Every ten years, the United States government conducts a nationwide census to gather information about the national population. Upon completion of the census, government entities are legally required to alter legislative district boundaries in accordance with population changes. The Chicago City Council is in the process of shifting ward boundaries to reflect shifts in population.
If the City's population were evenly distributed, each ward would have 53,912 residents. Currently, the population of the 19th Ward is 52,647, below the average. Unfortunately, wards that border ours fall well below that average and are looking to absorb portions of our eastern edge to makeup the difference.
Residents living on the east end of our community have been emphatic in their desire to remain part of the 19th Ward. The Beverly Area Planning Association has organized a petition drive and letter writing campaign; many residents are displaying yard or window signs affirming their desire to remain part of the 19th Ward.
Diversity is one of the 19th Ward's greatest strengths; our residents are proud to live in one of the few truly integrated communities in Chicago. As long as residents seek to remain in the 19th Ward, we will work to maintain our boundaries. Our children learn in 19th Ward schools, play in 19th Ward parks, and read in 19th Ward libraries.
There is a public hearing tomorrow night, Wednesday, November 9, 2011 in the auditorium at Morgan Park High School, 1744 W. Pryor Ave., from 6:00 - 9:00 pm. Please come out in support of your neighbors. Together we can keep our wonderful community in place.
Thank you, Matt O'Shea