Dear Friends and Neighbors:

As the current debate over closing underutilized schools within CPS rages on, many residents on the Northwest side of Chicago are perplexed by the lack of attention paid to our situation: over-crowded elementary schools and the need for viable public high school options.  Unlike other parts of the city, many of our elementary schools are bursting at the seams. Where will these children go to high school?

We are well aware of the financial difficulties facing CPS; this does not excuse our elected officials of making the necessary strategic decisions to create educational capacity where more capacity is needed.  More quality high school seats are needed on the Northwest side to address the future needs of our growing population.  

After 80 years, Mayfair Lumber is going out of business.The six-acre property is located in the heart of the Jefferson Park commercial center, near the expressways and the CTA Blue Line at Jefferson Park station.   I believe this would be the perfect location for a new public high school, and I am asking Mayor Rahm Emanuel, Alderman John Arena and other elected officials to proceed in all due haste to acquire the Mayfair Lumber property for this purpose.  

If you agree, please sign this petition.