One of largest crowds ever attends City meeting
By Dan McLeister For The Elmhurst Independent
One of the largest crowds ever to attend a City meeting came to the Zoning and Planning Commission public hearing on March 23.
About 40 people stood around the walls of the City Council room while approximately 60 residents sat on chairs.
The protest was about some proposed downtown zoning changes that some residents believe could affect property values and cause safety problems. People also said they were against taller buildings. Some claimed the City did not give notice soon enough to residents.
Than Werner, planning and zoning administrator for the City, noted that 25 signs had been posted in various locations. He also indicated that previous meetings had been held about the downtown plan.
Darrell Whistler, chairman of the ZPC, told people attending the March 23rd meeting that discussions had gone on for months.
“Tonight is not a discussion and you will not get answers tonight or we would be here forever,” he said. “We will not stay later than 10 p.m. [ZPC rules].” The meeting ended a few minutes before 9 p.m. after 20 people had testified.
Whistler also suggested that residents contact their aldermen.
ZPC members will deliberate on the proposed zoning changes at a meeting scheduled for April 13. Whistler invited people to the meeting but noted that they will not be allowed to comment.
“We will try to do our best,” he said.
The ZPC, an advisory body to the City Council, will send a report to the Development, Planning and Zoning Committee (DPC) made up of three Aldermen. The last step is for the full City Council to make a decision.
William Kling is an attorney who lives on Kenilworth.
“I want to take a moment to state that the process has not been very transparent,” he said. “While I know that as a citizen I have a responsibility to stay abreast of what occurs in our government, the first I heard of the plan was three weeks ago when a letter arrived describing in general the proposed changes.
“We and our neighbors would have appreciated more involvement in the discussions at the beginning of the process.
“As an example, the consultants hired by the City to create the plan obviously made a mistake in designating the three homes on the north side of Marion just east of Robert Palmer Drive as a ‘development opportunity,’ which was defined as ‘under-utilized’ meaning a vacant building or parking lot. A quick drive by the properties would have shown that they are residences and have been residences for over 100 years.
“Our neighborhood is very concerned. I am presenting to you tonight a petition signed by many of our neighbors asking that your recommendation to maintain the current zoning on the north side of Marion (currently R-1), the west side of Arlington (currently R-4), the east side of York (currently R-5). All of these areas should remain as residential, not changed to transitional.”
Loren Morello, who lives on Indiana, commented that the beauty of the building at Haven and Elmhurst Aves., noting that “it is L-shaped so the site is two-thirds park-like.”
“It is not a good idea to zone it commercial,” Morello said. “It is very peaceful and kids play there.”
Tim Morris, who lives on Larch, said his biggest concern was the height of future condominium buildings.
Steve Kunst, who also lives on Larch, said one of his concerns was the possibility of increased traffic on Larch.
Eric Liedthe from Immanuel Lutheran Church said people at the church were pleased that the zoning in the area would stay as it is.
