Representatives of several community groups met to hammer out a proposal about the planned revetment renovations at the Belmont Rocks in Chicago. They sent a letter to 44th Ward Ald. Tom Tunney last week and Tunney said he is sending a point-by-point response to the group. But he added that the city is set on moving ahead.
Mayor Daley told Lakeview residents Saturday that he’s worked 15 years on this shoreline protection, with money from presidents Clinton and Bush, and he’s moving forward. He said he will continue to work on enhancement and accessibility, but said if residents can find money for alternatives, they will look at it—however, he’s not willing to delay the project, according to Tunney.
Neighborhood activist Bob Clarke was the person who sent the letter to Tunney. He hosted the meeting where representatives of Lake View Citizens Council, South East Lake View Neighbors, Save Our Shore, and the Lincoln Park Advisory Council wrote down their goals for the project.
They seek renovations that are as user-friendly as possible; to increase, not reduce, recreational potential; to provide safe access to and egress from the water; and to enhance, not detract from the feeling of a natural shoreline.
But with the city starting the renovations now, there may be little hope left to fight the bulldozers.