Hot off the press....
Riverside Info » About Riverside
Save Mary Park
(85 posts)-
Posted Thursday May 28, 2009 15:46 #
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It will be a shame to clutter that nice piece of land with another house. Why not buy one of the many "bargains" that are available all over town? Once the green space is gone, it doesn't come back.
Posted Thursday May 28, 2009 16:24 # -
I agree it would be a shame to lose the green space. However the original rectory for St Marys stood on the land that comprises mary park. Whats wrong with the current rectory?
Posted Thursday May 28, 2009 16:41 # -
This is insane to build on such a beautiful piece of property when there are other possible solutions. There must be more to this story. I hope whoever is listening in this game of chicken to please adjust their points of view and keep what is beautiful and right - there is so much other stuff in the world to pay attention to.
The website of the link above says two things...
"The integrity of St. Mary Park would be maintained."
--but building in St Mary park would be a dividing up of St Mary's. It would be like putting a studio apartment in the center of the church. Anyone witnessing the kids playing in that park and the Masses that have been performed in St Mary park would agree with this statement. I have video of Cardinal Bernadin smiling down at my dog as he processed into St Mary park for a special mass.
and,
A petition stating the above concern is in the process of being circulated so parishioners that do not want to lose this green space can join together and voice their opinion.
I know that parishioners and non-parishioners are interested in this issue. As anyone can come in to take in the spiritual food of St Mary's, so anyone with a brain and a spiritual sense of that space with its trees and quiet will also care about this.
Posted Thursday May 28, 2009 16:54 # -
That park is beautiful and would be a tragedy to be built upon, especially given there are other sites available for a new rectory.
In addition, I agree with Don. There are many gorgeous homes available within a short walk that could be purchased.
On trulia.com I found available for sale, close to church on Herrick
151 Herrick $495,000
238 Herrick $409,000
241 Herrick $379,000Posted Thursday May 28, 2009 16:57 # -
I'm sure the Monseignor is not a blog reader. I would encourage all to call the rectory, write letters and contribute to the established blog. I would think someone will print it for him. While St Mary's could use a rectory, and got a sizable private donation to build one, it seems no one wants to disturb the beauty of Mary Park.
I think the plan was to build the rectory way in the rear of the property, an issue came up regarding an easment and the solution was to move it to the middle of the park.
Posted Thursday May 28, 2009 17:14 # -
It takes two to have a disagreement. I hope all involved in this will listen to reason.
Posted Thursday May 28, 2009 23:54 # -
I do not know if my browser is turning off certain options (I get that sometimes), but I cannot see on the blogsite how and where to sign the petition. Anyone, please clarify.
I spoke with someone who knows a little of what is going on, and he told me that this plan has already gone through the planning/zoning commissions and village permitting process - IF I understood him correctly. For something that is such a salient part of Riverside and that affects so many, both parishioners and non parishioners alike, why didnt this problem and its solution get more press and airplay especially before this stage? Perhaps someone could have come up with a better solution for all - perhaps we still can.
EDIT- I think I am ok on my question. go to grumpys for the petition or email some people noted on the website. I read this again after turning on certain browser options:
A petition stating the above concern is in the process of being circulated so parishioners that do not want to lose this green space can join together and voice their opinion. The petition will be sent to Monsignor Sarauskas, the Pastoral Council, the Finance Committee and the Archdiocese of Chicago. If you are interested in signing this petition please email one of the below contacts or a petition is available to sign at Grumpy's.
more EDIT:
I am pretty sure that we can say that St Mary park - that property - is a *special* kind of private property; does nt that property enjoy some sort of tax exemption or some other tax rate that is discounted from the typical private property? If true, then in a sense, the public is sort of subsidizing the property. Please correct if I am wrong here.
And, while not, of course, public property, 'catholic' means universal and anyone can come and try the water; and anyone can express his or her own opinion. Does nt mean that the property owner will change his mind.
Posted Monday Jun 1, 2009 12:10 # -
mrt said:
For something that is such a salient part of Riverside and that affects so many, both parishioners and non parishioners alike, why didnt this problem and its solution get more press and airplay especially before this stage?
Because it's private property. It's not a park--it is land owned by the church. As long as they meet the proper zoning and plan requirements, they can build there. I don't know why it should have received press or "airplay." It's not like it could have been stopped--private property owners do have rights.
Posted Monday Jun 1, 2009 12:35 # -
The original plan for the lot under Olmsted was that it would be subdivided into three lots. I suppose one house on the lot is better than three. On the other hand, the space has become valuable and useful for esthetic purposes. It is lovely and spiritual.
As more and more Catholic schools close, St. Mary's needs to position itself as a magnet school of sorts, and needs space to expand. The priests home can't be on Millies lot, that lot needs to stay available for school expansion.
The best solution is to purchase a house on Herrick and renovate it into priests quarters. (Like the lot next to the Roblings)
Posted Monday Jun 1, 2009 12:58 #
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