Wed 18 Jul 2007
Children’s Museum Meetings Have Started
Posted by Eric Frost under 42nd Ward , Daley , Reilly , Chicago Politics , Parks , Grant Park , Natarus , Lakeshore East , Children's Museum , Chicago News , Daley Bicentennial Plaza , New EastsideThe Children’s Museum has scheduled meetings at many of the buildings in the neighborhood to present plans for the Children’s Museum along the south side of East Randolph at the site of the present Daley Fieldhouse. The first meeting was held last night at North Harbor Tower (175 N. Harbor Dr.) and additional meetings are scheduled as follows. More meeting times at other buildings to be posted later.
360 Randolph, Wednesday, July 18 @ 6 pm
195 Harbor, Thursday, July 19 @ 6 pm
155 Harbor, Monday, July 23 @ 6:30 pm
400 Randolph, Wednesday, July 25 @ 6:30 pm
Local residents had expressed concerns about the Children’s Museum locating along Randolph last year so the museum considered moving to a location at Monro and Columbus, however this location was opposed by the Friends of the Park and the Grant Park Conservancy Council.
Now the Children’s Museum is looking back at their originally proposed location at the site of the Fieldhouse much to the ire of those who thought the plan was dead last year. Be sure to attend your buildings meeting to see the detailed proposal and presentation and have a chance to express your opinion to the new Alderman who will be in attendance at each meeting.
2 Responses to “Children’s Museum Meetings Have Started”
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July 19th, 2007 at 2:52 pm
Richard Ward made a good comment in a recent e-mail: “At the end of each “building meeting”, you will be asked by Alderman Reilly’s staff to indicate on a Feed Back Form whether you initially SUPPORT or OPPOSE, and what specific components of the proposal you like or dislike (after hearing only the CCM side of the issue).”
To sign up for his e-mails go to
http://neweastside.org/MailLists.html
July 25th, 2007 at 8:16 pm
Shelley Stunard of http://www.neweastside.com writes:
My personal passion (against) the Children’s Museum coming to Daley is the “Clear and Open” use that Montgomery Ward fought for way back when. My biggest concern is that if we keep complaining about the traffic issue ( which IS a big negative) – the powers that be may feel we are being unreasonable because in their eyes this issue has been solved with the three levels of Randolph.
The big question – What’s next? What will be the next thing built in Grant Park??? Where? Will Peanut Park land be the next lot for a building? What I will stand up and argue against – forever – will be the building of any permanent structure in Grant Park. The Art Institute was the first oops. (But I am glad it is there) – Then came the Millennium Park Pritzker Pavilion along with the Harris Theater. The Pritzker Pavilion is ok because it is a “free” area open to all. The Harris Theater is for ticket holders. Then they also had to put in food – so we have the Park Grill.
Well with all that – who could say no to the three story addition to the Art Institute???? Now we are talking about a facility that is not “free and clear to all” – but a fee based attraction. AND – it is EAST of Columbus! I am very concerned that we are in jeopardy of legally being able to turn down more “growth” to our Grant Park.
My complaint is nothing personal against the Children’s Museum! I have three boys: 1 yr, 8 yrs and 11 yrs. If anyone you would think would want a Children’s Museum so close – you would think someone like me. Many parents in the neighborhood want a new Park District facility – but not to the extent of cheapening or cluttering our precious Grant Park!
I will attend the meeting. IF – IF the new plan calls for any structure ABOVE the now rooftop of the parking entrance – I will stand up strong and hope anyone who feels strongly does too.
First plan is to stop this unwanted growth – second it to demand that the Park District rebuild our Daley – Bi. For over 25 years, the Park District has taken most of the profit from our facility. The profit from tennis, skating, child classes and yoga – and moved the funds to much better facilities that have such huge bills to pay for their huge facilities. Our facility is ranked “D”. And we pay for several “A” and “B” ranked facilities. This should be our second standing.
Sincerely – Shelley Stunard http://www.neweastside.com