Park District of Highland Park Halts Information Campaign on Lakefront Referendum Given Economic Concerns

Release Date: Sep. 29, 2008

Unable to remove question from the November ballot, Commissioners will cease all efforts in connection with referendum

HIGHLAND PARK, Ill., September 29, 2008— Citing the serious economic challenges facing the nation and the accompanying financial stress on community residents, the Park District of Highland Park Board of Park Commissioners voted unanimously today to cease all informational activity regarding the lakefront referendum.

At a special meeting held today at the West Ridge Center, commissioners said they would have preferred to remove the referendum question from the November general election ballot altogether, but since ballots have already been printed, that was not possible.

“In the months since the ballot question was submitted, our nation’s economy has become increasingly precarious, and citizens across the country and here in Highland Park are facing serious financial challenges,” said Commissioner Cal Bernstein. “Given these circumstances and the financial uncertainty families are facing, we do not think it is appropriate or fiscally responsible to discuss funding lakefront improvements at this point in time.”

Board Vice President Lorry Werhane, Jr. added, “We still believe that we need to act to protect and preserve our lakefront, a vital asset which contributes so much to the quality of life in our community. And we intend to proceed with our lakefront revitalization plan or a revised version at some point in the future. But right now, as stewards of public funds, we feel the fiscally responsible thing to do is to wait before proceeding.”

The commissioners passed a resolution saying the Park District would “cease all activity with respect to the Referendum, including dissemination of information to the public.”

Commissioner Elaine Waxman said, “Under normal circumstances, we would continue to provide opportunities for the members of the community to learn about the plans by hosting public meetings and distributing information at public buildings. Today, we agreed not to disseminate that information.”

“Our decision today may come as a disappointment to some. We have received a tremendous amount of support and positive feedback from the community about the lakefront revitalization plan. People cherish our lakefront and want to preserve and protect it for their families and future generations. But now is not the right time to pursue public investment,” said Commissioner Stacy Weiss.

Board President Nancy Rosenbaum added, “We are grateful to the hundreds of community residents who have participated in the lakefront planning process and provided us with valuable input. We know how important the lakefront is to our community, and we pledge to revisit the important work of protecting and improving it when the time is right.”

About the Park District of Highland Park
The Park District of Highland Park, founded in 1909, operates and manages over 600 acres of land in 44 park areas, and offers approximately 2,800 recreation and seasonal programs.  Facilities include an indoor ice arena, indoor tennis and racquetball complex, two recreation centers, a nature center, an 18-hole golf course, driving range, adventure golf, aquapark, beaches, boat launch ramp and yacht club on Lake Michigan.

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