Neighborhoods must organize, resist

The recent article about Oakdale Woods in Bensenville reminds me of exactly what we here in Medinah went through two years ago. We, too, were sent letters by this commercial real estate company stating that our properties were needed for a warehouse development. Like the area written about, Medinah also has large lots that are at least a half acre since we have wells and septic systems. Also, being unincorporated we have basically no local government which means it is up to us to come together and work to get anything done.

We did just that though, and we organized, had meetings at our local park district and/or in our homes. We attended all the village meetings in the neighboring town which was willing to annex us in order to allow this corporation to move in. We requested copies of all communication between the village and the developer through the Freedom Of Information Act. And you must read them!

Within days we had yard signs due to a neighbor who is in the business; we contacted the Daily Herald, television and radio stations, sent out mailings, got in touch with our Congressman, met with other local politicians, and picketed near the village hall. If you feel like your neighborhood and way of life are worth saving you must be willing to work. This whole experience started on June 10, 2022, and didn’t end until November 1st of that same year. So it spanned three seasons. It wasn’t pleasant; it was extremely nerve-wracking and weighed heavily on all of us. One of our group was battling cancer while this was going on but she bravely stayed with us and fought the good fight and we were all inspired by her and miss her still.

I know I speak for all of us when I say, Best wishes to your community and I hope you have the same positive result that we had.

Diane Lauk

Medinah