Rogers Park Development Commission

In 1959, Richard Dooley, Chairman of the Rogers Park Development Commission warned about signs of decay in the area. He mentioned many frame and stucco homes that were showing their age, impressive homes on Sheridan Road that had been converted to boarding houses and nursing homes, business areas that were struggling financially, and an abundance of billboards and dingy store fronts.

To address the problem, Dooley suggested a comprehensive plan, including financial support from the city, designation of Rogers Park as a "conservation area," which would force owners to repair their buildings, and rezoning to allow high-rise apartment buildings on Sheridan Road.