BAPA History: The “Wet/Dry” Issue
By: Carol Flynn A major issue that has been on the Beverly Area Planning Association’s (BAPA) radar since BAPA was founded 75 years ago is the selling of alcoholic beverages east of Western Avenue. BAPA has supported the establishment of restaurants east of Western Avenue that would be licensed to sell and serve alcohol. The […]
History of BAPA – Environmental Activism Continues Today
By Carol Flynn Raccoons destroyed many of the early institutional files of the Beverly Area Planning Association (BAPA) when the critters worked their way into the attic of the house on Wood Street that BAPA called headquarters for many years. This may seem like a negative point in BAPA’s history, but there is a positive […]
History of BAPA Making Good Use of Zoning Regulations
By Carol Flynn Land use and zoning ordinances dictate what kind of buildings and operations can go in various locations. First used in 1916 in New York City, almost every area of the country has some type of zoning requirements. Zoning is a time-honored way communities control development. Ordinances can be used to preserve natural […]
BAPA History – Part 2: The “Beverly Now” Years
By Carol Flynn In honor of the Beverly Area Planning Association’s (BAPA) 75th anniversary, articles about BAPA’s history will be featured in The Villager throughout 2023. This month, BAPA’s role as a change agent for the Beverly Hills/Morgan Park community in the 1970s – 80s is explored. President John F. Kennedy said in 1963, “Change […]
BAPA History – Part I
By Carol Flynn In 1921, the Rock Island Magazine carried a feature story describing the communities along its Blue Island commuter line. The Beverly Hills/Morgan Park area was declared “one of the most beautiful residential sections of the city.” Noting the “continuous hill” running south from 87th Street to the city of Blue Island and […]
75 Years of Service and Still Going Strong! BAPA Sets Goal to Increase Membership, Expand Programs
As BAPA celebrates its 75th anniversary of serving the Beverly/Morgan Park community, we’re reaching out to neighbors to remind them of the vital role they play in keeping our community strong. BAPA is the community-based civic association that provides programs and initiatives that serve all of our community residents and businesses. BAPA has been […]