Parking Resolution

Resolution

Palmer Square Park Advisory Council

(Adopted by unanimous “yay” vote at General Meeting, Nov 4th 2024)

Relating to City and/or Aldermanic actions affecting Palmer Square

WHEREAS, Article II of the Bylaws of the Palmer Square Park Advisory Council (“PAC”) provides the charter to “promote ways for the community to better utilize the Chicago Park

District’s programs and facilities at Palmer Square Park”;

WHEREAS, Article II of the Bylaws of the PAC provide the charter to “provide communication to the Park District on matters relating to Palmer Square Park community and all patrons of Palmer Square Park”;

WHEREAS, Article II of the Bylaws of the PAC provide the charter to “provide the community with a vehicle through which information regarding Palmer Square Park, can be shared”;

WHEREAS, Around August 19th, members of the PAC became aware of pavement re-striping operations in progress on the North and South side of Palmer Boulevard (adjacent to the park), with no apparent notification to the PAC, Chicago Park District, or community members;

WHEREAS, subsequent to the events around August 19th, it was learned from Aldermanic representatives that the intent of the re-striping was to implement diagonal parking on the North and South streets adjacent to Palmer Square Park;

WHEREAS, it is generally accepted such a configuration would have a significant impacts on local traffic, pedestrian safety, accessibility, and the overall utilization of the park by community members of all ages in the Park and adjacent community (churches, schools, residents, etc);

WHEREAS, from historical view, a number of constituents of the PAC will have concerns and ideas regarding the potential reconfiguration of parking spaces which reflect their daily experiences and needs;

WHEREAS, the Board considers it its charter to inform its constituents of such changes, collect any comments, debate, suggestions, etc, and bring them to the attention of the City, its Aldermen, the Chicago Park District, and other representatives of government.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the PAC Board of Directors that:

  1. The City of Chicago, its Aldermen, and other representatives (“the City”) are urged to undertake a comprehensive community consultation process before any decisions are made regarding the reconfiguration of parking around Palmer Square Park.
  2. Such consultation should include, but not be limited to:
    1. Public forums and town hall meetings accessible to all community members.
    2. Surveys and feedback forms distributed both online and in physical locations around the park and community.
    3. Focus groups with representatives from different user demographics including families, elderly, disabled individuals, and local businesses.
    4. Collaboration with urban planners, traffic analysts, and environmental experts to assess the implications of proposed changes.
  3. The City shall ensure that all findings from the community input are made public, analyzed transparently, and significantly considered in the planning and decision-making process.
  4. A report detailing how community input has shaped the final parking reconfiguration plan should be presented to the community prior to the commencement of any physical changes.
  5. All parties involved shall consider the best use of limited funds in enhancing the Palmer Square area, and that projects other than parking reconfiguration may have a more positive influence on the health, safety, and general well-being of constituents and residents of the area.