Rosewood Beach Task Force Objects to RNA's City Council Appearance

Dear Mayor Rotering and Members of the City Council:

Last year, the Rosewood Beach Task Force (RBTF) was impaneled by the Board of Commissioners of the Park District of Highland Park to

This group has worked diligently over the past year and is looking forward to the completion of its assignment, with a presentation of its report and recommendation to the Park District Board of Commissioners at its June 21, 2012 workshop meeting. The report is the culmination of numerous meetings, public forums and input on the Park District’s website. We have been actively soliciting and listening to input/feedback from the entire community, including the Ravinia Neighbors Association (RNA), which has a representative on the RBTF.

The RBTF recently learned that the RNA organized an appearance at the City Council's June 11 meeting. An email from one of its members encourages the public to attend for the purpose of

The RBTF members recognize that all residents have an unquestionable right to express themselves to the City Council on any matter under a standing item on its agenda. In fact, the RBTF members are familiar with the participative manner in which the City conducts business. Many of us have served the City in various roles, including as members of the Plan Commission, Design Review Commission and Housing Commission.

Because of our background and experience with municipal government, as well as understanding the respective responsibility of the two independent, yet, interactive governmental bodies, we strongly object to this unprecedented attempt to preempt the thoughtful, inclusive process we have undertaken - particularly before the findings and recommendations of our year-long analysis have even been presented to the Park District (the governmental body responsible for this project).

We find this end-run to a different venue to be a calculated attempt to undermine the entire process. Moreover, it is inherently disrespectful of our responsibility to act for the collective benefit of our entire community.  

On June 21, the RBTF will share with the public and the Park Board its findings and resulting recommendation and proposal. We welcome your attendance and participation. 

The Rosewood Beach Task Force