What prompted me to run for alderman? I, and many of my colleagues in several of the area's neighborhood associations throughout the ward, have come to the conclusion that time would be better spent replacing Alderman Pat Levar, rather than having to continually drag him like a stubborn mule, to do the right thing for the community.
While residents seeking a zoning change from RS3 to RS2, in order to prevent over-development of their block, are told that they need 85% of the homeowners to sign a petition, the developers are never held to such high standards. Take in point the 4700 block of W. Berteau, where amazingly one lot was changed from RS3 to RS3.5, allowing a developer to tear down a single family home and replace it with a 6 unit condo! For builders, NO PETITION REQUIRED, thanks Ald. Levar.
As Alderman, I will hold "town-hall" meetings throughout the ward on a MONTHLY basis. I will form a "zoning advisory board" made up of residents and from local civic association leaders, that would share the latest building and zoning proposals at our monthly "town-hall meetings, where residents could review building plans and share their concerns and suggestions.
Pat Levar is indifferent and refuses to listen to community concerns of over-development, property tax increases, neighborhood safety, and the lack of adequate education in our ward. Levar's promises to "form a committee" or have a "follow-up meeting" never materialize. I constantly hear complaints from residents, of a lack of cooperation on some of the most routine requests from his 45th ward office.
The wheels of the Levar-Lyons wagon have fallen off. Even Alderman Levar's Chief of Staff has walked out the door!
It is time for some customer service basics, as well as a plan for the future of our community, from within our community. The talent is here: architects, urban planners and a host of other professions and trades are represented right here in our neighborhood. They are eager to offer their expertise, but Alderman Levar's office turns a deaf ear.
Let's make it clear the Alderman of the 45th ward should answer to the people, and not the other way around!
Sincerely,
