James Cappleman File Photo: Photo Credit:Jane Rickard.
James Cappleman, Alderman in the 46th, was one of 41 Aldermen to vote for the last minute compromise map. Here’s the statement he just released to supporters,
“Today I voted yes for the ‘For A Better Chicago’ remap of the 50 wards in the City
of Chicago. The 41 ‘yes’ votes in City Council mean that we received the minimum required number of votes to avoid a City-wide referendum.
“With the new addition of the Uptown Theatre, Annoyance Theater, and the historic Green Mill within the 46th Ward, I will have the ability to better coordinate efforts to make the Entertainment District a destination point for the entire Chicago metropolitan area. The 46th Ward already includes the Aragon Ballroom and the Riviera Theatre.
“My goal for the process was to avoid gerrymandering and to protect the many different neighborhoods that make up Chicago. Although some of this did take place, I believe the passage of this map will discourage a very costly city referendum and a lawsuit that could cost the City around $70 million. This money is better used for libraries, schools, health care, parks, and the police.
“It is still possible that a group could contest this map, but with the majority of aldermen voting in favor, it is unlikely a challenge would be successful. This was the one map that was supported by all aldermen including those that represent African-American and Latino communities.”
Meanwhile, 50th Ward Alderman Debbie Siverstein just emailed this to residents, “On Thursday I voted in favor of a new City ward map that resulted in some changes to the 50th Ward. These changes were inevitable and the basis for them was shifts in population and demographics over the last 10 years. As a result, many north side wards — including the 50th Ward — will shrink.
“While we are gaining some new residents, we will be losing an area that includes many dedicated and passionate people who care deeply about the 50th Ward. We will keep you posted as these changes take effect.”
Forty-Eighth Ward Alderman, Harry Osterman, issued this statement, “Yesterday the Chicago City Council passed the new ward map with a vote of 41-8. I voted in support of this map, ‘For A Better Chicago,’ as it most consistently reflects the current 48th ward boundaries. Additionally, it unifies the greater Edgewateras such as North Sheridan Road from Granville to Devon; Berger Park; Loyola University Chicago’s south campus; the area north of Granville between Glenwood and Clark around St. Gertrude’s; and the south side of Devon west to Clark Street. Including these areas in the 48th ward will strengthen our vision for the future of enhancing and beautifying Sheridan Road, Broadway, Argyle Street and Devon Avenue.
“In the coming weeks, I will host outreach meetings in these areas. Our new ward boundaries, which officially take effect on June 1, are less gerrymandered, keeping our community dense and compact and making it more unified. The 48th Ward remains one of the most diverse and culturally rich communities in Chicago.”
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