Clearing greenery disturbing residents

The Public Works Department of the Village of Grayslake has proceeded to clear out most of the greenery along Route 120 of the southwest corner of Grayslake. I live in Grayslake and am shocked by what has occurred.

They have opened up our back yards, over a distance of over a city block in length, to the thousands of cars that travel Route 120 east and west each day. At night the traffic heading east has their headlights shining into our windows and back yards. They have increased our exposure to light pollution, air pollution, and noise pollution. And, who knows the impact of water pollution as chemicals used for winter snow removal runoff into the lake itself during the winter months and spring thaw?

Additionally, this opening up is exposing us to potential increased crime. Cars driving by and increased foot traffic accessing the lake can look right into back yards. My husband was out on our paddleboat one evening and there were five new faces enjoying the lakefront asking him for a ride on the boat.

We all are aware of the heavy tax burden residents of Lake County pay each year. Now, I can't even sit in my back yard without being viewed by everyone driving and walking by. Since my property has now been devalued by their careless disregard for lakefront residents, perhaps I can expect a tax reduction in 2018? Not!

There needs to be exposure to what has occurred so potentially the Village considers its tax paying residents and works with us to minimize the impact of what has occurred. Perhaps they can erect a fence high enough to minimize the addition of light and noise pollution.

Shelley Dufour-Martin

Grayslake