Preserve our yards

Regarding the Aug. 13 story of the Schaumburg panel recommending 149-home development: "Chairman Harry Raimondi said the real estate market has seen a gradual reduction in lot sizes over the past 40 years as people have lost interest in maintenance."

With that statement, the Schaumburg Zoning Board justifies big homes crammed onto small lots.

Have lot sizes decreased due to homeowner maintenance concerns or did the desire for higher developer profits have a role in the trend?

I live in a single-family home a short distance from the new development. Here is what I see. Neighbors have swimming pools. Children run through the backyard chasing their new puppy. People play bags while keeping social distance. People tend tomatoes and plant flowers. I see people gathered with family and friends on patios and decks.

What about our new Covid realities? We already see a trend of people leaving tight city spaces. The virus is driving people outdoors where they can socialize in safety.

Face it, this argument is a load of hooey. Nitti Development poses strong arguments to support their desire for maximized profit. Good for them, that is what businesses are supposed to do.

Nitti's talking point that people want big homes on small lots snared our Zoning Board. How about a few ranch homes for those that eschew stairs? How about some townhomes so Grandma can live in the same area as her family? How about some space to enjoy the outdoors?

It is the job of the Schaumburg Zoning Board to represent its citizens. People prefer a home with a backyard to a McMansion on a postage stamp.

Austin Walsh

Schaumburg