He highlights Winnemac Park, a 40-acre campus formerly 'loaded with gang-bangers,' which now is a well-utilized green space near the ward's northern border. He believes that's because of the improved 'quality of life' he has pursued in the schools and parks, and in the businesses drawn to this part of the city.
These days it's difficult to find a home to buy or apartment to rent in much of Schulter's ward. Gene Schulter took office as 47th Ward alderman that spring at the age of 26, making him one of the youngest aldermen ever elected to that post, and he's been there ever since. Ben's neighborhood, around Damen Avenue and Irving Park Road, sat vacant. It was a year when 35 percent of the residential space in the St. It was a time when young people knew the music of Seals & Croft.
