Despite residents' opposition, stormwater project will continue

Despite growing opposition from residents, Glen Ellyn leaders are moving ahead with plans to cut down about 340 trees at Ackerman Park as part of a flood control project.

"The park district does not have an alternate plan at this time," said Cory Atwell, executive director of the Glen Ellyn Park District.

The park district and village in November entered into an intergovernmental agreement to create a stormwater detention area.

While village officials will oversee the construction of the dry-bottom detention pond, the park district is donating land. In return, two new soccer fields will be constructed. One will double as the water detention area.

For months, residents have been speaking out against the plan, which involves cutting down hundreds of trees.

Some have taken their efforts to halt the project to the Internet.

Resident Melissa Creech started an informational Web site at www.saveackerman woods.com. And Glenbard West High School's Eagle Club started a Web site for teens that now has more than 100 students signed up against the project.

Last week, members of Glen Ellyn's Environmental Commission voted unanimously to recommend the village take no further action on the project. Instead, the panel is encouraging the village to explore options that wouldn't involve destroying trees.

Ellie McElvain, vice president of Glenbard West's Eagle Club, said the possibility of hundreds of trees being cut down has created a stir within the school's students.

"We are the people who are going to be affected," she said. "Every tree counts. If we can save those woods, it can do wonders."

Resident Dean Christian believes students are a lot more educated about environmental issues than adults.

"This plan on many levels is poor stewardship of our trust, our funds and especially poor stewardship of God's creation," he said.

Glen Ellyn already acquired a water detention area just north of Walgreens along Main Street from a property owner who agreed to deed the parcel to Glen Ellyn years ago.

The village plans to sell that property for about $500,000 after the regional stormwater detention area is built at Ackerman.

Money from the land sale would pay for the new project. The property would be sold to a developer in the hope of bringing in sales tax dollars.

Village President Vicky Hase said previous village boards started the project, and the current board has arrived late in the process.

While many residents are concerned about the trees, Hase said one of the village's main goals is to revitalize Stacy Corner and keep property taxes low.

"We as a board did not discuss the fact that there would be trees cut down," she said. "As a board we're all concerned about trees, but we have this balancing act that we have to do."

Construction is expected to begin in June.