***Alderman Schulter has stated that he is not voting on the resolution tomorrow but that he will re submit a "substitute" ordinance in January 2008 to the Housing and Real Estate Committee which places the 12 parcels from the Dental Corner on the North end of Western Ave south to Nick Toma's burnt building on to a voluntary acquisition list. This will allow the City to make an offer to purchase but not invoke eminent domain.This leaves the Walgreens building exposed to condemnation. Please read the What's Going On? section for more details or download the file HERE.

This Wednesday, City Council is expected to vote on the resolution that would grant them the authority to acquire the 4800 block of North Western Avenue for private development, including Chicago Soccer, The Dental Corner, and Decorium Furniture. As you heard Wednesday night, if this resolution passes and the owners don't sell, the city can condemn them through eminent domain. We can't allow this to happen. These businesses are not blighted, and they are not for sale - and the ONLY way to protect them from condemnation is for the city to NOT authorize their acquisition.

Save Lincoln Square will hold a rally at 9am this Wednesday before the City Council meeting (which will convene at 10am) to urge the aldermen to vote against this resolution. We encourage you to attend and bring your neighbors and friends. The Lincoln Square business owners need you to make your voice heard!

Any questions please call 773-271-2255 and ask for Imre Hidvegi.

About Save Lincoln Square

Save Lincoln Square is a broad, community-based coalition of small business owners and activists who oppose the use or threat of eminent domain for private development in Lincoln Square. The city is seeking to pass a resolution to acquire our 16 businesses, which are located in the Western Avenue North TIF District, and will condemn our property through eminent domain if we do not want to sell.

Eminent domain is supposed to be for public uses, like roads and schools - not to give our successful businesses to wealthy developers for new businesses and condominiums. We do not want to sell and we will not sell. We demand that the City Council rescind the resolution authorizing the forcible acquisition of our businesses and allow the current owners to lead redevelopment efforts, through private negotiation, on our block.

Contact Alderman Schulter at 773-348-8400 or ward47@cityofchicago.org and tell him you oppose the use or threat of eminent domain for private development in the Western Avenue North TIF area.

Send us your comments at speakup@savelincolnsquare.com and we'll post them on the site.