We all should be welcoming Navistar

I am a resident of Lisle, having moved my family here for my business, for the parks, community and proximity to businesses large and small. I have followed closely the various articles challenging Navistar's work, the DuPage Forest Preserve, the Lisle Planning and Zoning Commission and a penumbra of others.

What frustrates me is opposition based on emotional, conjectural accusations about "back door deals," "environmental hazards" and other purported negative impacts that might make Navistar a bad neighbor. What I have seen is far different. I have followed the public disclosures and gone to the hearings.

In my opinion, Navistar is a viable company with over 100 environmental awards and a long history of responsible and productive contributions to employment and surrounding communities. They wish to take care of a vacant space that currently benefits no one, while creating upwards of 4,000 jobs, which even Fence Post contributor Richard Wilkie conceded was "a wonderful thing."

I've heard a proposal that not only complies with the local zoning code, but in all respects has equal or less impact than the previously approved Alcatel/Lucent facility. What I heard at the hearings was a safe proposal that complies with our zoning requirements, emits less than or equal noise to what was at Alcatel/Lucent, and meets or exceeds the code requirements for emissions, drainage, lighting and parking.

To me, that is a company complying with our zoning code, and adding substantial value to the community. So why the opposition to what has already been deemed safe?

The Navistar proposal is exactly what the I-88 corridor was meant to attract, and our officials have supported in the past: a safe, productive business, that meets community standards. It is the kind of opportunity that keeps now-vacant spaces like the Alcatel/Lucent from becoming "brownfields." We should all be saying, "Welcome neighbor."

James S. Harkness

Lisle