Chris - As someone who recently fought against community approval for a new high-rise on Sheridan Road I am interested in what you think about the number of new high-rise buildings that are being rubber stamped by the current Edgewater administration and its political supporters. There are more than 1000 of us, not so politically connected, who signed petitions this summer protesting the density that hundreds and hundreds of new high-rise residents and the cars belonging to these residents will bring to Sheridan south of Hollywood. The current alderman publicly promised to hold height limits on this stretch of Sheridan to 8 stories, changing her mind and personally lobbying the community to support her change of mind when she decided she wanted a proposed 15-20-story high-rise at Catalpa and Sheridan to be her 'legacy'. What will you do if elected to address this issue that concerns so many of us?
- (name withheld by request )

Firstly, I share your dismay at the process that led to the approval of the building at Catalpa and Sheridan. This building met with significant public resistance and outcry, yet when it passed the Alderman's Zoning and Planning Committee, she publicly touted it as receiving overwhelming community support. A number of developments have taken a similar path: the Alderman gives the developer tacit approval, an acrimonious yet hollow process ensues, the project is adopted by the zoning and planning committee, and the Alderman claims the process is democratic.

As Alderman, I will not hide behind block clubs or allow community volunteers to take the heat for decisions that are my legal responsibility. And before I make a decision I will ensure that all voices are heard, through block clubs, through community meetings, by going out and talking to those people who will be most effected.

The zoning changes on Sheridan do not go far enough. A developer can always do a planned development which can be considered outside of existing zoning. Furthermore, there are a number of properties that have been exempted from the new zoning--these must be publicly reviewed. Most importantly I will work with you and others to create a responsible plan for development along Sheridan Road and throughout the 48th Ward.

We must have a thorough plan for residential and commercial development that considers traffic and parking, density, affordability, and aesthetics. As a proven leader with twenty years of increasing leadership experience I am the most qualified candidate for this job. In my last seven years as executive director of Inspiration Cafe I have worked to build institutions that have made our community stronger. In so doing, I have learned to turn vision into reality and consensus into action.

Please join our campaign to make this a great community. I ask for your support and your vote. This is my promise: I will work hard, I will be honest and I will represent you.

Christopher Persons
Candidate for Alderman 48th Ward