Community will have say on Itasca's raptors' future

Itasca leaders are reconsidering their decision to terminate the popular raptor program, and have scheduled a special meeting to discuss the issue.

At 6 p.m. April 22, residents are invited to a committee meeting to discuss the raptor program and the future of the village's Spring Brook Nature Center. More than 100 raptor program supporters spoke out with passion at a village meeting Tuesday night.

The raptor program allows the public to study raptors, or birds of prey, at the nature center in a hands-on, up-close learning environment.

Trustee Jeff Aiani said the board has an obligation to listen to the residents.

"We want to give people an opportunity to be heard," he said. "It doesn't mean we agree with them, but we want to listen to them."

He said the board is looking at different options in order to keep the program, which costs about $100,000 to run annually. However, he thinks the program should be self-sustaining.

"I'm only speaking for myself, but I don't want to see that program kept at the expense of the Itasca tax payers," Aiani said. "I don't think Itasca residents should be stuck with that bill."

Trustee Mike Latoria also said it's important to let everyone share their views of the nature center to determine its future.

He said just because the board voted one way, that doesn't mean the decision's set in stone.

"There is an opportunity here with everyone together to make this place phenomenal and make it a destination," Latoria said. "We don't have all the pieces to the puzzle figured out, but together we will. Let's make it fantastic, let's feel good about this."

If you go…

What: Nature center committee meeting

When: 6 p.m. Tuesday April 22

Where: Itasca Village Hall, 550 West Irving Park Road

For more information: Call (630) 773-0835