The Edgewater Environmental Coalition would like to express our condolences on the loss of Mary Ann Smith, one of our former alderwomen. She pioneered a green and equitable future and is a true pillar of our community.
Her contributions to the city and our neighborhood are countless. Some of the notable accomplishments of Mary Ann Smith include:
Bringing more than $120 million in public funds to the community for infrastructure improvements, new schools, parks, affordable housing, and public safety initiatives.
Fighting to improve public safety through community policing, installing "CopCams," and taking aggressive action against bad landlords and businesses.
Investing more than $45 million in school improvements to additions to Goudy, Peirce, and Swift Elementry Shcools and physical plant upgrades at Senn High School and McCutcheon Elementary School.
Piloting many eco-friendly initiatives, including innovative water conservation and management projects and car sharing.
Creating and preserving thousands of units of affordable housing in our community.
Encouraging an economic rebirth that has resulted in new developments, new businesses, and new commercial, office, and residential space throughout the ward.
Launching a major parks initiative that included new parks at Thorndale and Sheridan. New campus parks at Goudy and Peirce schools; new playlots at Senn and Gorge Lane Beach Parks, and major upgrades at Margate Park, Bromann, Cochran, and Cedar playlots.
Initiating significant traffic calming projects, including installing new traffic lights and redesigning major intersections to improve pedestrian safety.
Promoting and supporting the historical preservation of older buildings and community input on new buildings.
In addition to her accomplishments, Mary Ann championed "guerilla gardening," which led to the beautiful plantings in traffic circles and all the wonderful and creative parkway gardens we see in Edgewater.
She also worked with Indigenous communities to bring beautiful collages to our underpasses, which can be seen below.
Her contributions to our community will never be forgotten. For Mary Ann Smith's full obituary, please visit the Chicago Sun-Times.
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