Turf plan at Brainerd a sad civics lesson

A part of Libertyville's heritage literally will be swept under the rug if a proposed plan for the Brainerd site on Park Avenue moves ahead.

A radical plan to cover most of the property with artificial turf and fence it off requires variances from Libertyville's zoning code.

District 128 officials will be asking for plan approval from Libertyville trustees on June 9.

Most unacceptable is the elimination of a 50-foot setback from Park Avenue (Rt. 176). This would allow installation of an eight-foot barrier over 300 feet in length right next to the sidewalk.

This unsightly visual wall will serve to restrict access by the public. The Brainerd greenfield has been open during the warm summer months for a variety of casual uses for nearly a century. No more if trustees bend the rules and approve the plan. Moreover, a well-advertised commemorative structure to "recognize the history of the school" has been dropped.

District 128's credibility is compromised - a good "teaching moment" for high school civics classes on how the real world works.

Is the public watching? June 9, Libertyville Village Hall, 8 p.m.

John Snow

Libertyville