College of DuPage Special Zoning Meeting

Our "scenic" view as provided by the College of Dupage. The College told us they were installing a tree lined and landscaped "retention pond" and the work would be completed in 2011. This is what we now see each and every day (Hint - click on the images to enlarge them):

Tomorrow, Thursday May 10th at 6:00pm, a board of appeals hearing will be held at the County Board Complex - first floor auditorium at 421 North County Farm Rd, in Wheaton, IL. Note: Any attendee should verify the location prior to attending.[Note 1]

Anyone who has any concerns about the college and it's expansion plans should attend this meeting, which is open to the public.

I've included a link to State Representative Sandra Pihos' website concerning this meeting. She recommends that "concerned citizens need to address issues relevant to one or more of these criteria....it is imperative that you go to the decision-makers to express them."


Please attend the meeting and be counted as a registered attendee. There is no need to make a statement. You may also email your comments to:

Paul.Hoss@dupageco.org

Or, you may also fax your comments to 630-407-6702.


"Your Voice Counts!"


The College of DuPage (COD) is requesting the Zoning Board of Appeals to approve the following conditional uses:

1. A planned unit development (PUD) in an R-1 zone.
2. Radio and TV towers and antennae in an R-1 zone.
3. A college or university within R-1 zone; and
4. Electronic message signs.

However, there is a possibility that code variances made by the college and never approved by the Village of Glen Ellyn will also be "grandfathered in" by the County.

Major concerns to BLMH residents in the vicinity of the college include:

1. A pumping station in the southwest corner of the college grounds and off of Gloucester. 
2. The addition of a 120 foot tall water tower (10 to 12 stories tall) adjacent to BLMH.
3. The addition of three large buildings on the west side of the college, one about 3-4 stories tall, which will be immediately to the east of the BLMH property and has no identified use. 
4. Several acres of additional parking. 
5. Serious reduction in the green space on the west side of the college campus, which will increase storm runoff to the south lake of BLMH, with possible flooding of the marsh and church in the vicinity of Brentwood Lane. 
6. Extensive excavations on the south and southwest side of the college which was not identified on plans given to BLMH by the college, was not on the college website and was to have been completed in the fall of 2011 according to the college documents and statements made to the community. However, this remains a blighted area and is unfinished.  

According to Rep. Pihos' website, these are the Standards for Conditional Uses 37-1413.5:

"The Zoning Board of Appeals shall make findings as to each conditional use petitioner. The findings shall be based upon the evidence presented to it in each specific case demonstrating consideration with respect to the following: That the granting of any conditional use is in harmony with the general purpose and intent of this chapter, and will not be injurious to the neighborhood, detrimental to the public welfare, or in conflict with the County's Comprehensive Plan for development; and specifically that the granting of the conditional use will not:

1. Impair an adequate supply of light and air to adjacent property; 
2. Increase the hazard from fire or other dangers to said property; 
3. Diminish the value of land and buildings in the vicinity of the proposed conditional use;
4. Unduly increase traffic congestion in the public streets and highways;
5. Increase the potential for flood damages to adjacent property; 
6. Incur additional public expense for fire protection, rescue or relief; or
7. Otherwise impair the public health, safety, comfort, morals or general welfare of the inhabitants of DuPage County, nor will it otherwise create a nuisance."

Clicking will open a New Window> State Rep. Sandra Pihos on COD Zoning



Notes:

1. I can't assume responsibility for anyone attending and going to the wrong location. Interested parties should verify the location of the meeting. 
2. I've corrected several typos in the original post.