Teen Center not given enough time

This Friday (April 30) marks the closing of the Arlington Heights Teen Center.

Our son, Bill, has been fortunate to have had access to it for the last two years and all it had to offer. It was a clean, entertaining and safe facility that was run by a staff of caring and responsible young adults.

Whenever Bill was at the Center I had peace of mind about the activities he participated in and most of all his safety.

I myself spoke before the Arlington Heights board that night to plead for them to find some funding or reach some compromise to keep the Center open. I also attended a follow-up meeting to rally up funds to help this great cause after the Board imposed its deadline and dollar goal.

I honestly feel our community was given an unreasonably short deadline and an unreachable monetary amount, that it was an appeasement at best.

I am both disappointed and embarrassed our town board could not muster up ONE vote other then the mayor to save the Teen Center.

In a wealthy community such as ours, it amazes me a compromise along with some funding could not be reached.

Now I read in this newspaper they are considering letting the Center be used by a non-Arlington Heights organization, which I feel would kill any possible reopening of the Teen Center in the future.

I all can say is I can hardly wait for the next election.

Gary L. Kaszubowski

Arlington Heights