Glen Ellyn Montessori debate to continue

Discussions on the proposed move of a Montessori school into a residential neighborhood once again went late into the night in Glen Ellyn.

More than a dozen residents - both in opposition and support of the move - spoke up in the first three hours of a special hearing.

The plan commission held the meeting Thursday to allow the remainder of commenters who hadn't been able to speak at two prior January meetings to have their say. The issue will likely be continued to a hearing this coming Thursday.

Diamante Montessori School currently operates out of St. Mark's Church in Glen Ellyn and wants to move to the site left open by Christ Church at 625 Hillside Ave.

Neighbors of the site are opposed to the move because they say the residential area will be affected by the traffic brought in by the school.

Safety concerns for the intersection at Hillside and nearby Park Boulevard also came up again. Residents have said the area presents a traffic danger and are worried about more accidents because of additional cars on their way to the school.

"The school fails to show it will not be disturbing to existing neighborhood uses," said Lauri Reeves, who lives on Hillside. "In my opinion, it will create a nuisance which our officials should protect us against."

However, several supporters of the school said the building will have minimal impact on the neighborhood compared to what could go on the property. They said Diamante will be a good neighbor.

"Change is going to come to that site. The building is too small for a viable congregation," said resident Hanno Lorenzl. "If you vote for the proposal and for the location that change will be minimized."

Carl Cepuran, who also lives on Hillside, contended that the school will bring down property values. He said he's talked to at least four real estate agents who have told him that his house's value could fall from 10 to 15 percent.

"I still think it's a bad fit," he said.

The evening's agenda included continued public comment, rebuttals from Steve Ruffalo, an attorney hired by those opposed to the school's move, and the proponents of the school, comments by village staff and a decision by the plan commission.

However, because of the number of people who wanted to speak on the topic, plan commission Chairman Julie Fullerton said anything but the public comment will likely be moved to the next meeting on Thursday.

"Obviously we're not going to finish this evening," she said.