Sidewalk plan is a real downer

The village of Downers Grove recently announced its 2009 sidewalk plan. The majority of the sidewalks will be in quadrant between the streets of 55th, Cumnor, Williams and Second streets. These streets are quiet, boast mature trees and seldom see through traffic or pedestrians. However, much of that is going to change. The village plans to come in this summer, remove the mature trees, destroy the yards and property values of these homes. They plan to install the sidewalks the maximum distance from the street currently allowed by law, which is approximately 15 feet. Because most of the homes affected have a 50 foot or less setback, they will see their front yards reduced by 40 percent. The decision to put in sidewalks was made in the early 1990s and is something that almost every homeowner impacted is resisting. In fact, a recent public works meeting became an emotional gathering, as residents voiced their opposition and found that the village plans to spend more than $400,000 on a project that hardly anyone wants, or as the homeowners attest, nobody will use. We would rather see the money used on something needed, such as stormwater or roadway improvements. I encourage village council members to reassess their plans and listen to the taxpayers and residents who live in their town, voted for them and contribute thousands of dollars in taxes. It is not fiscally responsible to spend money on projects that people do not want or use, especially in this economy. There are many other projects that the $400,000 could be appropriated to that will add value to the community.

Cheryl Popielarz

Downers Grove