• Help stop construction of the massive proposed metal border walls blocking shoreline access & views at Elder-Centennial beach in Winnetka, IL!

To: Winnetka Park District

Illinois Dept of Natural Resources (IDNR)

US Army Corps of Engineers (USCAE)

Thank you for taking the time to read this.

 

We, concerned citizens, residents, and taxpayers request that the proposed metal barriers at Elder-Centennial Beach in Winnetka, IL be removed from the plan that has been submitted to the IDNR and USCAE. 

The plan sent for approval has SIGNIFICANT material deviations from the resident approved 2030 Lakefront plan.

Most notably, two very tall (at some places 13’ above water elevation) metal barrier / border fences were added to the design. 

These walls are proposed as fencing to sit atop large rocks and BLOCK the both shoreline view and shoreline access (protected by the Illinois public trust doctrine) for patrons of the beach. 

We are also concerned that a steel fenced in / walled off beach sets a dangerous precedent that could lead to many more walled in enclaves destroying the continuous shoreline and lakefront.

These fences / walls do not blend with nature and we imagine future generations wondering what the people of the 2020’s were thinking.

Water, sand, rocks, are all elements of nature. A man-made steel fence anchored to rocks, towering above the height of people and extending into the water is anti-nature and seems environmentally unfriendly. 

We believe the permitters could be built to embrace continuous shoreline access and views, similar to the just completed renovation at Lloyd beach also in Winnetka.

There, they have no steel wall, simply rocks with stone quarry steps allowing continuous access along the shoreline. 

We also do not want immovable planting pockets with high trees on park district property. Nor do we want any other proposed element that would eliminate shoreline views / access. 

Note: Denying access to walking along the water’s edge is typically a violation of the Illinois Public Trust Doctrine.

It’s also concerning that no residents we spoke with were notified of workshops to develop the modified beach plan and it seems as though the Park district is using taxpayer money to further a special interest. At this time, the residents are also unaware of the cost estimate / source of funds for the project. 

We would like residents and the Park District to TOGETHER create / review all plans (and modifications) for Elder-Centennial, always being mindful of the Illinois Public Trust Doctrine and our beautiful natural shoreline. 

Just a quick note: please don’t donate to change . org unless you want to support them (we are not receiving any of the money) - thank you to everyone who has shared and helped, we are incredibly grateful!

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Some of the many thoughtful comments collected from residents: 

“The louvered steel fence / wall on top of the breakwater is an unproven design that walls in the beach and obliterates the current panoramic view both north and south.”

“The top of the steel wall is over 13 feet higher than sand elevation near the water which obstructs the view of the shoreline and impedes the ability to freely walk the beach. The tree plantings will be even taller, as high as 20 feet.”

“Shoreline erosion protection and bluff preservation can be accomplished without the downsides of the current design”

“Please consider revising the plan, removing the steel wall that was not approved by taxpaying residents and allowing for passage between the beach similar to what the village provided at newly completed Lloyd beach.”

Thank you again for your time and consideration of this important matter - please consider adding your comments to the petition!

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This petition, with signatures will be sent to and further comments can be directed to: 

US Army Corps of Engineer

Reference Centennial/ Elder Lane Beaches, Winnetka, IL

Must be received by June 2, 2022

Commenters must provide their name, mailing address, and email address

If you have any questions, you can contact the Project Manager, Mr. Soren Hall by telephone at (312) 846-5532

Comments By Email: Soren.G.Hall@usace.army.mil

To the IDNR

Reference Centennial/ Elder Lane Beaches, Winnetka, IL (Co-Applicants: Winnetka Park District & Orchard 2020 Trust 

Must be received by June 2

Project Manager, Jim Casey

(312) 793-5947

Emails:

james.casey@illinois.gov

Jim Casey - Project Manager 

 

Loren.Wobig@Illinois.gov

IDNR Director of water resources

 

Renee.snow@illinois.gov

IDNR General Counsel

 

Ania.Bayers@illinois.gov

Director of Water Resources

IDNR IL Coastal Management Plan

 

Also:

croot@winpark.org

Colleen Root, Park District Commissioner

(You can request an email be read into the record at a meeting)

Additionally: In person comments are taken at the Park district board meetings each month and you can visit this page for the schedule to attend: 

https://www.winpark.org/park-district-info/about/board-of-commissioners/board-meetings/

This petition and all signatures will be entered into the public record of the meeting dated 5/26/2022

**Two more important meetings are coming up on 6/7 (village board 7pm) and 6/9 (Park Board 6pm) Please see update to this petition to find out why and how to attend!

 

 

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Added June 29, 2022:

There’s a new petition circulating which we do not support. Please see our update for why.

It’s proposed plan (without the fence) still contains planter “pockets” with the same issues and an extended breakwater. 300’ In comparison to the 190’ approved in the winnetka 2030 plan.  This added incredible expense to the taxpayers. 

There is no rush to sign anything in advance of July 18 meeting (see below) because nothing is being by decided until residents have a chance to discuss options and then agree / disagree.

from the district: 

***Join the Winnetka Park District for a lakefront workshop + special board meeting Monday, July 18 to provide your thoughts as we work to finalize the breakwater design for the Elder Lane + Centennial Project.

Centennial Beach 5pm:

Meet at Centennial Beach (225 Sheridan Road, Winnetka) to learn about breakwater design options.

 

Lloyd Beach 6pm:

Meet at Lloyd Beach (799 Sheridan Road, Winnetka) to compare the height of a proposed Centennial Beach breakwater design to the height of the present Lloyd Beach breakwater structure.

Hubbard Woods School auditorium 7pm:

Meet at the Hubbard Woods School auditorium (1111 Chatfield Road, Winnetka) to wrap up the workshop. This will be an opportunity to recap and share ideas + insights as it regards to the Elder Lane + Centennial Project.

Thank you again for your support!