On October 18, the Bird Friendly Chicago coalition met with leadership from Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority (MPEA) and McCormick Place. These leaders expressed a commitment to solve the problem of bird collisions at their facility and indicated that this directive is coming from the highest levels of their organization. They consider this a high priority and have been researching solutions for effective building light reduction and glass protection for birds.
Our committee offered input about their proposed solutions. We expressed the urgency of having them in place by the beginning of next spring's migration - March 15th. They could not give us a timeline because they are still researching and adjusting the budget, but they promised to let us know when they had a timeline. In the meantime, the MPEA/McCormick Place leadership asserted that the lights will be out or the curtains will be drawn for the rest of the evenings of the fall migration period.
Once MPEA staff develop a plan and budget, it will likely require approval by the board before it can move forward. It is important that we show the board that appropriating funds for this is critical. The next MPEA board meeting will take place on Monday, October 30 at 9am at 301 E. Cermak, 5th floor. If you are available, we encourage our community members to attend this public meeting wearing your favorite bird themed apparel. If you would like to go a step further and address the board directly, you must fill out the form found at the bottom of the webpage at this link to be granted a 3 minute time slot (for ideas on what to say, see text below):
https://www.mpea.com/mpea-board-members/ [nb: it wasn’t working when we tried it and we had to email a screen shot]
Note that, given space constraints, it is likely that not everyone will be able to speak or even enter the conference room. Even if this is the case however, your presence will still be part of the public record and make a powerful statement. We hope you'll join us!
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The following is some example text which you can use for comments submitted in writing or verbally:
“We ask the leadership of MPEA to take immediate action to assure a permanent and reliable means of light reduction and glass protection for birds at the McCormick Place Lakeside facility. Extinguishing lights in this building after 11 pm until the following evening - every night of spring and fall migration - must be required or a system of easy and effective interior blinds that will block interior lights needs to be used. Dangerous glass facades must be retrofitted for bird protection by installing window films, markers, bird-friendly glass or external barriers in front of windows.
Please expedite long overdue bird collision prevention at a building that has caused tens of thousands of needless bird deaths over the decades in its location along a critical migratory path on the lake. These protections must be in place by the beginning of next spring's migration; March 15th of 2024.
Ensure that McCormick Place Lakeside protects the birds we love, value and are proud to host!”