Debate over a proposed soccer field at Schurz High School is "pitting neighbor against neighbor," Principal Dan Kramer said. View Full Caption Facebook/Old Irving Park Association

IRVING PARK — Principal Dan Kramer has withdrawn a proposal to build a regulation soccer field at Schurz High School, which would have required the closure of a portion of Waveland Avenue, saying the debate over the field had devolved into a "contentious fight that is pitting neighbor against neighbor."

"We have literally become a political yard sign in the current 45th Ward race," Kramer wrote Tuesday in an email to members of a steering committee that was created to weigh the merits of the planned Schurz Field.

"At the heart of this proposal was the idea of building bridges between the neighborhood and school, and I now feel we are not only far from that goal, but in fact the proposal is working against it," he said.

Chicago Police Lt. John Garrido, who's facing off against Ald. John Arena in a run-off election April 7, used the issue to criticize the alderman for failing to consult nearby residents about high-profile projects they said would reduce their quality of life.

Patty Wetli says politics killed the plan:

Shortly after Kramer sent his email to the steering committee, the principal and Arena issued a joint statement announcing the soccer field proposal and closure of Waveland had been taken off the table.

"After receiving feedback from the community around Schurz High School, we have decided to remove the complete closure of Waveland Avenue from consideration for the Schurz Field improvement plan," the statement read.

"While we're disappointed that the plan is now on hold, we're proud that we've followed this open and democratic process, and that we're acting in accordance with the wishes of the community."

"Obviously the alderman and the principal have heard the community outcry and I'm glad they listened," said Anna Zolkowski Sobor, president of the Old Irving Park Association.

OIPA had announced its official opposition to the soccer field in late January.

"I think it became obvious this was not working," Sobor said.

The Pritzker Traubert Family Foundation, under the auspices of the Take the Field program, had been prepared to contribute $500,000 toward the field's anticipated $1.5 million tab, but only if Schurz were to build a regulation-size soccer pitch.

Schurz existing practice field couldn't accommodate the necessary 320-foot length and would have required encroachment into adjacent space on Waveland Avenue in order to meet Illinois High School Association standards.

With Kramer's withdrawal of the proposal, the discussion now turns to alternative options for the field and building those bridges the principal originally intended, he said.

"I do still feel there are very real possibilities out there that can both satisfy the needs of the school while not compromising fundamental neighborhood concerns such as transportation access," Kramer said in his email.

He'll present some of those thoughts at Monday night's upcoming OIPA meeting, which will focus on the opportunity to create a Friends of Schurz group that would assist the school with fundraising and bring in additional resources.

Amy Williamson, co-founder of Friends of Amundsen, is on the agenda as guest speaker to share her experiences.

"We're looking for the template," said Sobor, who emphasized that OIPA is merely hosting the information session, not starting a Friends of Schurz itself.

"Hopefully whoever is interested will raise their hand and work with Principal Kramer," she said. "This is the time to step up."

The Old Irving Park Association is scheduled to meet at 7 p.m. Monday, Irving Park Baptist Church, 4401 W. Irving Park Rd.

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