Dear Marie (President of the Fields of Dreams Committee),

As head of the boys basketball program, I wanted to thank you and the Field of Dreams committee for the installation of the lights in gym 1 and gym 2. The quality and quantity of work your committee has done to make Lane Tech a top flight institution can never be thanked enough. The boys basketball program is forever in your debt and if there is anything I or my program can do to help let me know. Thanks again.

Coach Jarka

*******************************

These are a sampling of thank you notes that were received from the Lane Tech Wrestling Team for a purchase made by the Fields of Dreams Committee:

Dear Fields of Dreams Committee:

I would like to sincerely thank you for your generous donation to our wrestling team.  This trophy case will not only motivate us wrestlers to match or surpass the success of our state placing predecessors, but it will also give our sport more recognition and popularity in the school.  Standing across from the main gym, this trophy case will glorify the struggles, and successes of previous teams.  Due to the difficulty of maintaining a low body fat percentage along with peak physical condition throughout the season, a lot of wrestlers, including myself, often forget what they are struggling for.  Between matches or after big wins it often becomes very difficult to stay on a strict diet when everyone else is eating unhealthy food or drinking pop.  This case will ease our struggle by motivating us to try and fill it with our own trophies.  Every time we walk by the main gym it will inspire us to work harder and push ourselves as much as is physically possible, because of the simple reminder that other teams in the past had to go through it and they became successful.  Thank you for giving us the opportunity to amplify our hunger for success.  I assure you that your generosity is cherished by all of our athletes, and it is put forth for a good cause.

Sincerely,

Y.K.

Dear Fields of Dreams Committee,

I would like to thank you on behalf of the wrestling team members, coaching staff, volunteers, parents, and myself for generously donating the trophy case to the wrestling team.  We greatly appreciate it and it will be of immense use as we strive to achieve our goals as a team and as individuals.  We will do so by continuing to work hard and by adding laurels to Lane's name as "The School of Champions".  You will see the wrestling pro-gram's success continue to generate as you see the trophies and plaques build up in numbers to prove our achievements and earn the respect of others while we earn recognition around the state.

R. B., Varsity Wrestler

Dear Fields of Dreams Committee,

On behalf of the Lane Tech Wrestling Team, I would like to thank you for your generous gift.  Your commitment to helping our team is sincerely appreciated.  Our program is continuing to advance to be the best we can be and your donation makes it easier for us to accomplish our goals.  We work hard and we appreciate you recognizing that.  We will not stop working hard and your gift gives us more drive to work harder and know that there are generous people out there willing to help our program.  This is just another motivation to achieve our goals.  Thank you again for your generosity and support to our school and sport.

Sincerely,

A. Y., 160-Weight Class

**************************************************

Lane Tech Fields of Dreams Committee
A Project of the Lane Tech Century Foundation
2501 W. Addison Avenue – Chicago, IL 60618 – 773-534-5400August 31, 2007

Dear Lane Tech Students & Parents:

Re: Lane Tech Athletics

Since July 2005, The Lane Tech Fields of Dreams Committee has been working diligently to fulfill our dreams of a safe environment in which Lane Tech’s nearly 4,400 students can practice and compete - and for all the athletes who compete on behalf of Lane.

Our accomplishments to date:

• We raised funds through The Lane Tech Century Foundation, The Lane Tech Football Booster Club and state & local grants and installed permanent lights in Lane Tech Stadium in 2006.
We were
• instrumental in convincing the Board of Education to allocate funds and apply for a $200K NFL grant which was awarded to Lane Tech. We obtained the support of the Chicago Bears, the Chicago Force, State Rep Rich Bradley, State Senator John Cullerton, Alderman Schulter and local chambers of commerce for this grant.
• We were instrumental in obtaining the Board of Education’s $4.1M funding commitment for the renovation of Lane Tech Stadium. Phase One (installation of fieldturf to be utilized by our football, lacrosse-boys & girls and soccer-boys & girls teams and a running track) is currently in progress and will be finished by September 7th. Phase Two (installation of new seating, locker rooms, announcer booth, bathroom facilities, etc.) will commence spring 2008. This converted stadium will be a showpiece that not only our 4,400 Lane Tech scholars can be proud of, but from which the entire north side community can derive benefit.
• We have reached out to our state legislators and received $60K in grant funds for the stadium improvements.
• We reached out to DePaul University and they have entered into a long term lease agreement with the Board of Education for the use of a certified running track with vaulting and jumping apparatus.
• We have raised approximately $35K through our winter pasta fund-raising dinner and our summer raffle ticket sales & BBQ.
• We are in the process of installing new gym lights in the main gym.
• We have requested $3M from our federal representatives for the installation of a baseball stadium, girl’s softball field and development of the adjacent properties. We’re cautiously optimistic that we may be granted some of the requested funds.
• We have reached out to the Chicago Park District to establish a partnership for the development of the adjacent properties for the benefit of all North Side athletes.


Lane Tech Fields of Dreams Committee

Aside from these accomplishments and future funding projects we will be working on, there are the daily funding needs for athletic activities. Chicago Public Schools pay for coaches’ salaries and reimburses referees for conference games only. CPS assigns each sport a set number of coaches and the assigned salaries are quite low compared to suburban districts. Our coaches donate their time, energy, and funds to assist and coach our athletes. The Quickstart athletic fee pays for free admittance to all conference games & transportation to and from events.

To help assist our athletes, the athletic director’s budget pays for all sports non-personalized team uniforms, all equipment, all sports entry fees, and all non-conference referees. This budget is derived from conference game receipts, non-conference (e.g. playoff & state regional) game receipts, the talent show, student/letterman games (e.g. turkey bowl, basketball & softball), and a portion of the school’s pop machine receipts.

Many of our athletic teams have candy & decal fund-raisers; some teams have a set fee; some participate in bowling nights, PotBelly’s dinner night share, swim-a-thons, etc. to help pay for incidentals such as gym bags and clothing.

Whatever the creative endeavors utilized to raise funds for both our large scale projects and the day-to-day athletic activities, please be as supportive as your finances allow.

We must be aware that public school education does not mean that everything is free.

Volunteers are always welcome. Please visit our website – www.lanetechfieldsofdreams.com for our contact information. The more hands, the lighter the load.

Cordially,

The Lane Tech Fields of Dreams Committee

Beatriz Penso-Buford, Kim Camacho, Ted Cappelen, Tony Chronis, Colleen Frayn, Marie Goss, Calixto Marcano, Luis Munoz, and Rich Rio.

***********************

December 11, 2006

Re: Status Update

Dear Lane Tech Parents:

The Fields of Dreams Committee has been working hard to complete our goals to improve the athletic facilities of Lane Tech High School. Here’s where we stand to date:

• We have teamed up with the Lane Tech Century Foundation to better maximize our fund raising abilities and complete our common goals.

• We have raised funds and installed stadium lights. We solicited and received the financial support of Alderman Schulter with a $25K grant for the lights.

• We have prodded and convinced the Board of Ed to apply for a NFL matching grant to install fieldturf, which will benefit our football, soccer and lacrosse athletes. We have received the support of the Chicago Bears, the Chicago Force, LISC, and community groups in this endeavor. We hope to receive the good news shortly that Lane has been awarded this grant. We reached out to our state legislators and have applied for $40K in state grant funds to help defray the cost of the installation of the fieldturf.

• We have prodded and convinced the board to allocate funds for the renovation of Lane Tech Stadium. They have currently allocated $2.1M. The current estimate to renovate the stadium is over $4M and we will continue to prod and convince them of their continued financial obligation.

• We have requested the financial support of the Board of Ed to install a certified running track with jumping and vaulting amenities at the same time the fieldturf is being installed. We currently have a black, lumpy cinder track that is not IHSA certified and Lane can not host track meets.

• We are in continued contact with Alderman Schulter’s office regarding the development of the property adjacent to Lane Tech Stadium, specifically the partnership with the Chicago Cubs and their commitment to install a baseball stadium for use by our championship baseball team. The alderman has assured us that our input will be welcome regarding the development of the property with the installation of a softball diamond and practice fields.

We also need your help and support in our endeavors. We will be hosting a pasta fund-raising dinner on Saturday, February 3rd. Mark your calendars and join us for an evening of good food and entertainment. Reservation forms will be sent home with your athlete in January. Show your support and help us in our quest to improve Lane’s athletic facilities. Please visit our website www.lanetechfieldofdreams.com and add your comments or suggestions.

Cordially,

The Lane Tech Fields of Dreams Committee

Drew Bogan, Kim Camacho, Ted Cappelen, Tony Chronis, Colleen Frayn, Marie Goss, Calixto Marcano, Luis Munoz, Beatriz Penso-Buford, Rich Rio, Kris Roof

Re: Lane Tech Stadium

Dear Mr. Wilkins:

I am writing to offer my support on behalf of the Lane Tech Fields of Dreams Committee for the renovation of Lane Tech Stadium. The upcoming infrastructure improvements to Lane Tech Stadium will not only enhance the character and class of the stadium but will compliment the stately Lane Tech campus. A renovated stadium will assist the revitalization of the Roscoe Village community.

The current installation of lights will allow for night games and the installation of fieldturf & track will give the North Side’s champion athletes a state-of-the art athletic field in which to practice and compete.

As you’re aware, the City of Chicago and the Chicago Park District purchased the 10 acre parcel of land adjacent to Lane Tech Stadium and will be developing that property as athletic fields for both Lane Tech’s students and athletes and the athletes of the North Side community. These athletic fields and a fully renovated Lane Tech Stadium will become the crown jewel of the North Side and will serve our community for decades to follow.

We look forward to the upcoming improvements to Lane Tech Stadium.

Cordially,

Mary Markarian Executive Director Roscoe Village Chamber of Commerce Melissa Esquibel 4524 N Lawndale Ave. Chicago, IL 60625 773-307-3603 Mr. Calvin Davis Director, Department of Sports Administration CHICAGO PUBLIC SCHOOLS 125 S. Clark Street, 12th Floor Chicago, IL 60603

Dear Mr. Davis:

I am writing to offer my support for the Lane Tech Fields of Dreams Committee, specifically their efforts directed at the renovation of Lane Tech Stadium. While the upcoming infrastructure improvements to Lane Tech Stadium will certainly enhance the character and class of the stadium and compliment the stately Lane Tech campus, it will be a welcome addition to the surrounding neighborhoods, such as Albany Park.

As a realtor, neighborhood chamber president and parent of a Lane Tech student, I can tell you that it’s growth like this that makes it easy to attract families to the area. These families will be vested in the community, because the community is visibly vested in them. The current installation of lights will allow for night games and the installation of fieldturf & track will give our student athletes a state-of-the art athletic field in which to practice and compete.

As you’re aware, the City of Chicago and the Chicago Park District purchased the 10 acre parcel of land adjacent to Lane Tech Stadium and will be developing that property as athletic fields for both Lane Tech’s students and athletes and the athletes of the North Side community. These athletic fields and a fully renovated Lane Tech Stadium will become the crown jewel of the North Side and will serve our community for decades to follow.

We look forward to the upcoming improvements to Lane Tech Stadium.

Cordially, Melissa P. Esquibel President – Albany Park Chamber of Commerce

Dear Mr. Lee:

We are confirming our understanding regarding the allocation of $2.1M in capital improvement funds to Lane Tech’s athletic fields. $400,000.00 of those funds will be allocated to the NFL matching grant application for the installation of fieldturf at Lane Tech Stadium. $200,000.00 of those funds will be allocated to the installation of an IHSA certified running track at Lane Tech Stadium.

The current estimate we have received from FieldTurf International for the fieldturf and track is $800,000.00. To install the fieldturf and track, the present concrete curb will be removed to allow for the widening of the track, which impacts the width of the fieldturf. To reduce costs and maximize construction efficiencies, both the fieldturf and track must be installed at the same time.

Lane Tech Century Foundation is currently applying for state grants and corporate donations. These funds will be specifically allocated to the installation of the track and will help reduce the allocation of board funds.

To assist Stephen Wilkins in the NFL grant application process, we have obtained the support of State Rep Richard Bradley, Alderman Gene Schulter, the Chicago Park District, and the president of the Albany Park Chamber of Commerce. We will also be reaching out to other local chambers of commerce for their support. We have contacted Joel Bookman of LISC to elicit his advice in the grant application process.

We’re very excited about the future improvements to Lane Tech Stadium. Our champion football, lacrosse, soccer and track athletes will be thrilled to compete on state-of-the art athletic fields. Let’s keep our fingers crossed that the NFL will award the matching grant to Chicago and Lane Tech Stadium. Go Lane!!!

Sincerely,

John Schwan Marie Goss President, Lane Tech Century Foundation Chairperson, Lane Tech Fields of Dreams E-mail: jhspsi@aol.com e-mail: marie.goss@ogilvy.comCell: 847-812-6190 Work: 312-856-8275 Cc: Principal Keith Foley, Athletic Director Rich Rio, Fields of Dreams Committee members Managing Broker/Owner – Blue Chip Property Group

Cc: Stephen Wilkins, Special Projects Manager

December 9, 2005 The Honorable Richard M. Daley, MayorOffice of the Mayor121 N. LaSalle Street, 5th Floor Chicago, IL 60602 Re: Lane Tech Stadium Your Honor: We wrote you on October 31st requesting a meeting with you to discuss your support of the three-part project to improve Lane Tech’s athletic facilities. We have not received a response.  Please contact us so that we can set up a date to meet with you in order to fully discuss our proposals. Over the past few months, you have received copies of numerous correspondences from our committee, concerned parents, coaches, athletes, and alumni regarding the deplorable conditions of the Lane Tech Stadium and surrounding practice fields. We have sent you copies of correspondence sent to Mr. Arne Duncan detailing our proposals to ensure that our ‘fields of dreams’ becomes a reality.

WE NEED YOUR DIRECT HELPAND INTERVENTIONto ensure that the student athletes of Lane Tech, of which 59.4% are low income with 43.1% Hispanic, 13.9% black, 28.8% white, 13.7% Asian/Pacific, and .6% Native American, are provided with a safe environment in which to practice and compete. Lane Tech is the largest high school in Chicago, the second largest in Illinois, the school that boast the most successful sports program in the city, the school that won 75 championships in the last four years, the school of champions.Our executive committee looks forward to meeting with you to discuss our proposals to ensure that Lane Tech Stadium becomes a viable facility for the children of our community for decades to come. Sincerely, The Lane Tech Fields of Dreams Committee Kim Camacho, Ted Cappelen, Colleen Frayn, Marie Goss, Calixto Marcano, Luis Munoz, Lawrence Murphy, Beatriz Penso-Buford, Eleonor Rodriguez, Michael Ulreich Marie Goss (contact), mariegoss@comcast.netCc: Alderman Patrick Levar Mr. Arne Duncan

December 9, 2005 Mr. Arne DuncanCHICAGO BOARD OF EDUCATION125 S. Clark Street, 6th Floor Chicago, IL 60603

Re:  Lane Tech StadiumDear Mr. Duncan: We have not received a reply from our letter dated November 16th (see attached copy) requesting a response to our proposal regarding the allocation of Lane Tech Stadium to Lane Tech High School We have been informed that you met with Principal Foley on November 18th to discuss this matter and were receptive to his and our proposal that the control of the stadium and surrounding practice fields be allocated to Lane Tech High School along with the necessary budgetary funding. We have sent you numerous correspondences since the summer and representatives of our committee have met with you to discuss our quest and vision for Lane Tech’s athletic facilities. We are becoming increasingly impatient. We seek a timely and progressive solution to this dilemma. Our executive committee and the Lane Tech community at large await your response in writing. We are all prepared to meet with you in person to finalize the arrangements to ensure that Lane Tech Stadium becomes a viable facility for our student athletes.This is our quest.  This is our dream.  We are not going away.

Sincerely,

The Lane Tech Fields of Dreams Committee Kim Camacho, Ted Cappelen, Colleen Frayn, Marie Goss, Calixto Marcano, Luis Munoz, Lawrence Murphy, Beatriz-Penso-Buford, Eleonor Rodriguez, Michael Ulreich, Marie Goss (contact), 773-736-4030 home; 312-856-8275 work; 312-856-8278 fax; mariegoss@comcast.netCc: Principal Keith Foley Mayor Richard M. Daley

Dear Mr. Arne Duncan,

Over the past few months, you have received numerous correspondences from our committee, concerned parents, coaches, athletes, and alumni regarding the deplorable conditions of the Lane Tech Stadium and surrounding practice fields. We have requested that the Board of Education implement a three part project to (1) allocate funds to renovate the stadium, including the installations of lights, artificial Fieldturf, and a track, (2) build a state of the art baseball stadium, and (3) purchase the land west of the stadium to develop facilities for practice fields, softball, soccer, lacrosse, volleyball, and tennis. Representatives from our committee have also met with Sean Murphy, David Pickens, Calvin Davis, and you to discuss in person our requests. Our committee has continued to meet to discuss our plans to resolve these issues. We have decided, with the support of Principal Foley, to request that the control of the stadium and surrounding practice fields be allocated to Lane Tech High School along with the necessary budgetary funding. With this new direction, the Board of Education can absolve themselves of their responsibility of maintaining and improving the stadium and practice fields to Lane Tech High School.

We in turn can:
Establish a partnership with the Chicago Park District to provide input on the development of the purchased land west of the stadium for Lane Tech High School students and the surrounding community. Reach out to our local, state and federal representatives for grant pledges for this project. Cement the relationship with the Chicago Cubs, Chicago Bears and the NFL for grant pledges for this project. Solicit business and community partnerships to fund this project. Obtain parental support for fund raising efforts to fulfill our dreams of a safe environment in which our student athletes can compete. We can not request this commitment from our parents and students knowing there won't be a return on their investment if these properties are not in Lane tech's control.
Ensure that Lane Tech Stadium is a viable facility for both games and practices for the children of our community for decades to come. We await your response after you have had an opportunity to evaluate our proposals and we are confident that you will decide that this is the best course of action. This is our quest. This is our dream. We are not going away. Sincerely, The Lane Tech Fields of Dreams Committee

Your Honor,

On the 18th of August 2005, we wrote you and asked for your support on the
following issues:
  That the land west of Lane Tech be purchased for athletic field and park
development.
  Lane Stadium have a complete restoration, including the addition of light
and a new playing  surface
  That a partnership be formed with the Cubs to refurbish the baseball
fields.

After meeting with Mr. Duncan's staff and Mr. Duncan himself, we are now
compelled to seek your direct support and intervention in this matter. Three
meetings have been marked by a lack of preparedness with little or no
continuity on behalf of the Board. We will document specific examples of
this at our meeting.

We have seen the amazing transformation that the City has undergone under
your direction. We feel that the Lane Tech athletic fields continue to be
ignored by the Board. You, as Mayor, have the ability and power to correct
many years of neglect by the Board.

At the most recent meeting with Mr. Duncan and his staff, specifically,
David Pickens, Sean Murphy, and Calvin Davis, Mr. Duncan pledged to help
improve the fields of Lane Tech. His "vision" as outlined in Mr. Murphy's
letter calls for the Board to put up matching funds of 150,000 if the Lane
community raises an additional 150,000. It is imperative that you understand
that the Lane Stadium is part of the Board of Education and not a part of
Lane Tech's budget. It shares the same land, but is totally operated by the
Board of Education. That is why our committee's response to Mr. Duncan was
that, "the Fields of Dreams Committee is appalled at the unconscionable and
ludicrous suggestion that it is our responsibility to raise funds to satisfy
the Board's obligation to the students of Lane Tech. To the best of our
knowledge, no other school has been required to raise funds for capital
improvement."

We have not gone to the Lane Tech community with this ridiculous proposal.
We feel it would be an embarrassment to the committee and to you as Mayor.
Again, that we know of, no other school has been required to put up matching
funds in order to secure a capital improvement.

We need your direct help to move this project forward. There are several
scenarios that need to be discussed, some that are "outside the box" and
some that put responsibility where it needs to be placed.

The "Spirit of Lane " is a large and powerful voice. We have a growing list
of State Representatives and Senators and local Alderman who believe that
this effort is long overdue and are fully supporting our efforts. We hope
that after our meeting with you we will be able to announce a plan that
makes the fields of Lane Tech a model that will be the envy of every school
district.

Please contact us so that we can set up a date to meet with you in order to
move this project forward.

Sincerely,
The Lane Tech Fields of Dreams Committee

*************************************************************

I write today to lend my support to the Lane Tech Fields of Dreams Committee
and their goal of improving the athletic fields at Lane Tech. As you may be
aware, this committee is comprised of concerned parents and coaches who are
reaching to ensure student athletes can practice and compete in a safe
environment.

Please review their proposals, which include:

Acquisition of the land directly west of Lane Stadium, which has been
acquired by the City of Chicago through eminent domain, either by purchase
through TIF funds or donation from UPS. Cement the relationship with Chicago
Cubs Vice President Mike Lufrano who has already pledged financial
assistance for a state of the art baseball field on this property.

Refurbish Lane Stadium, add lights for night games, and install a certified
running track so that  IHSA meets can be held.

Construct state of the art practice facilities for football, soccer,
lacrosse, and a campus park that would be shared by the community. The
Chicago Park District has pledged their support for this project and is
awaiting your response.

Thank you for looking into this matter.

Sincerely,

John J. Cullerton
State Senator
6th District

Mr. Duncan:

In case you haven't been informed, The Fields of Dreams Committee at Lane
Tech is on the march. Principal Keith Foley and Athletic Director Richard
Rio have averted much potential embarrassment for you and the Chicago Board
of Education. In spite of half truths, non-attendance to legitimate
meetings, non-return of repeated calls to your staff or your office, these
gentlemen, have to date, kept events on a highly constructive level. They
have truly acted on the behalf of the Chicago Public Schools.

From this point on, we the Committee, are returning to the pragmatic anger
which packed the school auditorium in 95 degree plus temperatures in early
July. Now schools are open and the Fields of Dreams Committee wants "red
meat", as they say in political circles.

Down thru the years, Lane Tech has been a National Treasure, one of the few
schools right at the top in academic and athletic performance. Even the
initiated (your trio of staff) would be forced to admit something
extraordinary takes place when a 70 percent minority population absorbs the
Lane Spirit in an urban setting and continues to set records.

Mr. Murphy continues to emphasize no funds but we happen to know there are
funds. Your trio expresses shock on their first visit when one of our people
revealed we knew the NFL was putting funds at your disposal.
"How did you find out?" was the incredulous response. We know there is not
only that money, but also much more. There just has to be some
re-prioritizing on your part. Don't you think it's high time that Lane Tech
finally is included in your current financial planning? 1942 to the present
is a long time for any program to literally go unfunded. President Roosevelt
turns in anguish at what the Chicago Public Schools has done to his fine
work of 1942.

We also know from our kids that when you want to bring in dignitaries to
view a particular program, Lane Tech is invariably one of the top choices.
We are not going away Mr. Duncan! We repeat, it's time for a
re-prioritizing! Taylor Bell's Sun Times article captures your planned
neglect that the Chicago Public Schools unconscionably perpetuates at Lane
Tech. You, Mr. Duncan and your three cohorts; Mr. Murphy, Mr. Pickens, and
Mr. Davis.

Please, what did these young, very heroic athletes do to deserve such
racially insensitive shabby treatment?
Justify it Mr. Duncan!

Tell us, show us your basis for selection for funding citywide athletic
programs for the last 10-15 years.
Very sincerely,

The Fields of Dreams Committee

This resolution was put in front of the City Council by Alderman Eugene
Schulter on Monday 12 SEP 05.

Resolution Clark Park Expansion

Whereas, the Department of Planning and Development is an agency of the City
of Chicago, and the Chicago City Council annually approves the budget of the
Department of Planning and Development; and,

Whereas, the availabilty of open parkland is essential to the quality of
life of residents of all Chicago neighborhoods; and,

Whereas, the 47th Ward ranks 48th out of all 50 wards in available park
space on a per capita basis; and,

Whereas, the City of Chicago has spent years restoring the Chicago River and
it should be enjoyed by all; and,

Whereas, the ten acre parcel of land located at 3500 N. Rockwell Street lies
adjacent to Albert G. Lane Technical High School located at 2510 W. Addison
Street; and,

Whereas, the athletic programs at Albert G. Lane Technical High School are
in need of additional space, and,

Whereas, Albert G. Lane Technical High School has won championships at the
City and State level and is the largest high school in the city of Chicago;
and,

Whereas, the students attending Albert G. Lane Technical High School
represent all Wards on the north side of the City of Chicago; and,

Whereas, the ten acre parcel of land located at 3500 N. Rockwell Street lies
adjacent to Richard Clark Park located at 3400 N. Rockwell;, and,

Whereas, the ten acre parcel of land located at 3500 N. Rockwell Street lies
within the Western Avenue South TIF District; and,

Whereas, the ten acre parcel of land located at 3500 N. Rockwell Street has
remained vacant since 1967 when Riverview Amusement Park closed, and is
currently owned by United Parcel Service; and,

Now, Therefore, be it resolved that we, the Mayor and members of the City
Council of the City of Chicago, gathered here this 12th day of September
2005 A.D. do hereby declare that the Department of Planning and Development
allocate Western Avenue TIF funds to acquire the ten acres located at 3400
N. Bell from United Parcel Service through eminent domain proceedings or
direct negotiation.

Gene Schulter
Alderman 47th Ward

In addition, Channel 2 televised parts of the protest march. On the link below, move the cursor towards the end and you will see the news clip. If the clip does not start right away, you may have to copy the address below and paste it into the address bar of your browser.

http://cbs2chicago.com/video/?id=15481@wbbm.dayport.com

Dear Mr. Cullerton,

My name is Luis Muñoz and I live in the 46th Ward. I'm a Chicago Police
Officer and an assistant varsity football coach at Lane Tech. I am a
graduate of Lane Tech (1978). I went on your district map and it shows that
Lane Tech is in your district. I am a member of the Fields of Dreams
Committee, specifically the Chairman of Lane Stadium. Our Fields of Dreams
Committee is dedicated to bringing a sports complex west of Lane Stadium. We
have proposed a three part plan for this to be a success. Number one, the
land west of Lane Stadium that is currently owned by UPS be purchased with
TIFF funds allocated to your district. Number two, the Chicago Board of
Education fulfilling its obligation to renovate Lane Stadium and the back
football/baseball field behind Lane Stadium. Our #2 seeded baseball team
could not play a home game because the IHSA would not approve this due to
the dilapidated state of the field. Our team played three straight road
games. Our City Championship Track Team does not have a place to practice.
They had to go to a far north side location to practice for the State
Tournament. Our City Championship Girls Softball Team plays every game on
the road. Currently the Chicago Board of Education refuses to put any money
into Lane Tech period! Number three, the Chicago Cubs have already committed
to financing a state of the art baseball field if the land is acquired from
UPS. You can visit our website at www.lanetechfootball.com for further
information.

We, the Fields of Dreams Committee, are seeking your help. We would like a
letter of support from you and whatever political pressure you can put on
Arne Duncan and the Chicago Board of Education. As you may well know, we
held a protest march last Wednesday at Alderman Eugene Schulter's office
which appears to be your office also. We asked him for his support and he
stated that he would support us, although the committee that met him does
not believe him. We told Alderman Schulter that we are not going away.
Alderman Schulter made it quite clear to us that we are a small part of his
Ward. In other words, Lane Tech is not important to him. We hope that this
is not your stance. We also hope that you will meet the parents of Lane Tech
at a future date. Alderman Schulter told us that he would try and meet the
parents of Lane Tech if we could schedule it so that his schedule does not
conflict so that he can show up. We hope that you will not try but agree to
meet the parents of Lane Tech. Thank you.


Luis Muñoz
Chairman of the Lane Stadium Committee.

August 9, 2005

The Lane Tech Football Booster Club would like to thank everyone that
attended the fundraiser at Murphy's Bleachers on 2 AUG 05. We were able to
raise over 3,000.00 on that terrific evening. It was great seeing the former
alumni from years past. It is our hope that the Lane Tech Football Booster
Club continues to grow with new memberships and new sponsors. If you're not
a current member or sponsor please join by using our website as we intend to
plan another event in the first week of October.

To update our supporters on the Fields of Dreams Project, we have had 2
meetings with Chicago Board of Education representatives. The
representatives were David Pickens, Shawn Murphy, and Calvin Davis. Mr.
Pickens is the assistant to the Chief Operating Officer, Arne Duncan. Mr.
Murphy is the is the Chief Financial Officer of the Chicago Board of
Education. Mr. Davis is the Head of Sports for the Chicago Public Schools.

At our first meeting the Fields of Dreams Committee proposed a 3 point
project involving the Chicago Cubs, the Chicago Park District, and the
Chicago Board of Education. The Chicago Cubs have agreed to renovate the
baseball field to a state of the arts facility. The 2nd part deals with the
Chicago Park District and the City of Chicago joining forces in buying
private land just west of Lane Stadium that is currently owned by a private
entity. The Chicago Park District and the City of Chicago are seeking to
purchase this property not only for Lane Tech but also the local community.
The 3rd part deals with the renovation of Lane Stadium and the installation
of permanent lights, turf, and structural renovations. The Chicago Board of
Education made us promises and agreed to meet exactly two weeks later to
update the Fields of Dreams Committee on their progress.

On 10 AUG 05 the 2nd meeting occurred at which time Mr. Pickens, Mr. Davis,
and Mr. Murphy reported to the committee that the Chicago Public Schools had
no funding for any parts of the proposal. In spite of the sincere efforts of
the Chicago Cubs and the Chicago Park District, the Chicago Board of
Education made no efforts or commitments to help Lane Tech and the
surrounding community. However, during the meeting, the Chicago Board of
Education did admit that funding projects for other schools and stadiums
were in progress.

It is apparent to the Fields of Dreams Committee that the Chicago Board of
Education absolutely refuses to provide any funding for our Lane Tech
students and alma mater. Through the Fields of Dreams Committee's research,
it has been learned that no money has been spent on Lane Tech for the past
40 years. Our efforts to this project has the full support of our parents, a
majority of Aldermen, Congressmen, and Illinois State Representatives.

The Lane Tech Fields of Dreams Committee will meet on Tuesday, 16 AUG 05 to
formulate a plan of action to force the Chicago Board of Education to accept
their responsibilities to fund and improve one of the biggest high school
athletic programs in the state.

We the Lane Tech Fields of Dreams Committee demand and expect the full
support of the Chicago Board of Education towards this goal. Please feel to
contact Arne Duncan at 773 5531000 with your concerns of making this dream a
reality. The Lane Tech Fields of Dreams Committee will oppose all efforts of
the Chicago Board of Education in the demolition of Lane Stadium without a
firm commitment to rebuild a stadium at the same location.

The Lane Tech Fields of Dreams Committee will update you as developments
occur. The Chicago Board of Education will soon learn what our statement
"Wherever you go, whatever you do, remember the honor of Lane!"
really means. Thank you for your support,


The Fields of Dreams Committee Members