Amid reports of a large Stapleton expansion, and right on the heels of the Brexit, residents of the Northern Stapleton neighborhoods including Conservatory Green, Wicker Park, and Willow Park East have decided to exit the Stapleton community and build their own neighborhood and identity. The movement started through several area community Facebook pages, when residents saw the plans for Stapleton expansion. “I think we are really going to lose our identity,” said Conservatory Green resident Tim Gibbs. “I lived in North Central Park before moving here, and to be honest, the North Side has a whole different vibe to it than Old Stapleton anyway. Whether or not the expansion plans were revealed, I think the North Side would have eventually seceded from South Stapleton.” Maria Anderson also believes it was time for a split. “Apparently, crime is getting a little crazy up there. And at this point, they are kind of older and established. Not just the houses, the people, too. People just seem younger and happier on the North Side, so I don’t think we need their negativity.”
Forest City is adamant that it will not let this happen. “Stapleton is one, and we will never allow the neighborhoods to leave our umbrella,” said agitated Forest City President Phil Dargossi. “We don’t even like our residents leaving, much less entire neighborhoods. These people are forgetting their place, and who got them here. You only are who you are because you can tell people you live in Stapleton.” Westerly Creek resident Ben Hickey tends to agree with Dargossi. “I can’t believe I am saying this, but I kind of agree with Forest City,” said Hickey. “Home values are high because you are labeled as Stapleton. Not sure how they plan to rebrand themselves, but it better be really good.”
Self-appointed leader of the cause Kevin Purdy says they are just in the initial stages of figuring out next steps. “We took a straw poll at the last concert on Conservatory Green,” said Purdy. “It was a somewhat small sample size, but I think all Stapletonians can understand that small sample sizes matter. The next step is a larger poll daddy poll. Then, we need to petition to Forest City and the MCA, and provide a compelling case for secession. Finally, we need to work on a cool new name to increase home values and incoming wealth in North Stapleton.” Purdy understands it is a big journey, but he feels it is worth it. “We are doing this for our futures, North Siders’ futures. We don’t like where Stapleton is headed, so it’s time we take our own direction.” Purdy says the poll daddy poll for North Siders will be available in a week, and he encourages all North Siders to participate. ]]>