Winnetka Village President Chris Rintz is calling out opponents of plans for a proposed steel wall along the lakefront after dozens of residents spoke out about renovation plans they say would block views of Lake Michigan and interrupt walks on the beach
“It is unfortunate that a single property owner has chosen to promote a change in the plan beyond what was agreed upon. As originally crafted, the property swap is an outstanding opportunity to help realize a vision promoted for decades,” he said in a news release issued Friday. “I know the Park District Board did not seek this out, but now the issue is firmly in their purview to resolve. They are volunteers, neighbors, and friends, just like you, and are trying to do the right thing.”
Rintz did not return calls seeking comment. His news release did not name the property owner referenced and encouraged residents to trust the approval process.
Opponents of the Elder Lane and Centennial Park renovation plan spoke out during a recent park board meeting, noting the blocked views of Lake Michigan and possibility of additional homeowners petitioning to include walls on their property. They said the obstruction would prevent beachgoers from walking along the shore while in the water. Others lamented that the design could have used more natural materials such as stones.
– Original Credit: Handout
“I think the park district should be setting a good example for stewardship of our gorgeous shoreline,” said Laurie Petersen. “Not doing something that I honestly think could become a national example for what not to do on a natural shoreline.”
Katie Stevens, who said she lives two doors north of the proposed wall, said she sees potential personal benefits from construction of the wall but is strongly opposed to it.
“I feel you need to set the example. I am begging you all please don’t build a wall into the lake,” said Stevens. “Each of you know in your hearts what is right.”
A petition with 512 signatures expressing opposition to the barrier was presented to the board as well.
The renovation plan calls for making a contiguous waterfront for Elder Lane and Centennial parks and beaches, which is currently split by a section of private property. The private property, which includes two homes and 2.05 acres of land, was purchased in Oct. 2020 for $14.4 million with a land swap approved by the Winnetka Park District.
In the agreement, the park district would receive the land in exchange for a 0.67 acre property at the south end of Centennial Park which was then to be combined with a 1.38 acre property just south of park limits.
The wall, according to the project presentation, would be composed of steel plates ranging from 1.25 to 6.5 feet tall with the plates extending onto the breakwaters proposed on each end of the beach. Those steel plates would in some areas then be placed upon planter boxes adding to their height. The breakwaters are designed to help dissipate waves to protect the shoreline from erosion. Along with the two side breakwaters, another will be centered on the beach extending into the water and forming a T shape with a boardwalk for access.
Park board member Colleen Root made a motion to withdraw the application, but did not get enough support to call for a vote.
“I will disagree with council on this part,” Root said during the meeting. “There are ways to address safety that do not require the extent and the expense of this current plan.”
When contacted for comment, Root described the plan as “dystopian” and “elitist”.
“We are a park district. Our duty is to provide access to all the public. To welcome all members of the public whether they are rich or poor, no matter their gender or race,” said Root. “We have a duty to make sure that we also provide access to all members of the public , no matter where they live, to the public beach lands so they have the right to walk the Illinois public beach.”
She does remain hopeful that it is not too late to change the current plan especially given the public reaction and has plans to bring the motion forward again at a later park board meeting.
Winnetka Park District Board of Commissioners President Warren James said the steel barrier has been included in the plans for a year and residents have had ample opportunity to bring concerns to the board. He said the Illinois Department of Natural Resources has extended the comment period until June 2 but that emotional appeals won’t hold as much weight with them as factual concerns.
“This plan is the culmination of a great deal of thought. Have there been compromises along the way? Yeah, there have been but all along the focus has been on serving the greater good of the community,” said James. “This is part of the process.”