Key Issues and Another Option
Neighbors are raising concerns about the potential long-term impacts of the curent SFX proposal on safety, neighborhood character, and residential property values.
Student Safety:
The current proposal has all traffic from SFX headed directly to the intersection of 9th and Greenleaf right as students are walking home (both SFX and other neighborhood schools). Further, most observed cars from SFX are trying to head west, while the new proposal sends them east. This creates a confusing and challenging traffic flow that is dangerous.
Public Land:
The current proposal requires purchasing the alley from the Village of Wilmette. This would be an unprecedented transaction: No other similar sale has ever taken place. This proposal makes emergency access more difficult for our first responders, and unnecessarily complicates public workers daily responsibilities. There is no need to take this public land to meet the requirements of SFX.
Neighborhood Character:
The current proposal demolishes two historic buildings and replaces them with parking lots: setting the new building far back from the street. This doesn’t match the character of the community. No other institution in East Wilmette is surrounded by parking lots. A more thoughtful approach is required that meets SFXs needs while matching the neighborhood fabric. SFX is a Special Use in a residential neighborhood.
Wilmette has a strong tradition of integrating institutions in ways that complement, rather than overwhelm, residential neighborhoods.
What is another option?
There are numerous options that could better address the above issues, but one option that has been shared with SFX is here. The key point is there are choices being made that impact the community without benefiting the school, and those need to be reconsidered.
SFX Proposed Plan
Parking on 3 Sides of a Set Back Structure
Relies on Taking Public Land
Reduced Playspace
Dangerous Traffic Flow
Updated Facilities
Safe Passage for Schoolchildren
Another Option
New Building in Same Location as Existing
No Public Land Required
Increased Playspace
Safer Traffic Flow
Updated Facilities
Safe Passage for Schoolchildren
(Retractable Gates Closed During School Hours)