Please help us get our message to the important players listed below via email or letter. Sample letters are included as well.

Don’t forget to cc Balance on Broadway at balanceonbroadway@gmail.com or at Balance on Broadway, P.O. Box 13433, Chicago, Il 60613.

Emily Thrun – Coordinating Planner for the Department of Planning and Development - working with Optima in preparation for their appearance before the Plan Commission. She will actually provide the background on the project to the Plan Commission. It’s critical that she hears us! emily.thrun@cityofchicago.org Department of Planning and Development, 121 N LaSalle St, Chicago, Il 60602

– Coordinating Planner for the Department of Planning and Development - working with Optima in preparation for their appearance before the Plan Commission. She will actually provide the background on the project to the Plan Commission. It’s critical that she hears us! Maurice Cox – newly appointed Commissioner of the Department of Planning and Development maurice.cox@cityofchicago.org Department of Planning and Development, 121 N LaSalle St, Chicago, Il 60602

– newly appointed Commissioner of the Department of Planning and Development Alderman Tom Tunney – (44 th Ward) ward44@cityofchicago.org 3223 N Sheffield Ave, Suite A, Chicago, IL 60657

– (44 Ward) Alderman James Cappleman – (46 th Ward) info@james46.org 4544 N Broadway, Chicago, Il 60640

– (46 Ward)

Sample letters…use as is, alter to fit your style or write you own!

Dear….

As an interested resident of Lakeview I attended a meeting where the developers unveiled their 80 feet + tall building at 3460 N Broadway. I don't think it's a good fit for the neighborhood for many reasons. The design doesn't fit the look, feel, and charm of the neighborhood. They're stating they want a destination restaurant spot but not providing parking for it. We don't need additional high priced rentals in the neighborhood with little to no parking.

Dear….

I’m writing in regards to the proposed building at 3460 N Broadway. Growth is a good sign of the economy, but let's please respect the zoning ordinances, as they're in effect for a good reason. I’m all in favor of development but it can be accomplished with a structure that fits into the existing neighborhood architectural style. It seems there’s a rush to get “something” constructed which favors a developer and not the community.

Dear….

If Optima is granted a zoning change at Broadway and Cornelia it will immediately open the door to other developers to erect buildings above the present zoning limit. Owners of the hotel and parking garage south of the Optima property are already considering such a move. Soon, we will be well on the way to a Broadway lined with six to eight + story buildings from Diversey to Irving Park. This is not the neighborhood that many of us have come to love—open, low-rise, pedestrian friendly.

Dear…

I’ve lived in Lakeview for a number of years and I’m certainly not against a condo or rental building on the old Treasure Island property in Lakeview and would be happy to see it developed. But, a seven or eight story building would be a total eyesore. This building and the related increased people/traffic density would be overwhelming to the immediate community area and turn that section of Broadway into a dark canyon. Way too big, too tall, too much. Please listen to the community and help us reach a better balance for all concerned.

Dear…

By way of a grass roots petition over 1,500 East Lakeview residents have made it clear that the proposed building at 3460 N Broadway that is higher than current zoning limits is out of character for the neighborhood with its one two and three story structures. It would loom over everything, like a ‘gluttonous monstrosity,’ in the apt term of one neighbor. The process is very frustrating as we feel the developer holds all the cards. Is anybody listening?

Dear…..

I am a homeowner in the 44th ward and am very opposed to the development proposed by Optima at 3460 N Broadway. The development is overwhelming and is far too big for the neighborhood. Keep zoning at 50 feet. I do NOT want a seven or eight story building ruining the neighborhood.

Dear…..

Why was Optima allowed to move forward with their glass design at the Old Treasure Island property in a vintage neighborhood? All of Optima’s buildings are very similar in design. They certainly have the right to purchase the property and erect a building in the Treasure Island space but they should be told to break from their cookie cutter design approach and erect a building that better fits into the neighborhood. The current design belongs downtown, off Lake Shore Drive or in the suburbs. This will create a shift and destroy our neighborhood.

Dear…..

The proposed building for the old Treasure Island property is too tall, there’s not enough parking, it’s too dense and the architecture does not fit the neighborhood. Optima seems to have no regard for the unique character of Broadway with a huge, glass structure. Please help the citizens of the neighborhood have input in the future of our community.

Dear…..

The proposed building at 3460 N Broadway is way too massive for the neighborhood. It shouldn't be over four stories and there are way too many units. Traffic is already an issue and having that many units will make it a nightmare. It will impact the neighborhood in a negative way by eliminating the charm of our community.

­­­­­­­­­­Dear….

If you want to get a sense of what the intersection of Broadway and Cornelia would look like if Optima gets its way, take a walk past the new building on the southeast corner of Broadway and Sheridan. Talk about an oversized eyesore! And, this building is even smaller than the one Optima has been promoting. Want other examples? Walk around Wrigley Field and see what ‘progress’ has done to that end of the neighborhood. It’s time to take a stand before more of Lakeview falls victim to this uglification process.

Dear….

I live in and love Lakeview East. The neighborhood is already congested. A proposed multi-story development at the old Treasure Island location with limited parking is not what is needed. I'm against over development in an already congested area. A new multi-story development with limited parking is not what is needed. Why can’t there be a reasonable compromise with a smaller, shorter building. This way everyone can win…developer, neighbors and growth needs.

Dear…

As a lifelong East Lakeview resident and birdwatcher, I want to learn what impact Optima’s glass structure at 3460 N Broadway will have on migrating birds. This fall, the Cornell Lab of Ornithology ranked Chicago as being the most dangerous city for migrating birds. Will the windows have…decals, special screens or curtains? Does Optima’s green plan (promoted in marketing materials) include plans for migrating birds?

Dear….

The proposed building at 3460 N Broadway will block too much sunlight and create shadows very early. It should blend more with the prevailing height of the buildings in the area which are generally no more than three to four stories.

­­Dear….

The proposed Optima building at the old Treasure Island property in Lakeview is being promoted as transit friendly or commuter friendly under the assumption that residents will not have cars and will use mass transit. How do we know this? This is no way of knowing in advance how many additional cars would be coming into an already auto-congested area. Many Lakeview residents who frequently use public transit still own cars. Even a little-used vehicle needs a parking space. A 208 unit apartment building with only 100 plus parking spaces will add congestion. A size reduction must be implemented.

Dear…..

The seven or eight story building proposed at 3460 N Broadway will create a canyon effect on the now low rise building area. It will cast long shadows. Say goodbye to the sunny afternoons and hello to darkness on the east and west sides when the building is constructed as currently planned. Please help the neighborhood by advocating for the right balance on Broadway.