LAKEVIEW — For every pink sign, there is now an equal and opposite white sign near a park on Lakeview's west side.
Two weeks after pink signs appeared warning against the proposed Rosecrance Lakeview recovery residence and treatment center, a group of onlookers decided to strike back.
Christening themselves the Big Shoulder Welcoming Committee, they posted new signs over the weekend near Juniper Park, drawing attention to the fact that people with addiction are just as human as everyone else.
"We decided we'd like to put up some signs that represent a different point of view, one that is inclusive and reminds people that addicts in recovery are not 'other' people," said Molly Brennan, of Humboldt Park.
The signs mimic the pink originals' language, explaining that if the proposal goes through, "you could have a human being sitting here."
"Believe in making the world better? It starts with compassion. It starts with empathy. It starts in our own backyard," the signs continue.
In July, neighbors were outraged to learn Rosecrance intended to buy the building at 3701 N. Ashland Ave. that was originally slated to become condominiums. Heated debates at two neighborhood meetings switched focus from the recovering residents to how Rosecrance would handle its first recovery home in Chicago.
The Rockford-based company operates more than a dozen treatment facilities in Illinois and Wisconsin.
But it wasn't until they heard about the pink signs that Brennan and others decided to get involved in the discussion. Some of them are in recovery themselves or have friends and family who have struggled with addiction.
The Welcoming Ninjas, as members call themselves, posted more signs Monday night around Juniper Park, 1501 W. Waveland Ave. From there, the group is hoping to gather supporters to join them at the Oct. 16 zoning hearing.
"The 'not in our backyard' mentality is prevalent everywhere. But if you know anything about sober living facilities, they don't put up with [drug or alcohol] usage. So they're not going to be in the facility if they're using," Brennan said.
Those interested in lending a big shoulder of their own can follow the Facebook page for updates. Brennan said if the group plans more activity, they might ask for donations to cover costs.
"We don't have any big sponsorships or donors, and most of the people involved are on the lower end of the income scale," and even printing costs can be tough on a small budget, Brennan said.
The group has no connection to the Rockford-based Rosecrance or the Lakeview Action Committee, which continues to raise money for legal advice in its quest to shut down Rosecrance's plan.
Since forming in late July to oppose Rosecrance, the committee has gotten more than 1,000 petition signatures and raised almost $25,000 for its attorney, Michael Franz, to gather experts and witnesses to speak at the Oct. 16 hearing.
Ald. Tom Tunney (44th) — who has not taken a public stance on the issue — is meeting next week with small groups from the Lakeview Action Committee to discuss the proposal.
The alderman is also working with a committee composed of representatives from Rosecrance, the Lakeview Action Committee and his office to create a good neighbor agreement for the company.
The Zoning Board of Appeals will decide the fate of Rosecrance Lakeview at the Oct. 16 hearing.
