Lombardian Speak Out–August 23

The school year has begun. I guess we can look forward to more columns and articles from school administrators patting themselves on the back. Do our public schools still teach basics like simple arithmetic and proper grammar? Sometimes I wonder if they do. Maybe the schools are spending most of the time telling all of the children how special they are. I think home schooling is on the rise because some public schools are failing to provide a basic education.

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I’d just like to say that I saw on WGN Channel 9 that a man lost a wedding ring at the Route 83 Walmart and there was an engraving, 1946, so if this man does not watch the news and maybe reads SPEAK OUT, hopefully he can go over there and they have his ring. OK, thank you.

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All right, people, let’s take those garage sales signs down. I passed three signs on Monday evening from different addresses. They were on Saturday. Write the intersection down where you post you signs so you’ll remember to clear that eyesore when your sale’s over, It’s called courtesy. And police, easy tickets since their address is already on the sign.

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If you see one, two or three large cement planters that weren’t there a couple weeks ago, you might call the Lombard Police. They were stolen from a church in Lombard. Who would do this? They used to be on the patio of First Church, UCC. Let’s see if they can be returned. Thanks.

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Let’s face it; the Democratic Party is as vibrant as ever. It’s no wonder the party is attracting young voters. Its leaders are young, fresh, bold and full of new ideas. There’s Hillary Clinton (age 70), Joe Biden (age 75), Nancy Pelosi (age 78) and Bernie Sanders (age 76). Let’s not forget Maxine Waters, who just turned 80. Yes, these are the perfect people to lead the party into the future.

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As reported in the July 19 Lombardian, to build its current location the library would need a code variance called a conditional use permit because the conservation-recreation zoning district requires a minimum of 2 acres and the library only has 1.25 acres. The library board wants a variance to count street parking. What does the village code allow regarding parking for the new library? After spending two years and hundreds of thousands of dollars attempting to build at a location that just doesn’t work, that the Helen Plum Library Board is only now discovering that there are obvious zoning ordinances which will not allow the proposed project is absolutely outrageous. This fiasco has clearly gone on way too long and now the library states it won’t even go to the village with plans until December. The result won’t change, so either return Lombard taxpayers’ money or find a suitable downtown Lombard location with at least 2 acres including space for an appropriate amount of on-site parking.

A response from Plum Library officials: “As a library, the Helen Plum Library does not fall into the standard Zoning District. A conditional use permit is required for the Library to use any of the allowed Zoning Districts such as CR or Conservation Recreation. This has nothing to do with lot size.

Prior to the referendum, we began discussions with the village regarding zoning and continue to discuss these topics with the village during our preparation for the Plan Commission meetings. Since the project was initiated, we knew that a lot size variance would be requested and that this type of request is typically standard. The library’s 2003 project plans were approved by the village and contained similar variances. Also, if we include the health clinic and Maple Street lot spaces, we would exceed the 2-acre requirement.

“Public sentiment continues to be strong for us to remain in our current location. Our board received a petition from more than 100 residents requesting that the library board does not consider moving to another and has heard this request from a number of residents who have spoken at various library board meetings. We invite all Lombard residents to attend our upcoming community conversations. Visit helenplumnextchapter.org for details.”

A response from Village of Lombard officials: “The Village of Lombard is committed to open and honest communication on all matters formally submitted to us for review. However, since the village has not received a petition for the redevelopment of the library, there is nothing to comment on at this time. Should the village receive a petition/plans for the project, it will schedule a public hearing by the Plan Commission and the plans will be available for public inspection prior to the hearing. As is the village’s practice, public hearing information and additional information including FAQs are available at www.villageoflombard.org/publichearings.”—JAC

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To those Lombard dog owners who are responsible, have the willingness to train their dogs and keep them on the parkways to relieve themselves, your neighbors thank you. To those arrogant dog owners who are incapable of mustering the ability to control their dogs and allow them to relieve themselves on neighbors’ private property: stop it. Your dog’s urine burns grass and shrubs growing on private property. When we dog sit for family, our dogs walk on the parkway side and relieve themselves there. Time to take control of your pets.

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I am calling to add my thoughts on handicap parking at the Helen Plum Library. I’m a senior and I’m handicapped. I read there were 50 community engagement meetings. I’m aware of three community conversation meetings held at the library last fall. Due to parking I was unable to attend these meetings. How many people attended these meetings? How many people attending the meetings were handicapped? Where were the other 47 meetings? It is my understanding that currently the library has a proposed plan for building that could still be modified based on discussions with the village park board and final cost estimates. To me, it’s mind-boggling that library officials have firm plans for handicap parking, drive-through services and study space for new technology and a proposed plan for the building.

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A big shout out to the Lombard Park District’s Paul, Joe, Dave, all the pool managers, lifeguards and maintenance people who have made this summer at Paradise Bay Water Park so terrific and we Pool Pals are just so appreciative. Thank you so much to all of you. Great job this summer. Thanks again.

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OK, something has to give here. Either the pool needs to open earlier or schools need to start later. There’s three weeks of summer and using my swim pass but I can’t go nor can kids go because school has started. Something has to change.

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Hi, Lombard calling. I’ve noticed recently a drastic decrease in the quality of our mail service. I don’t know if anybody else has had that problem. I get mail handed to me from my neighbors on occasion; quite often I’ve receive mail, I live on the north side of Lombard, I got mail for somebody who lives close to Yorktown on the other side. The address wasn’t even close to me. Again, I think the mail service has dropped drastically. I wonder if anybody else has had that issue. Bye.

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Wow. I can’t believe some of these things in the paper. I love SPEAK OUT by the way. What a great First Amendment forum. As left-wingers try to shut down campus speech as far as anybody they don’t agree with, First Amendment rights are great for them as long as they get their way or they whine and riot; basically throw rocks at police officers, stomp on the flag, set fire. I was reading something that made me think about the number of left-wing occurrences and infiltration and the damage it does to society as opposed to the right-wing nut jobs who get out of hand a few times a year. Check your facts. The people are subverting our children’s values and take God out of the school, promote all types of abortions. They are doing that daily.

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Calling all Lombard dog owners. We don’t have our own dog park, but the Lombard Park District is offering Lombard dog owners a $45 rebate to the first 150 people who sign their dogs up at the Spring Avenue Dog Park in Glen Ellyn. The fee for non-Glen Ellyn residents is $75 for a yearly pass but with the $45 rebate it will only cost Lombard people $30. The Lombard Park District is looking to see if there is a need for a dog park in Lombard and is waiting to see how many people take advantage of this offer. So, do it and show Lombard that we want our own dog park. Thank you.