I agree that the original topic should not have been hijacked. Could this be a troll or just someone who came to this board to pee in our parade?

If the churches really want to help these people . . .fine, but why don't they host them in their own homes. Why bring them to our CBD? Why make their good deeds a burden on the entire business community? Today is thursday. . . Its Ladies Night out downtown. . .It is also the Grace Luthern day to host pads.

So all of you people who like pads, and think its good for EVERYONE then please go shopping downtown starting at about 4:00.

Go the NE corner of Forest & Crescent Try to get past the hordes of homeless and visit all three units in this building. . The bookstore, antique shoppe ect. Then take a stroll west down crescent. Oh yeah! Make sure you have two or three toddlers in tow. If thats not enough, go sit in the upholstery chairs in Starbucks (or even the library) wait two or three weeks for your new pets to hatch out. Then sit back and wonder why there have been so many cases of head lice in the Glen Ellyn schools. . Shall I go on????

P.s. I didn't hijack this thread, apparently it was a group effort that all of the BBrs had comments about.

quote:

Originally posted by GEM:
P.s. I didn't hijack this thread, apparently it was a group effort that all of the BBrs had comments about.

You were not the one who hijacked this thread!

Here ya go, folks! I started a thread in which we can discuss any and all aspects of the homeless in or out of Glen Ellyn. Okay?

Now has anyone heard anything about the proposed school? I thought I saw both of the immediate neighbors to the property in question at Pete's party last week, but I didn't bring up the topic with either of them.

The way these things generally seem to work around here, I suspect when things quiet down as they have, the wheels are already in motion and this is essentially a done deal. Once parties have started spending money on a project, the village seems exptremely loathe to make them stop (although there have been a few notable exceptions.)

quote:

Originally posted by GEM:
If the churches really want to help these people . . .fine, but why don't they host them in their own homes. Why bring them to our CBD? Why make their good deeds a burden on the entire business community? Today is thursday. . . Its Ladies Night out downtown. . .It is also the Grace Luthern day to host pads.

So all of you people who like pads, and think its good for EVERYONE then please go shopping downtown starting at about 4:00.

Go the NE corner of Forest & Crescent Try to get past the hordes of homeless and visit all three units in this building. . The bookstore, antique shoppe ect. Then take a stroll west down crescent. Oh yeah! Make sure you have two or three toddlers in tow. If thats not enough, go sit in the upholstery chairs in Starbucks (or even the library) wait two or three weeks for your new pets to hatch out. Then sit back and wonder why there have been so many cases of head lice in the Glen Ellyn schools. . Shall I go on????

You just described why I no longer meet friends for Ladies Night Out in Glen Ellyn. It's just not appealing anymore. I feel bad about it, but after so many incidents where I was disgusted and discouraged I just gave up. The only exception is Cosmo's because we can park and go in without dealing with the Homeless crowd.

I don't want to keep this threadjacking going on so I'll go over to the other thread to comment on GEM's posting.

So, does anyone know the latest news about the church property on Park and Hillside?

If I understood what the guy said correctly, the Montessori school sold it to Yum Brands. Going to become a Christian-themed KFC/Long John Silver. I think that's right.

ROTFLMAO...priceless!

quote:

Originally posted by BennyDog:
How can you expect an organization to take on responsibility for grown adults? Last time I checked smoking is legal and the government is making a ton of money off those people. How are they crapping on the "village"? By standing around in dirty clothes instead of name brands? Granted they should not be on private property, but again how can you control the actions of grown adults?? I've walked around the "village" of Glen Ellyn when these folks are standing around, and the one thing I've noticed for the majority is they are respectful. They will say, "Good evening, how are you?" and other niceities, that's more than I can say for some of the fine outstanding folks that aren't homeless. The problem I'm having is the judgemental attitude of some of the people on this board. I'm a teacher in the area, and now I see why some of the kids in the area have absolutely no sympathy for people less fortunate then they are. They are parroting back these same ignorant attitudes.

Ok, you don't seem to be able to think about this rationally, so I'll try to break it down for you in very simple terms. You obviously have issues with "perceived" wealth and are compartmentalizing this as more of a personal issue than is necessary.

1) "How can you expect an organization to take on responsibility for grown adults? " -- I'm not proposing they take responsibility for grown adults. I'm proposing that they take responsibility for the safety and vitality of their neighbors and nearby business. Specifically, the Seniors home on Forest and Anthony.

Let me ask this... what if there was a bar in town that was a haven for the young adults of GE....your prototypical GE-riche frat boys/girls. How would you react if these kids loitered in front of the bar on the street, smoking, littering, inhibiting foot traffic and generally acting as a nuisance? I'm guessing since these would be older versions of the brand-name wearing kids you teach, that you'd take issue.

2) "Last time I checked smoking is legal and the government is making a ton of money off those people." --- This is absolutely not true as it relates to downtown Glen Ellyn. Smoking is illegal within 15 ft of any storefront or public building. It is also illegal within the vicinity of any public bench or park. Whether a GE resident or PADS person, this is illegal and should be managed by this village.

3) "I've walked around the "village" of Glen Ellyn when these folks are standing around, and the one thing I've noticed for the majority is they are respectful. They will say, "Good evening, how are you?" and other niceities, that's more than I can say for some of the fine outstanding folks that aren't homeless." --- Again, I think this sounds more like a personal issue than a valid argument for how PADS is executing on it's services. But on the surface, yes, there are homeless folks who are very pleasant and courteous and respectful. No one has stated anything to the contrary. Same could be said for some of those scary rich people and the children you teach. But, there are also vagrants that are disrespectful, engage in criminal activity, have threatened residents and are intentionally destroying personal and public property.

4) "The problem I'm having is the judgemental attitude of some of the people on this board. I'm a teacher in the area, and now I see why some of the kids in the area have absolutely no sympathy for people less fortunate then they are. They are parroting back these same ignorant attitudes." --- Again, this seems to have touched a personal nerve that goes beyond PADS or even the homeless problem. No one is slamming these poor people for the plight they are in. It's an awful situation. But, PADS is failing them and their neighbors/businesses by allowing this situation to fester.

I'm guessing you don't live near the churches in question? If you do, please stop by the Senior citizens home next Sunday so you can see firsthand what it's like from a 70 and 80 yr old woma's point of view to have a gang of adults standing in front of their lobby and stretched out, laying down on their private property eating garbage and smoking cigarrettes. Or, do these seniors not count in your eyes because they can afford an apartment downtown?

The Full Fledged BennyDog Comments:

When we talk of perceived wealth, it refers more to the image or facade of wealth. Wearing expense brands, living in a brand new tear down house, and driving expense cars does not one wealthy. This is perceived wealth. Wealth is tied to critical mass. Wealth is critical mass. Wealth is not an outward image. I have no problem with wealth.

I unlike myself grew up in Glen Ellyn. I went to the better Glenbard, the one that is not on a mound of dirt. I fit the sterotypical GE rich kid look. I went to a good college. I have a well paying job. I live near downtown and experience the homeless first hand. I purposely go out and experience life. I am not afraid to live. Old people used to be afraid of the scary teenagers, but we have just transferred fear to another venue.

Again the PADS people can plead and request that their "clients" be respectful of the neighborhood and nearby businesses. The safety and vitality however, is the responsibility of the Village Police Department. Now if the Police Department deem the PADS shelters as unsafe, that is a different matter all together.

Making a general nuisance of yourself is an issue no matter if you are poor, rich, or old. That just a lack of respect to the people around you.

The smoking issue is another topic all together. My personal thoughts summed up very quickly is that the anti-smoking camps have replaced the anti-drinking campaigns of the early 1900s. The teatollers are back just in a different form. The entire state has gone crazy with the smoking issue. I am not a smoker and never have been a smoker. But I do support the individual rights of the person to smoke. The Glen Ellyn Police Department is going to be busy writing citations to every person that steps out of Shannon's to get a cigarette or the guy on a quick smoke break in the back alley. I think we have better things to worry about.

I find it interesting that we are quick to blame the homeless for our problems. Can we be certain that the property damages are not a result of kids messing around at night? Immediately blaming homeless is a quick emotional fix. I don't disagree that there are situations that are directly associated with the homeless, yet we are too quick to generalize.

quote:

I unlike myself grew up in Glen Ellyn. I went to the better Glenbard, the one that is not on a mound of dirt

As I remember it, Glenbard West was called "The Castle on the Hill". You sound like a jealous wannabe.

quote:

Originally posted by BennyDog:

Rhe smoking issue is another topic all together. My personal thoughts summed up very quickly is that the anti-smoking camps have replaced the anti-drinking campaigns of the early 1900s. The teatollers are back just in a different form. The entire state has gone crazy with the smoking issue. I am not a smoker and never have been a smoker. But I do support the individual rights of the person to smoke. The Glen Ellyn Police Department is going to be busy writing citations to every person that steps out of Shannon's to get a cigarette or the guy on a quick smoke break in the back alley. I think we have better things to worry about.

I think you've missed the point of what people are griping about in regards to the smoking... no one really cares if anyone smokes. yes, it's a personal choice. Smoke all you want. What the problem is (besides it being against the law to smoke in public places or within 15 feet of a storefront) is there is a definitive pattern of smoking, actually chain smoking, by individuals waiting to enter the PADS facilities. The chain smoking leads to a gross amount of litter and butts piled up around the places they like to gather. For example, the front of Starbucks, the houses directly across the street from First Congregation, etc. If someone from PADS or, GOD FORBID, the village cleaned up after these people (and, yes, all people who litter) this situation would be more tolerable.

quote:

Originally posted by BennyDog:
I find it interesting that we are quick to blame the homeless for our problems. Can we be certain that the property damages are not a result of kids messing around at night?

In all examples provided in context to this and the other thread, 100% yes.

Also, no one is blaming homeless. The blame falls on PADS for failing them and the community.

I drove by the Grace Lutheren Church 60 minutes ago. You should drive by right now. About twenty people are standing in front of the church on the Forest side, standing in front of the dry cleaners, walking around and smoking their smokes... why? Why can't PADS take responsibility and have them smoke inside the facility? Give them ashtrays and let them smoke in their building. There is a restaurant directly across the street trying to serve customers, yet their full view is 20 unfortunately filthy people standing 20 feet away chain smoking and talking loudly to each other. Why would PADS kick these people out on the street to chain smoke? This is an example of the problem with PADS...

quote:

Also, no one is blaming homeless. The blame falls on PADS for failing them and the community.

I drove by the Grace Lutheren Church 60 minutes ago. You should drive by right now. About twenty people are standing in front of the church on the Forest side, standing in front of the dry cleaners, walking around and smoking their smokes... why? Why can't PADS take responsibility and have them smoke inside the facility? Give them ashtrays and let them smoke in their building. There is a restaurant directly across the street trying to serve customers, yet their full view is 20 unfortunately filthy people standing 20 feet away chain smoking and talking loudly to each other. Why would PADS kick these people out on the street to chain smoke? This is an example of the problem with PADS

You have me convinced PADS started a problem that nobody (including PADS) is trying to fix. It seems to have gotten out of hand. I hope were not in more trouble for continuing to hijack this thread.

There is a cluster of homes at Taylor and Willis that are sporting "No' to Montessori School signs. Other than being against the free-thinking Montessori way (who isn't? ), I am wondering why that is.

I saw that too - too much underpass traffic was all I could think.

quote:

Originally posted by Floyd:

quote:

Also, no one is blaming homeless. The blame falls on PADS for failing them and the community.

I drove by the Grace Lutheren Church 60 minutes ago. You should drive by right now. About twenty people are standing in front of the church on the Forest side, standing in front of the dry cleaners, walking around and smoking their smokes... why? Why can't PADS take responsibility and have them smoke inside the facility? Give them ashtrays and let them smoke in their building. There is a restaurant directly across the street trying to serve customers, yet their full view is 20 unfortunately filthy people standing 20 feet away chain smoking and talking loudly to each other. Why would PADS kick these people out on the street to chain smoke? This is an example of the problem with PADS

You have me convinced PADS started a problem that nobody (including PADS) is trying to fix. It seems to have gotten out of hand. I hope were not in more trouble for continuing to hijack this thread.

I think it is now against Illinois law to smoke indoors .

quote:

Originally posted by Dinsdale:

The way these things generally seem to work around here, I suspect when things quiet down as they have, the wheels are already in motion and this is essentially a done deal. Once parties have started spending money on a project, the village seems exptremely loathe to make them stop (although there have been a few notable exceptions.)

That's a preposterous and stupid comment.

In your world of conspiracies, please explain to me why the Easter Bunny didn't bring me the 1969 Corvette that I've been asking for.

Happy Easter.

quote:

Originally posted by GE Fan:

quote:

Originally posted by Dinsdale:

The way these things generally seem to work around here, I suspect when things quiet down as they have, the wheels are already in motion and this is essentially a done deal. Once parties have started spending money on a project, the village seems exptremely loathe to make them stop (although there have been a few notable exceptions.)

That's a preposterous and stupid comment.

Perhaps. But it does capture the essence of how most people DO feel about their local government, and with good reason - we've all seen the spot zoning variations granted because a builder "accidentally" built a little too wide or a little too tall. We've seen nearly every single homeowner in a neighborhood line up to beg and plea for the simple denial of a single curbcut in a residential area only to have their opportunity to speak be cutoff and then watch the decision get rammed through, we've seen the complete dismissal of the Glen Ellyn Comprehensive Plan followed by repulsive comments by politicians seeming to wrap themselves in it as they disregarded it, we've seen far too much direct abuse of citizens concerns, petitions, requirements and demands.

It may not be that preposterous, and for those of us observing from the cheap seats it does ring true. It takes time to regain the trust of the community, and it takes action.

quote:

Originally posted by Clamato:
There is a cluster of homes at Taylor and Willis that are sporting "No' to Montessori School signs. Other than being against the free-thinking Montessori way (who isn't? ), I am wondering why that is.

I think I know which cluster you speak of. I happen to know the family who's house faces Willis. They are a wonderful, loving, compassionate bunch and just so happen to be deeply moved by the life story of Pastor Saul. I was told, for them, it really doesn't have much to do with preserving architectural integrity and the physical attributes of brick and mortar, yada yada yada. Rather, it's about preserving the life work of man who through persistence and faith, overcame extreme adversity and...and of all places on the face of this good earth has chosen our community to spread the word of God.

Happy Easter Clam!