, black community leaders, joined by Mayor Richard Daley, gathered with South Side residents to celebrate Chicago's selection over Los Angeles. Cecilia Butler, president of the Washington Park Advisory Council (WPAC), opened the proceedings with a whole-hearted and enthusiastic endorsement of the USOC's decision. Butler and the WPAC previously produced a list of 27 points that the council thinks need to be addressed in order to make Washington Park's centrality to the Olympics beneficial to both the Games and to local residents.
Included among these requests are WPAC representation on the Chicago Olympic Committee, job training and Olympics-related internships for local students, improved safety and conditions in Washington Park, and support for cooperative housing. While few of the committee's concerns were addressed during Monday's rally, which took a largely celebratory tone, Butler said in a prior interview that the committee's concerns remained a top priority for the WPAC.
"Our position has not changed," Butler said. "We support the Olympics, but we're asking the mayor and everyone else to support jobs, the economy, and the community. That campaign started Saturday."
While not specifically citing the WPAC's list, Daley did emphasize the important role that the Olympics would play in the lives of local students. "We're going to every grammar school and high school.. to open the eyes of young people about Olympic sports," he said, invoking the history of prominent South Side residents who have gone on to become successful Olympians, including Jesse Owns and rally-speaker Mike Conley.
Valerie Jarrett, Chicago Olympic Committee vice chair and Hyde Parker, says Olympic Committee now to week much more community input, first meetings held, set. Answered questions for half an hour at 4th Ward meeting, met in Washington Park May, July.
Hyde Park Herald May 2, 2007. By Kalari Girtley
Valerie Jarrett, a member of the committee trying to bring the Olympic Games to Chicago, apologized for excluding local participation in the recent bid process during a 4th Ward meeting April 28.
Promising more input from neighborhoods that would be directly affected if Chicago hosts the 2016 Olympics, Jarrett, who is the committee's vice-chairman, said the selection process was held in secret to keep Chicago ahead of the competition.
Now that Chicago has beaten out Los Angeles for the United States bid, Jarrett said there would be more transparency between now and 2009, when the final host city is selected. "We have said very consistently that we want to have an inclusive, transparent and collaborative process," said Jarrett, a long time Hyde Park resident.
Jarrett took questions from the audience for 30 minutes. The audiences raised concerns about the effects on property taxes and public transportation to the magnitude of the 80,000-seat stadium proposal for Washington Park.
Everette Edwards, a Kenwood resident who has been critical of the city's planning of the Olympics, felt reassured. "I support the Olympics, and I believe that we are headed in th right direction," Edwards said.
Ald. Toni Preckwinkle (4th), who has also criticized the Olympic committee's exclusive nature, said Jarrett reassured her that the committee will work closely with the various parks groups and aldermen who will be directly affected by the summer games.
Preckwinkle hopes to see the Olympic committee members out at more community functions. "They are really going to step up their community outreach, and I think that is desperately needed," Preckwinkle said. "It is not right for people in the neighborhood to read about things in the newspaper and to not have an opportunity to hear the information personally."
By the meeting's conclusion, Jarrett said she felt the committee was well received by residents.
In hoping to engage local residents, Jarrett said the committed plans to attend more community meetings. "We are going to make ourselves as available as we can.. to manage what can be an extraordinarily positive event for our community," Jarrett said.
Another meeting with the Chicago Olympics 2016 Committee is scheduled at 9 a.m. on May 5 at the Washington Park Field House, 5531 S. King Dr.
Writing in the Herald, La'Keisha Gray-Sewell, South Side mom of USAG Region 5 Level 4 Champion Marquis Sewell, indicts Chicago for failure to provide good training faculties for athletes on the south side. She notes the trials of Park District coach Darrell Harden's teams in trying to hold a program together that inspires youth to strive toward championships with no faculties.
"The arrogance of Chicago to boast its ability to host the international athletic community while its own athletes receive poor, second-class treatment speaks volumes to our priorities. Chicago is whose kind of town?"
By Gary Ossewaarde, HPKCC Parks Chairman
Olympic update by Gary Ossewaarde, May 6, 2007
At the May 3 HPKCC board meeting it was reported that we have received no response to our questions and concerns sent to the Chicago Olympic Committee and Mayor Daley.
Next, a synopsis (as updated here) was provided on the April 18 2007 Washington Park Advisory Council (WPAC) meeting. WPAC meetings will hereafter not take up the Olympics on a regular basis—this will be handled by a separate Washington Park Olympics Committee, to meet first Saturdays at 9 am at Washington Park fieldhouse starting May 5. That committee will refine the “26 Points” of demands and questions on the Olympics and draft a Community Benefits Agreement to be submitted to the Chicago Committee.
Discussed at the April 18 WPAC meeting: Cities tend to loose money and be stuck with costs, especially policing, but this varies according to conditions. The WPAC meeting, like the HPKCC board meeting, wished to get more specifics on experience from Los Angles and Atlanta; at both meetings persons said they have contacts they can ask. It was reported that at WPAC U of C professor Alan Sanderson was cited to the effect that LA’s experience may not apply because so many countries didn’t come; Atlanta came close to even. It was said at the HPKCC meeting that London is currently in the red.
At the May 3 HPKCC board meeting, it was pointed out that the Olympic Committee runs the show and decides who pays what. Our concerns emphasize what happens after as well as during the Olympics—what negatives are left behind, whether and what benefits are secured and not pulled up or left to languish.
Noted was a Herald announcement of what it billed as a public meeting with members of the Chicago Olympic Committee for May 5 (announced at a Q and A with vice chair Valerie Jarrett April 28 at the 4th Ward meeting.) The Parks Committee was directed to meet and decide next steps after the advertised May 5 meeting has occurred.
It turned out at the May 5 meeting that when the May 5 meeting was announced as public, Washington Park Council (Cecilia Butler and board) pulled its invitation to the Chicago 2016 Committee, feeling that WPAC should have a chance to meet with them first. WPAC did not advertise this meeting. The Chicago Committee told WPAC chair Cecilia Butler in their concurrence that they will meet first with aldermen after the new City Council is sworn in May 21, then with WPAC, and then schedule a public meeting for the area around Washington Park in June or later.
At the May 5 meeting,
Butler distributed a 26-point document in process of revision and consolidation,
setting forth “What it will take to support this event in our park.”
Some of the 20 or so people present proposed additional items, clarifications
or consolidation. There seemed to be a desire to separate general community
needs or concerns that should be worked on anyway and perhaps leveraged via
the Olympics from items specific to the Olympics. Butler noted with appreciation
HPKCC’s set of questions and concerns.
There was a sizable number who would rather oppose the Olympics period, and
said they and their organizations were being squeezed out of the process and
that the Washington Park residents (west of King Dr.) should have been polled.
There was strong feeling that the communities need to organize now to avoid
being driven out; some called for setting aside differences and working together.
This is in addition to strong distrust of anything said by or worked out with
the Olympic Committee or aldermen. The Washington Park Neighborhood Association
passed out flyers signed by Murray Johnson calling its own meeting on the Olympics
for May 19 and intent to send a delegation to the May 23 City Council meeting.
(See Below.)
The new Olympic working group is looking over a Community Agreement Packet and have identified agencies and others that help communities negotiate them. Also, they want to have planning and design charette's to come up with “how you shoulds/cans” for the Olympic Committee.
Concerns brought
up:
· Persons who say they work in city and other government said that all
kinds of funds from social services to schools, parks and transportation are
being pulled out of their bins and being diverted for the Olympics. Demand impact
studies.
· Real jobs are a major concern—real training, preparing kids for
apprenticeships etc. (There was much discussion of state law and other structural
blockage to trades jobs and apprenticeships to persons with convictions.)
· Quality schools—there was consensus to seek “preferred
funding” since the area is impacted (note that the federal government
has provided such help to communities near bases for example for decades) and
since the Olympics are supposed to inspire kids to aspire and excel. Tying in
with Sports Association funds (grants for programs that are linked to having
kids “involv