I was speaking with a new resident of Rogers Park this morning about a local organization that has been looking to expand their workspace for a long time now.
This organization is currently located in a beautiful 1900's bungalow that has become a staple of our neighborhood. A few years ago, this organization considered selling to a local slum lord/"developer". Our community fought tooth and nail to preserve our local landmark to the end of saving a portion of the character of Rogers Park.
Our new resident did not understand the consequences of the organizations actions in dealing with this particular DEVILeper.
Politics in this Ward are never pretty, and foresight is rarely utilized in the best interest of our community. As I was explaining the history of Rogers Park, such as the demolition of the Adelphi Theater in exchange for a campaign contribution, the Howard Theater gutted to house gang leaders, the grand chandeliers crashing during the demolition of the Norshore Theater on Howard Street, the promise of saving the facade of the Granada Theater before destroying the entire building on Sheridan Road near Devon Avenue... I came to realize, that the problems in Rogers Park and the 49th Ward are rooted in Ignorance, Complacency and Greed.
In the best interest of our community, I challenge you to break this pattern of destruction and demolition of Rogers Park as residents, voters and conscious beings.
- Bill Morton
