quote:

Originally posted by bitterboy:

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 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!

But since the place has been sold, been offered up for rental by the new owner to Pastor Saul, and had that offer rejected, isn't it time to take the sign down?

Just curious.

[An aside story, my wife was at my daughter's school. She was approached to sign a petition to Vote No for the school. My wife asked why the woman was against the school. She said that she didn't want to see the building torn down. My wife, who is a bit informed on the topic, said, the new owners weren't going to tear the building down. In fact, the neighbors want it torn down for residential housing instead of seeing it become a Montessori school. The woman was shocked....and proceeded to throw the petition in the garbage].

I can only imagine what those on Willis have been told about the property to cause them to proudly display their "Vote No" signs.

quote:

But since the place has been sold, been offered up for rental by the new owner to Pastor Saul, and had that offer rejected, isn't it time to take the sign down?

I sense a bit of hostility. What were the terms of the lease. How long would it have allowed the congregation to remain?

Hmmmmm....who do I know that lives over there by there? Thinking......thinking.......................................................................................................think..............ing.

Hostility? Absolutely not.

Truth be told, I totally understand why the neighbors around the church may be concerned. [Especially the guy next to the church driveway] Change around one's surroundings are never embraced and always met with understandable skepticism. However, I have been a bit annoyed by the constant stream of misinformation coming from the "supporters" of the church...who, by the way, conveniently now just started "supporting" the church. I find it to be disingenuous and a bit insulting....but I don't have any hostility. Finally, although not hostile towards the cause, I don't understand the neighbor's methods of communicating their objections. I think it has done them more harm then good.

Re: the terms. I'm not so sure but I do remember them being printed in the paper.

I've got it.

quote:

Though Diamante board member Ron Repking put two offers on the table for the congregation, one asking for $3,500 a month for rent and the other being a three-month contract for $1,000 each month, Ebema said neither worked out for them.

Is this innacurate? How long would the $3,500 deal have allowed them to stay? Indefinately? One year? Just asking. The comment about the folks on Willis is my understanding of their view, not all.

quote:

Originally posted by bitterboy:
I've got it.

quote:

Though Diamante board member Ron Repking put two offers on the table for the congregation, one asking for $3,500 a month for rent and the other being a three-month contract for $1,000 each month, Ebema said neither worked out for them.

Is this innacurate? How long would the $3,500 allowed them to stay? Indefinitely? Just asking.

No idea. Like I said, I have no inside information on the topic. I only know what I've been able to read. (I think I read what you just posted) I do know that the neighbors have publicly said that they would rather have the building torn down and made residential homes rather than seeing a Montessori school go in there. Or they wanted the Village to buy it and make it a park. Wouldn't we all like that around our houses!

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Originally posted by jombl:
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.

Thank you Jombl. This, combined with Farber's post of a few weeks ago, goes a long way to explain the current beliefs of many. Your post also states the root cause that needs to be addressed - trust. The good news is, when one looks at it in that way, the situation is not that difficult to set back on the right track.

quote:

Originally posted by GE Fan:
That's a preposterous and stupid comment.
In your world of conspiracies, ...

My first step towards my present mindset occurred several years ago when a builder requested a variance to build a mini-mansion on a substandard (<50') lot. He had paid $100K + for a narrow lot with a small bungalow. His argument to the zoning board in its entirety was that he could not afford to build anything smaller. Several neighbors pointed out to the zoning board that the unambiguous language of the applicable ordinance specifically provided that economic interest would not be sufficient basis for the granting of a variance. They were met by a shrug and a comment along the lines of, "We've always granted variances for that reason before."

I'm sure you can appreciate that that kind of thing makes an impression on someone who expects reasonable and responsible action by their representatives. As a result perhaps I have been sensitized to repeated such instances in ensuing years. In my personal opinion it is far more exceptional for the village to actually enforce its ordinances - such as the 2 instances we discussed a couple of years back where they required that builders adjust their nonconforming rooflines already under construction.

Someone wants a 'vette? Do I sense inadequacy issues? A little young for your midlife crisis, no?

At the risk of ridicule for returning this thread to its original purpose, I ask the following question: Is there any update about this proposed school? Signs seem to be more plentiful, although not necessarily close to the Park and Hillside corner. The attorney for the neighborhood is reportedly both honest and brilliant, so one wonders what the next step in the saga will be...

No one would ridicule you, 4MP. You're too valuable. So...someone answer the man...what the **** is going on with this?

The neighborhood folk have disappeared as far as I can tell. They were probably told not to have spirited conversations on this site. Probably not a bad idea.

I've noticed that the lawn signs seem to have been proliferating slightly as of late. Probably a sure sign that it is a done deal, by the time folks are learning about it and expressing an opinion...

Maybe we should take the proposed Montessori school site and turn it into a homeless shelter--at least you wouldn't have to worry about parking problems.

quote:

Originally posted by Sweetmariez:
Maybe we should take the proposed Montessori school site and turn it into a homeless shelter--at least you wouldn't have to worry about parking problems.

You'd still have to worry about the cab traffic dropping off some of our favorites (not joking)