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Dear Members and Friends:

Tomorrow night there will be a Village Board Workshop at 7PM in Rm 301 of the Civic Center. One of the topics discussed will be the make up of the Downtown Advisory Committee, which will be part of the downtown strategic plan process.

A week ago Monday, the Village Board voted to enter into a contract with Town Builders Studio to create a downtown strategic plan for the Village of Glen Ellyn.

During the public section of that meeting, several members of the Board of Citizens for Glen Ellyn Preservation came out in support of completing a contract with the firm Town Builder Studio, for the purpose of an extensive study to be conducted to aid in future planning for the central business district. Although CGEP had originally supported another firm, Downtown Professionals (representing the Main Street Program sponsored by the National Trust for Historic Preservation), in respect for the extensive research work done by the selection committee, and to support the process of government in Glen Ellyn, we felt that it was in the best interest of our Village to move forward. Up until a few weeks ago, we had decided to remain neutral; however, the contentious and divisive atmosphere that had grown throughout the long selection process made us feel that support of the democratic process would be in the best interest of everyone concerned.

However, before we took this step we wanted to be assured that the firm that had been voted on last month, Town Builder Studios, warranted our support. Members of Citizens for Glen Ellyn Preservation had attended every workshop, presentation and meeting, many of which lasted late into the evenings, and so were familiar with the project from start to finish. To gain even more background, over the last two weeks, we interviewed individuals on both sides of the issue, contacted the architectural firm that was to take part in the study and spoke with officials in four different Villages who had worked with Jim Louthen, principal owner of Town Builder Studios. To back up their verbal recommendations with written documents, we asked that each official answer a brief survey.

Issues that were particularly important to us were whether or not Town Builder Studio (or URS, Mr Louthen’s previous firm) was reliable, completed the work in a timely fashion, was within budget and collected and then made use of input from a wide range of business owners, citizens and local organizations.

Additionally, we interviewed Ed Torrez of BauerLatoza Studios, the architectural firm that would do an historic survey of the downtown, to confirm Mr. Louthen’s sensitivity to the large collection of older buildings that line Main Street and the adjacent cross streets in our village. The architectural framework of the central business district will be a vital component of the final plan.

Protection of both public and commercial historic buildings within the center of town is a fundamental part of the mission of our organization. This is best served knowing that the team involved in a plan for revitalization respects the unique character of our town.

Citizens for Glen Ellyn Preservation is encouraged and excited that the next steps will be positive, as the residents, business owners, village officials and staff, and local organizations join with Town Builder Studios to create the strategic plan for our downtown.

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<sub>Originally posted by Floyd:
It does seem like they have tried to strong arm much of the businesses up by 5 corners that they would like to purchase to acquire the land. They have really pushed 5 corners cleaners to sell.

5 corners cleaners is good for Glen Ellyn. They are a quality run enterprise, family owned for many years. They are extremely environmentally friendly. I know they have no intentions of moving.

The posted letter seems very rambling to me, and didn't seem to make much sense.</sub>

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5 corners cleaners is good for Glen Ellyn. They are a quality run enterprise, family owned for many years. They are extremely environmentally friendly. I know they have no intentions of moving.

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Originally posted by Floyd:
It does seem like they have tried to strong arm much of the businesses up by 5 corners that they would like to purchase to acquire the land. They have really pushed 5 corners cleaners to sell.

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Originally posted by JL Gotrocks:
3 groups with 3 different outlooks.

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Originally posted by Floyd:
It does seem like they have tried to strong arm much of the businesses up by 5 corners that they would like to purchase to acquire the land. They have really pushed 5 corners cleaners to sell.



Floyd, CGEP has nothing to do with acquiring the businesses at 5 corners. That is the GE Historical Society. They are an entirely different group than the Citizens for Glen Ellyn Preservation, which is a different group than the Historical Preservation Commission which is a village government commission. 3 groups with 3 different outlooks.

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Originally posted by GE Fan:

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Originally posted by JL Gotrocks:
3 groups with 3 different outlooks.

Ah, someone who knows what they are talking about!!! Thanks!

What are the differences?
Are there different members?
Are the philosophies different?
If so, how?

Please help in trying to diminish my ever present ignorance.

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Originally posted by JL Gotrocks:

Info from each groups website:

Glen Ellyn Historical Society

The operation and support of Stacy's Tavern Museum (in partnership with the Village of Glen Ellyn), a wayside stage inn built in 1846. The Tavern has been restored on its original site. Exhibits and additions to the artifact collection are ongoing.

An active house plaguing program to research the identify Village structures of historical significance. Plaques placed on the structures are an interesting addition to Glen Ellyn's living history.

Educational outreach including lectures and seminars on historical topics to a variety of audiences, school programs, an artifact and library collection, and participation in village activities.

I would say that there are members that belong to one two or all three of the groups as they all are interested in preserving the history of Glen Ellyn in one way or another.

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I'm a big fan of property owner's rights and not a big fan of those that try to interfere with those rights.

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Originally posted by Dem-in-the-Glen:
the plaque can be removed at the owner's request.

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Originally posted by 4MP:

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Originally posted by Dem-in-the-Glen:
the plaque can be removed at the owner's request.

Fish, wasn't there a plaque removed from a home on Prospect once?