Community Opposition Grows Against Parker School Expansion
A modest yet determined group of residents gathered on Saturday at Oz Park in Lincoln Park. They came with protest signs and “Stop Parker” buttons, opposing the expansion plans of Francis W. Parker School onto Belden Avenue. This protest was part of a long-standing tension between the private school, established 125 years ago, and the local community.
Francis Parker School aims to introduce several changes, including athletic field lighting, a pedestrian overpass, and a new building on its campus. The community protested the “School and Neighborhood Improvement Proposal” before it becomes a lasting change in East Lincoln Park. Sandra Weiskirch held up a sign during the demonstration, highlighting a strong sense of community resistance.
While under 100 people attended the North Side protest, a petition hosted on StopParker.com garnered around 1,900 signatures. Kelsey Burr, an East Lincoln Park Neighbors representative, commented, “I think this is a good way of showing that the neighborhood generally does not approve.” Arden Austin, a local resident, attended with her young son, both expressing their opposition with handmade signs.
The expansion plans have sparked mixed reactions. A Parker spokesperson stated, “The support we’ve received from 43rd Ward residents is encouraging, and we’re excited for the possibilities to expand educational opportunities and other benefits for both our students and neighbors.” However, Austin argues there are alternative sites for expansion that wouldn’t impact the residential area as much.
One controversial aspect of Parker’s proposal is the relocation of residents from 327–335 W. Belden Ave. The new facility would replace current affordable housing, and locals like Michelle Hoppe Villegas emphasized the community’s concern, “For them, a six-acre campus in this densely packed residential neighborhood is not enough. They want more.”
While the school promises $25,000 annual donations for 20 years to local schools, and plans to convert current buildings into affordable housing, community members like Wendy Foster argue the exchange is insufficient. “They’re taking away a lot more housing than they’re providing,” she noted.
Beyond the expansion specifics, residents expressed discontent with Alderman Timmy Knudsen, who supports the plan. Approval is required from Knudsen and the City Council zoning committee before moving forward. Earlier surveys by Knudsen’s office show 60% of Ward 43 residents favor the expansion. However, Burr’s 1,200 local petition signatures suggest stronger opposition exists.
Samvith Srinivas, another concerned resident, questioned local officials’ priorities, “I don’t think our local officials are standing up for the community and they seem to be standing up for a very, very wealthy minority.”