March 14, 2007

CANDIDATE  PLEDGE
   

I,  Annabel Abraham; Jim Balanoff; Robert Milstein; Gary Schwab,
a candidate for Oak Park Village Trustee in the April 17, 2007, Consolidated Election, do hereby PUT THE VALUE OF MY GOOD NAME to the following Candidate’s Pledge:

WHEREAS, no evidence exists that reintroducing traffic will significantly improve the retail environment on the 100 block of north Marion Street,

WHEREAS, no evidence exists that the addition of 11 parking spaces on north Marion Street will significantly improve its retail environment,

WHEREAS, according to Village of Oak Park’s own traffic study, restreeting the Marion Street Mall will slow Lake Street traffic and increase congestion, and, in addition, increase automotive pollution,

WHEREAS, the Marion Street Mall has paramount importance because the Greater Downtown Master Plan strongly emphasizes the importance of a public space for community events and such a space is unlikely to be
created elsewhere,

WHEREAS, it is most unlikely that this one block can simultaneously be a quiet place for strolling and dining, a thoroughfare relieving Lake Street congestion, and a gateway to a large parking garage,

WHEREAS, I am concerned with the expenditure of large sums of money
to destroy the Marion Street Mall and construct a street, when such money could be spent for other purposes such as street repair and school assistance,

WHEREAS, I am alarmed about the sacrifice of green space, the cutting down of 20 mature trees, and the destruction of flower beds for automobile traffic,

WHEREAS, many residents enjoy the serenity and safety of the Mall, the cultural activities held there, and the charm it provides to the village of Oak Park, and for other good reasons,

I PLEDGE THAT IF ELECTED I WILL UTILIZE MY POWER AS A VILLAGE TRUSTEE TO STAND FIRMLY AND FOREVER BEHIND SAVING THE MARION STREET MALL IN ITS PRESENT FORM AS A PEDESTRIAN MALL AND TO PREVENT ITS DEVASTATION AND RESTREETING.


Signed by all