Get informed about Glen Ellyn's plan

As the village of Glen Ellyn enters its final stages of strategic downtown planning, we would like to urge all residents to actively educate themselves about the results of the planning committee's vision to revitalize our downtown. The business district of Glen Ellyn comprises the heart of our community's commercial and public space. Its unique, historic architecture contributes to that distinctive character that initially drew many of us to make this village our home. And while we have been partners with the village in revitalizing Glen Ellyn's commercial district, we continue to raise concerns with regard to the current concept plans. For example, given that certain older historic structures, built with a quality of materials and craftsmanship that are now rarely matched, will be impacted by contemporary infill structures, we need to ask the following: Will new structures be integrated into the existing streetscape with sensitivity to the size, height, and historic quality of the structures surrounding them? Will new structures make use of environmentally sensitive materials and technologies? Will remaining historic structures be restored and updated, rather than gutted and reduced to a mere facade?

All residents need to realize that the changes proposed by the planning committee will be sweeping. They will have a lasting change on the character of our village for a century to come. Therefore, it is essential that they arise not from the interests and priorities of a few, but rather from the informed input of as great a variety of educated citizens as possible. I urge residents to do the following: Educate yourselves about the final changes proposed by the village board by attending the special workshop on Dec. 16 or the public presentation of the final concept plan for downtown at 6:30-9 p.m. Jan. 15 at the Civic Center.

Cynthia Ellis

Citizens for Glen Ellyn Preservation