I am pleased and honored to announce that a prominent community organization that has been in existence since the 1990's has added their support in opposition of the proposed zoning change at 3251 W. Division.  The group is 100% volunteer-run and is comprised of residents that live in a small geographic area that includes 3251.

Thank you United Blocks of Humboldt Park!

For decades, the efforts and accomplishments of United Blocks have been instrumental in brokering better outcomes for the community.

• In the 90's and early 2000's, United Blocks worked with a former Alder and illustrated to him that scattered-site subsidized housing was better for the residents and community. The struggle is documented in an academic publication authored by Lasker and Guidry titled "Engaging the Community in Decision Making: Case Studies Tracking Participation, Voice and Influence." The pages are posted on the United Blocks Facebook page. The article concludes by pointing out that large low-income housing developers failed to engage the community in meaningful dialogue. Deja vu.

United Blocks has done so many things. Some that come to mind:

• After 10 shootings in front of the liquor store at 3251 W. Division St., the same site as the proposed out-of-character building, United Blocks organized a petition, got on the ballot, and voted the precinct dry to prevent liquor sales. Neither the police or the Alder could help much to prevent future violence, and United Blocks took action to influence a better outcome for the community. As a result, public safety was drastically and immediately improved.

• In 2008-2009 United Blocks sponsored a weekly Farmer's Market during the Summer months under the Association House awning. Fresh fruits and vegetables were brought in from organic farmers in Michigan and sold at cost.

• Earth Day clean-up for over a decade, including Richard K. donning his waders and going into a pond or two to clear out debris!

• Board members and residents attending hundreds of CAPS meetings in both 14th and 11th Districts, as Division St. is a shared border with those districts. United Blocks brought community public safety concerns to the forefront of the conversation, and were selected to participate to meet directly with a former Mayor of Chicago.

• Successfully fought the installation of a cell phone tower on the roof of the 65-unit extremely low-income building at 1152 N. Christiana.

• Stopped the unpermitted construction of a large storage barn on public land in the park, next to a magnificent and landmarked building. No community meetings were held. It was partially built, a stop work order given by the Buildings Dept., then torn down. That development found a suitable location and is in progress.

• Advocating and getting new and more streetlights, clearing vacant lots strewn with debris and abandoned cars, getting dangerous and/or vacant buildings secured, etc. United Blocks was there, spotting problems, reporting them, and getting results.

There is so much more. I want to add a salute to a long-time community member and former co-Chair of United Blocks, Glenn Brettner, whose life was tragically cut short by an illness. Thanks for all you did, Glenn, and RIP! We miss you!

For those that came before us, are here now, and are to come, let's keep Humboldt Park alive and well!

Please share this petition with others and support the community.

Thank you, Humboldt Park for being a wonderful place to live!