More than 100 Northeast Elgin residents attended a public meeting about the recent listing for sale and potential development of five parking lots south of the former Sherman hospital (south of Slade Avenue & straddling Center Street extended) Thursday, March 12, at the Gail Borden Public Library. Attendees learned about the property history and current status, how the property fits into Elgin’s existing plans, and the zoning process involved in any potential future development.

After a brief overview of the hospital’s current presence in the neighborhood, Linda Deering, president of Advocate Sherman Hospital, shared that the community’s engagement with them has helped her and her team rethink the prospective sale of the property and noted she is in conversation with Elgin’s city manager on this issue and welcomes the continued dialogue with neighborhood residents.

Marc Mylott, Elgin’s Community Development Director, gave an overview of Elgin’s community development strategy and zoning process. Randy Reopelle, Elgin’s Parks and Recreation Director, gave an overview of the Parks and Recreation Master Plan and how the parking lot parcels fit into that plan. Mylott  and Reopelle both welcomed the engagement with the community and committed to continuing dialogue with Advocate Sherman and the community.

NENA Board Member Eric Larson noted that NENA would be sharing a summary of the meeting with its members and offering residents an opportunity to share additional input through an online survey that would be available shortly. Larson said NENA would continue to follow developments and keep residents informed.

To stay updated on this issue, subscribe to the NENA mailing list.