Glen Ellyn Montessori vote expected soon after latest hearing

After several lengthy meetings, the Glen Ellyn plan commission is finally ready to vote on whether a Montessori school will be permitted to move into a residential neighborhood.

However, that vote won't happen for another two weeks, giving the board a chance to mull over the final testimony that was heard Thursday evening.

The Diamante Montessori School, which currently operates out of St. Mark's Church in Glen Ellyn, wants to move to the site left open by Christ Church at 625 Hillside Ave.

Neighbors are against the move because they say the school does not belong in a residential area. Several dozen opponents have cited traffic issues and safety concerns during four meetings that were opened for public comment in the last months.

"We're creating a day-care center in a residential area," said Steve Ruffalo, an attorney hired by residents who don't want the school in their neighborhood.

Supporters, many of whom are neighbors of the current location, have said the school has never disrupted their daily lives. The school expects about 77 cars a day for drop-offs and pickups.

The meeting Thursday included a cross-examination of the village's planning department and the owners of the school by Ruffalo.

Although not a normal part of the plan commission's hearings, the board allowed the questioning for the Montessori issue.

The exchange, which became heated, focused on the details of the zoning code as related to the school proposal to show that the use shouldn't be allowed on the site.

Questions also came up about parking at the site of the six staff members, visitors and parents.

The representatives of the Montessori school also had the opportunity to ask questions of Police Chief Phil Norton regarding traffic problems in the area.

He said that a bypass lane would be preferred for any site but that the police would take care of any traffic problems that could come up.

"We will absolutely address any issues that will arise," he said.

The board is scheduled to vote on the issue at its Feb. 26 meeting.