W. Chicago officials say no to more open space

By Marni Pyke Daily Herald Staff Writer
Posted Wednesday, July 21, 2004


Usually individuals who appear before the DuPage County Forest Preserve District are there to implore commissioners to save land from development.

Tuesday, a contingent of West Chicago leaders made the opposite case.

They argued that the district's plans to acquire 163 acres of land along North Avenue, east of DuPage Airport, would ruin chances of obtaining needed property taxes.

The property, near Pratt's Wayne Woods in north DuPage, has been used for farming. The district is currently negotiating with four separate property owners for the land.

West Chicago Mayor Michael Fortner and others argued that the land is surrounded by business and industrial uses and should not become open space.

"I encourage the commission to consider the benefits to the public and weigh that against the economic effects," Fortner said. "West Chicago is blessed with a great amount of forest preserves that serve the public very well."

West Chicago Elementary District 33 Superintendent Ed Leman told commissioners that educators had hoped to gain between $1.2 million and $2.2 million in property taxes if the parcel was developed.

"If it's not allowed to be on the tax rolls, it could have a significant impact," Leman said.

Commissioners did not respond to the comments.

Another parcel near Pratt's Wayne Woods being sought by the forest preserve also drew a concerned group of individuals Tuesday.

But this time, the people appealing to board members wanted the district to continue its efforts to acquire the land as open space.

The property in question is 370 acres along Army Trail Road in Wayne, west of the Elgin, Joliet and Eastern Railway tracks. It is owned by the Hoffman family.

The district was sued by the Hoffmans and the case is still tied up in the courts.

Noonie Barton, a resident, told commissioners to keep fighting for the land.

"In a major metropolitan area, riddled with asphalt, the need for open space is continuing to increase," she said.

"By passing revenue bond issues in 1991 and 1997, residents have spoken loudly for open space. Please consider how this would perfectly complement Pratt's Wayne Woods," Barton said.