Dear Property Owner,
There has been much discussion about landmark designation among the residents in this area. The Arlington/Deming/Orchard and Geneva area was identified as a potential landmark district in the Chicago Historical Resources Survey and is immediately adjacent to the Mid-North and Arlington/Roslyn Landmark Districts.
In the past year there have been three community meetings with the owners in this area. I have also solicited the opinions of property owners through a ballot mailed out from my office. Although there are some owners who are opposed to landmark designation, the majority of property owners voiced support for preservation at the community meetings, and the results of my survey also reflect that sentiment. In fact, owners responded nearly 2 to 1 in favor of considering landmark designation.
Given the response from the community, I have asked the Planning Department to conduct a study for the Landmarks Commission's consideration as soon as possible. This may take one to three months. If the Commission grants a preliminary designation, that will begin the official process which will include public hearings and a request for consent from the owners. During that process the rules of landmark designation are in effect in order to protect the proposed district while it is being considered. Without landmark designation there is no rule against demolishing any building in this area.
If the Landmarks Commission grants a preliminary designation, I pledge to continue to facilitate a fair and informative process for property owners in the area. There is much to consider on this matter, and valid opinions on both sides of the debate. However, I urge you to critically assess all statements and claims during this discussion and to look at the record in neighboring districts such as Mid-North and Arlington/Roslyn.
There are many resources for learning more about landmark designation. My office has many materials including national studies on property values in landmark districts. If you have any questions, please contact my office and I will provide you or direct you to those resources. Landmarks has a lot of information on their web site, www.cityofchicago.org/landmarks, and their staff is also willing to answer any questions you may have about your individual property and changes you may anticipate making.
Thank you for your consideration on this matter.
Sincerely,
Vi Daley
(The above letter was sent to
property owners by Ald. Daley.) |
