Glen Ellyn president breaks tie over consultant

Despite months of division, Glen Ellyn's village board approved a contract Monday night with a consulting group to conduct a downtown study.

Throughout the entire selection process, Trustees Tim Armstrong, Pete Ladesic and Sarah Lee supported Houseal Lavigne Associates of Naperville. However, Trustees Jim Comerford, Peter Norton and Michelle Thorsell favored Town Builder Studios of Riverside. President Vicky Hase also has favored Town Builder Studios.

Trustees did not budge on their positions Monday night, and Hase again broke the 3-3 vote in favor of approving the contract.

The $100,000 contract with Town Builder Studios will highlight areas the village needs to focus on, including historic preservation, parking, retail and economic analysis.

Although some trustees weren't in favor of the group, they urged residents to continue to stay involved.

Lee described the situation as unfortunate.

"As for the process, I don't feel it has served us well," she said. "But please be involved, be enthusiastic. This is an opportunity for all of us."

Armstrong agreed.

"I don't think you have what we need," he said to the consulting group, "but I want you to prove me wrong."

Dozens of passionate Glen Ellyn residents attended the meeting and expressed their views on the entire process, which initially began in October.

Chris Wilson, president of Glen Ellyn Citizens for Preservation, said the group and individual citizens do not want to see the process undermined by the divisiveness of the village board.

"We are supporting Town Builder Studios because we believe the lead person values historic preservation," she said.

Town Builder Studios expect to have the study completed in October.