March 2026 Meeting Minutes

Posted On March 12, 2026

East Lakeview Neighbors – Community Meeting Minutes
Date: Tuesday, March 10, 2026
Time: 6:07 PM – 7:49 PM
Location: Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Chicago

  1. Call to Order
    The meeting was called to order at 6:07 PM. Community members, board members, Chicago Cubs representatives, and city officials were present.
  2. Board Elections
    East Lakeview Neighbors held elections for board positions during the meeting. Ballots were collected during the program and results were announced at the conclusion of the meeting.
  3. Candidate Introductions
    Candidates shared brief remarks about their backgrounds and interest in serving the East Lakeview community, emphasizing neighborhood engagement, housing policy, public transportation, and community building.
  4. Chicago Cubs Presentation
    Representatives from the Chicago Cubs provided updates on upcoming events, neighborhood
    initiatives, and proposed development near Wrigley Field.

    Opening Day and Events
    • Opening Day is approximately 16 days away.
    • Summer events at Wrigley Field include concerts and special events.
    • Residents were encouraged to sign up for the Wrigley Field Neighbors email list for updates and presales.

    Cubs Charities Community Impact
    Highlights included:

    • Support for 18 Lakeview-area schools
    • Scholarship and mentoring programs
    • Career mentoring opportunities in sports
    • Donation of over $400,000 in tickets to community groups and nonprofits last year.

    Infrastructure Updates
    • Fence relocation work underway at the Toyota/Camry Lot.
    • Security improvements including bollards and sidewalk widening around Wrigley Field are planned.
    • Major construction is expected after the 2026 baseball season, with completion targeted before the 2027 MLB All-Star Game.
  5. Camry Lot Parking Proposal

    Proposal Overview
    The Cubs presented a proposal to expand parking capacity in the Camry Lot:

    • Current spaces: 688
    • Proposed spaces: 947

    The stated goal is to reduce fans parking on residential streets by providing additional parking
    near Wrigley Field.

    Transportation Data
    The Cubs reported that:

    • 37% of fans arrive by car
    • 63% arrive by other transportation methods such as CTA, walking, or biking.

    Additional Proposal
    The Cubs also presented a proposal for additional branded signage on team-owned rooftop buildings near Wrigley Field.
  6. Community Discussion and Feedback
    Residents raised a number of questions and concerns regarding the parking proposal.

    Key Concerns
    • Increased traffic congestion on neighborhood streets
    • Environmental impact and induced demand for driving
    • Preference for alternative land uses such as housing
    • Pedestrian safety concerns
    • Potential zoning implications related to nearby park land Comments in Support

    Some residents expressed support for additional parking, noting:
    • Difficulty finding residential parking on game days
    • Illegal or permit misuse by visitors

    Cubs representatives stated they would continue engaging with the community and answering questions regarding the proposal.
  7. Pedestrian Safety on Inner Lake Shore Drive
    The meeting included a presentation regarding safety concerns at Inner Lake Shore Drive and Addison Street.

    Background
    Several serious incidents have occurred at the intersection, including:
    • A fatal pedestrian crash in June 2025
    • A severe injury involving a neighborhood resident
    A victim’s family member addressed the meeting, sharing the personal impact of the crash and urging safety improvements.
  8. Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) Presentation
    CDOT presented results of a traffic safety study covering Inner Lake Shore Drive between Belmont and Grace.

    Study Findings
    From 2023–2025:
    • 9 pedestrian crashes
    • 6 bicycle crashes
    • Most occurred at signalized intersections involving turning vehicles or red-light violations.

    Proposed Safety Measures
    Short-term actions
    • Striped median to narrow traffic lanes
    • Additional warning signage
    • “Turning vehicles yield to pedestrians” signs

    Potential future actions
    • Radar speed feedback signs
    • Possible speed enforcement cameras
    • Additional pedestrian fencing near Lake Shore Drive.

    Residents encouraged stronger infrastructure changes such as curb extensions and pedestrian refuge islands.

    CDOT stated these recommendations represent initial steps, with further study and collaboration planned.
  9. Closing Announcements
    Board Election Results

    The following board members were elected:

    Officers
    • Christina Pinson — President
    • John McCarthy — Vice President
    • Kit Welch — Treasurer
    • Erika Caldwell — Secretary

    Board Members
    • Brian Murphy
    • Patrick Nagel
    • Kenny Allen
    • Tobin Greenwald
    • Maureen Martino
    • Mike Raffety
    • Edward Gisiger
    • Will McIntee

    All slated candidates were elected. Write-in candidates did not receive enough votes.

    Additional Announcements
    • Community members were encouraged to contact board members with feedback or volunteer for neighborhood initiatives.
    • The next meeting is scheduled for May 12 (location TBD).
  10. Adjournment
    The meeting adjourned at 7:49 PM.