Save Harley Clarke from demolition

[Allie Harned]

Hello, Neighbors!

I don't know if you've been following the Harley Clarke house saga that has been going on for years, I've only recently become involved in it so I'll give you a quick summary from my perspective: The Harley Clarke house, that big house next door to Lighthouse Beach, is in danger of demolition. A non-profit group called Evanston Lake House and Gardens (www.evanstonlakehouse.org) has put together a great proposal to turn it into a privately funded (NOT taxpayer-funded) environmental education center and event space. [Third grade teachers in D65 including our own have written and signed a letter of endorsement for the project, as it will enhance the 3rd grade Great Lakes unit!]  They've been working on this plan for years, but on April 9, the City Council voted to reject the lease plan, effectively stifling the plan. (The rejection was based on some stupid [IMO] technicalities, which the ELHG group came back the next week with offers to fix.) Then, at the May 29th City Council meeting, a small group of private citizens offered a "gift" to the City of Evanston, to pay for the "deconstruction" of Harley Clarke and restoration of the parkland, and expansion of the parking lot. This small group seems to be wealthy neighbors of the HC house, and they literally want to pave paradise and put up a parking lot. It would enhance their property value and give them clear lake views. Not cool, hey? I've joined the group working to fight demolition, and there are some actions you can do: 

1) Sign and share a petition specific to YOUR ward. http://evanstonlakehouse.org/petition/  (Don't know your ward? Look it up here)  I also have a paper petition on my porch, 1515 Greenwood Street, if you prefer that, or can come to your door to get your signature too! Let me know! (773) 354-9353

2) Call your alderperson and ask him to please do the right thing and vote NO on demolition. Ward 7 and maybe 6 and 3 are already against demo, thank them for their position. 

3) Attend the city council meeting on Monday, June 18th to join the large group voicing opposition to demolition.  There will be a rally in front of the Civic Center at 6 pm that night, and there may be a march from Harley Clarke to the rally as well. Bring your outside voices! 

Yes, there is a budget crunch in the city of Evanston and there are many programs at risk, but this is NOT going to take up city dollars, and would in fact free up resources if they would let the ELHG group have a go at it and take it off the city's hands! Let me know if you have any questions!

(I also have about 20 other things I'm fighting for, so if you're interested in those too stay tuned for Blue Wave Wednesday happy hours where you can come help with actions that will take our country back.  For now the urgency is the June 18th demolition of HC vote!)

Thanks, Allie Harned 
1515 Greenwood

(773) 354-9353

[Dickelle Fonda]

Sent from my iPhone✌🏼️

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