McKinley Park Existing Conditions Report

Steering Committee

The Steering Committee is tasked with providing guidance and feedback on existing issues and opportunities, developing central goals, reviewing plan documents, and identifying stakeholders who should be involved in the planning process. Composed of individuals representing a wide variety of interest and perspectives, the Steering Committee members include:

• Tony Adams, McKinley Park Development Council
• John Belcik, McKinley Park Development Council
• Dayna Calderon, McKinley Park Development Council
• Amber Cicotte, Resident
• Vernalynne De La Rosa, Midwest Asian Health Association
• Mario Diaz, McKinley Park Development Council
• Billy Drew, 12th Ward Independent Precinct Organization
• Liliana Escarpita, 12th Ward Alderman George A. Cardenas
• Kelly Fitzpatrick, 11th Ward Alderman Patrick D. Thompson
• Kensen Lam, McKinley Park Community Church
• Mayra Lopez-Zuñiga, State Representative Theresa Mah (2nd District)
• Beata Skorusa, Business Owner
• Marya Spont-Lemus, Resident
• Alma Anaya, Cook County Commissioner (7th District)
• Nurys Uceta Ramos, Chicago Public Schools, Network 5: McKinley Park

First Steering Committee Meeting

The first steering committee meeting was held on May 17, 2018, at the McKinley Park Field House to provide background on CMAP, the planning process and begin a conversation about the specific issues facing McKinley Park. The Steering Committee discussed the strengths of the community and what they would like to see addressed in the plan. Strengths of the neighborhood include the diversity and culture of the community, housing affordability, access to natural and open space amenities like McKinley Park, Hoyne Park and community gardens, as well as local businesses and institutions like the public library and the Aquinas Literacy Center. Steering Commmittee members described McKinley Park as a “transportation rich community” and value the access to the interstate and public transit.

Concerns were also mentioned, including the need to develop a concerted vision for what McKinley Park wants to become to help guide future investment and development decisions. Many Steering Committee members expressed concern about the air quality due to new manufacturing companies in the industrial districts and the increase of truck traffic as a result. Other concerns include the lack of commercial space along 35th street, vacant store fronts and buildings (particularly the Wrigley Building), gentrification, stock of affordable homes, and the desire to become a more bike- and pedestrian-friendly community.

Steering Committee members identified many improvements that could occur in the community including: community beautification initiatives, better lighting (especially under the viaducts), summer programs for youth, and a protected bike lane along Archer Avenue, with sidewalk and crossing improvements. A number of ideas were discussed for ways to add and maintain affordable housing and attract the right economic development opportunities for the industrial and neighborhood corridors.

Steering Committee members described McKinley Park in the future to come as a: “thriving, united, energized, sustainable, affordable, resilient, inclusive, diverse, vigorous, equitable, just, outgoing, friendly, uplifted, prosper, and vibrant.”

Stakeholder Interviews

In order to gain further insight into the issues and opportunities that exist in McKinley Park, CMAP staff conducted interviews with 17 individuals representing a variety of backgrounds throughout the community. These individuals ranged from institutional neighborhood leaders to business owners and elected officials.

While the conversations were designed to be confidential in order to promote an open dialogue, several broad themes emerged. Collectively, these stakeholders brought up many needs and challenges, ranging from the need for transparency in development decisions to reinvestment of commercial corridors, housing affordability, and environmental and air quality improvement. Their input helped to frame the direction of the report and guide areas for additional inquiry and reseach.