Community Protests Against Francis W. Parker School Expansion

A small but determined group of neighbors gathered at Oz Park in Lincoln Park on a Saturday to voice their concerns about the Francis W. Parker School’s proposed expansion onto Belden Avenue. The protest highlighted ongoing tensions between the 125-year-old school and the local community. The school plans to enhance its campus with athletic field lighting, a pedestrian overpass, and a new building. Neighbors opposed the “School and Neighborhood Improvement Proposal” before it becomes permanent in East Lincoln Park.

Protestor Sandra Weiskirch held a sign as the gathering took place on May 30, 2026. Although fewer than 100 participants attended the protest, around 1,900 locals have shown opposition by signing the StopParker.com petition, according to Kelsey Burr of the East Lincoln Park Neighbors. Arden Austin, a local resident, expressed disagreement by attending with her young son, who carried a handmade sign.

Despite opposition, some residents support the expansion. A Parker spokesperson mentioned the school’s efforts in expanding educational opportunities, affordable housing, and contributing to local public schools. However, Austin suggested alternative options for expansion, such as choosing a less residential site for a stadium. Local objections mostly center on potential addition of stadium lighting.

Michelle Hoppe Villegas, a board member of the Mid-North Association, criticized the school’s need for more space in the residential neighborhood. Additionally, proposed classroom conversions of buildings at 327–335 W. Belden Ave., currently historical structures with affordable housing, fueled discontent. Parker plans to support local schools financially and convert an administrative building into housing units, but many residents, like Wendy Foster and her partner David Merriman, see these actions as insufficient. They fear housing removal outweighs the gains.

The protest also targeted perceived dishonesty by Alderman Timmy Knudsen, who supports the expansion. For the plan to proceed, it requires approval from him and the City Council zoning committee. Earlier, Knudsen’s office surveyed constituents on the proposal, with results indicating 60% support among 470 43rd Ward residents. Burr believes her ward-specific petition reflects stronger opposition. Samvith Srinivas, another protester, expressed distrust in local officials, questioning their priorities.