A passionate group of local residents gathered on Saturday at Oz Park in the Lincoln Park neighborhood to voice their opposition to the Francis W. Parker School’s planned expansion. They carried signs and wore “Stop Parker” buttons in protest of the proposed development on Belden Avenue. The meeting highlighted long-standing tensions between the prestigious 125-year-old private school and the surrounding community.

The school’s expansion blueprint includes plans for athletic field lighting, a pedestrian overpass, and the erection of a new building on the existing campus. These proposals, known as the “School and Neighborhood Improvement Proposal,” have raised concerns among neighbors. Sandra Weiskirch was among those holding signs high during the protest.

While attendance at the protest was below 100, the online response was different. Nearly 1,900 signatories have endorsed the StopParker.com petition, reflecting a broader disapproval according to East Lincoln Park Neighbors representative Kelsey Burr. “This protest shows the neighborhood largely disagrees with the plans,” stated Arden Austin, who attended with her young son.

The school maintains that the expansion is beneficial. A spokesperson expressed to the Tribune their enthusiasm for the educational opportunities and benefits the expansion will deliver, including potential affordable housing and investments in public schools. Despite this, opponents insist there are alternative locations for the school’s expansion that would impact the community less.

Michelle Hoppe Villegas, from the Mid-North Association, voiced concerns over potential disturbances like the new stadium lights. “In a densely packed neighborhood, six acres isn’t adequate for them,” she stated. A central issue is the proposed conversion of the historical building at 327–335 W. Belden Ave. from residential to educational space, affecting affordable housing.

While the school proposes mitigating this by donating $25,000 annually for 20 years to local schools and creating seven new affordable housing units, some residents like Wendy Foster argue it’s insufficient. “They offer less housing than what they take away,” said Foster while collecting petition signatures.

Beyond the core expansion issues, residents have criticized perceived deception by Alderman Timmy Knudsen, who supports the plan. Approval from Knudsen and the City Council zoning committee is necessary for the expansion to proceed. Earlier this year, Knudsen’s survey showed 60% support among 470 ward residents for the plans.

However, Kelsey Burr argues that her collection of over 1,200 signatures from within the same ward paints a different picture. “Our officials need to focus on the broader community rather than a privileged minority,” commented protester Samvith Srinivas, who attended with his daughter.