The bigger picture on zoo plans

As a resident of the City of Wheaton for over 40 years, I have appreciated former Mayor Gresk's leadership and commitment to our city. I, however, disagree with his support of the Wheaton Park District's Plan to expand Cosley Zoo as written in his April 1 comments to the Daily Herald.

First, there is no empirical data that such a parking lot is needed. When requested (through a FOIA request), the park district attorneys stated that no data exists. Yet, even with no data, the Wheaton Park District Commissioners voted unanimously to spend over $4 million dollars on a parking lot in November of 2023.

Secondly, the “modest expansion” of a parking lot began with an over 250 space parking lot. Through many Wheaton Park District and Wheaton City Council meetings, the community expressed their disapproval of the plan. This outcry is the reason the Park District has curtailed its original plan on more than one occasion. It was because of our voiced concerns, the Cosley Zoo Master Plan was withdrawn. However, the plans for a proposed parking lot along with expansion plans “if necessary,” is still proceeding.

I would like to experience the same feeling of “transparency” as former Mayor Gresk. Numerous FOIA requests have been submitted to the Wheaton Park District (at tax payers expense) because Park District commissioners were told not to discuss this issue with our group, the Concerned Citizens of ProtectWheaton.com. The truth is, a taxpayer cannot email a park district commissioner individually.

Finally, if the former mayor were truly interested in allowing the taxpayers of Wheaton decide the future of Cosley Zoo (instead of the commissioners of the Wheaton Park District and Wheaton City Council Members) he would support an advisory referendum question on the November ballot which is currently being circulated.

John Patterson

Wheaton