istrict oFFice: ILLINOIS HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES + BUSINESS GROWTH 6 INCENTIVES a ROBYN GABEL eo July 23, 2018 ‘STATE REPRESENTATIVE a eens + MUSEUMS, ARTS & CULTURAL ENHANCEMENT Mayor Stephen Hagerty Members of the Evanston City Council City Manager Wally Bobkiewiez 2100 Ridge Ave Evanston, IL, 60201 Mayor Hagerty, Council members, and City Manager Bobkiewicz: ‘As an Evanstonian and an elected official representing most of the City, 1 am aware both of the community’s passion for preserving its cultural and historic heritage, and its strong interest in arts, culture, and the environment, Evanston possesses an historic building on a beautiful piece of lakefront property that generations of Evanstonian have enjoyed for decades, The Harley Clarke mansion is the only accessible public lakefront building that is open to everyone in our community; saving that opportunity for all races, ages and abilities is worth taking more time, I would like to see all possible options exhaustively explored before coming to the final decision to tear down the Harley Clarke mansion. In past administrations, the State of Illinois has investigated a partnership with the City of Evanston regarding an improvement of the public use of the Harley Clarke buildings and surrounding area, | believe that new opportunities to investigate a partnership between the State and the City may open up after the November elections. It would be a mistake for the City to foreclose future possibilities by the irreversible destruction of a public asset Thave heard from many of my constituents and join with my federal legislative colleague Jan Schakowsky and the many others who have spoken out in urging the City not to demolish the landmark Harley Clarke struetures. | ask that the City instead revisits uses such as those proposed by community organizations who seek to preserve and restore the buildings and gardens. Yours sincerely, Robyn Gabel State Representative, 18th Legislative DistrictILLINOIS HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES DISTRICT OFFIC! 1812 Waukegan Road Suite Glenview, IL 60025 (847) 998-1717 (847) 998-1707 FAX ‘SPRINGFIELD OFFICE: 247-£ Stratton Building Springfield, 1L 62706 (217) 782-4194 (217) 24.0449 FAX Mayor Stephen Hagerty Members of the Evanston City Council City Manager Wally Bobkiewicz 2100 Ridge Avenue Evanston, IL 60201 ‘COMMITTEES: Approprations- Higher Education Environment Higher Education Human Services Insurance Youth & Young Adults- Chait LAURA FINE STATE REPRESENTATIVE * 17" DISTRICT September 17, 2018 Mayor Hagerty, Council members, and City Manager Bobkiewicz, {As an elected official representing part of the City of Evanston, | am hearing from constituents who are concerned about the future of the Harley Clarke mansion. For many residents, Harley Clarke represents the City’s cultural and historical heritage; for this reason | ‘am urging the city not the demolish the landmark structure, but instead grant all sides more time to research all options for a creative solution. An issue that engenders so much passion from everyone is deserving of a deliberate thoughtful process and a creative approach. Demolition of Harley Clarke will be irreversible and should not be done until all other alternatives have been absolutely exhausted. There are options to explore, including a potential partnership with the State of Illinois. ‘As an elected official, we have to be stewards of taxpayer dollars, but we are also tasked with protecting + and preserving our cultural, historical and natural resources. The Harley Clarke mansion and the land it sits on is such a resource. I respectfully stand with many Evanstonians, Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky, and State Representative Robyn Gabel in asking the City to look at all possible options before making an irreversible decision. ‘Thank you for your consideration. Kind regards, Cotas Pine laura Fine State Representative, 17 District