Glen Ellyn board ready to tackle Montessori school debate

The Glen Ellyn village board is ready to tackle the proposed move of a Montessori school into a residential neighborhood.

The village's plan commission recently approved the school proposal in an 8-1 vote after five lengthy meetings to collect input from irate neighbors.

The Diamante Montessori School wants to move about two blocks from its current location inside St. Mark's Church at 393 N. Main St. to the building left vacant by Christ Church at 625 Hillside Ave.

Neighbors are unhappy because they say the school will cause traffic problems and pose hazards for pedestrians in an already treacherous traffic area that's primarily surrounded by houses.

The village board had a preliminary discussion about the school Monday that allowed for limited resident comment. The vote will take place next Monday, unless the petitioners seek a delay.

The sometimes heated exchange Monday included comments from Steve Ruffalo, an attorney hired by several residents living near former church.

Ruffalo argued the school has to ask for variations in order to move in because the church was vacant and reverted to being a residential property.

Residents also hinted at a lawsuit if the board approves the school plan.

"This is an issue that will undoubtedly end in litigation," Ruffalo said when speaking about easement rights with a neighboring home. He said if the residents can't rely on the board then "we have nobody left but the courts to rely upon."

Ninnette Karg said the village board hasn't seen all the evidence regarding traffic the school would generate. She said the study was done on a Thursday when the school's busiest days are early in the week.

"The plan commission failed in their fact-finding function," she said.

Ruffalo said the issue might also have "overextended the attention spans" of plan commissioners.

Village President Vicky Hase defended the commission, saying it was thorough and provided extensive background information.

"They looked at this from every angle," she said. "I don't see any reason to overturn the plan commission recommendation."

The majority of the trustees said they had some questions about the school's new location but didn't see an overriding reason to deny the proposal.

Trustee Mary Jane Chapman said she didn't see a big difference between a church or a preschool being at the location.