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
What are the odds that attending this meeting will really make a difference? I feel like the powers that be have already decided what's going to happen. I'd be fine confronted with a remap if it didn't likely mean that homes in the affected region will probably see their values plummet in the short term ... And if remap really meant reducing the ridiculous 50 wards into a more manageable number like 15. If NYC can function with 5 boroughs why do we need 50 wards?
ReplyDeleteQuitters never win...
ReplyDeleteWinners never quit
I think Matt O'Shea and BAPA has done a great job organizing the neighborhood against the threat. I'm glad we have you.
ReplyDeletewhose fran hurley? is she really fran dorgan or is that someone different. how can someone have 2 different names?
ReplyDeleteI'm not a city worker or politically connected.
ReplyDeleteI have watched the schools get worse, western ave and 95th street go down hill - 19th ward has done nothing for me!
Why don't you run as a community representative for your local school council, attend a meeting held by BAPA...or... continue to be a cowardly nancy boy who anonymously blogs in his underwear.
ReplyDeleteWhat have you done for the 19th ward?
ReplyDeleteThe above poster who is not a city worker needs to get off their lazy ass and help out.
ReplyDeleteI'm proud of how everyone is pulling together for this cause.
ReplyDelete