No good reason to vote down housing

On July 29, I wrote to my District 6 representative, Brad Helms, explaining why Catherine Alice Gardens was a worthy project. I read a week later the Palatine Council voted it down 4-2. My representative was among the “nays.”

Today I read Jim Slusher’s explanation of the Not In My Back Yard syndrome (“Editorial ought to challenge a tired phrase,” Aug 15.) I can only wish Mr. Slusher was a councilman in Palatine. The Catherine Alice Gardens Apartments would have been in MY backyard.

My husband and I raised five children in the heart of Palatine. They have been enriched by the great community spirit, quality schools, an excellent public library, and a welcoming toward all. But, it troubles me that one of my children is being ignored.

My youngest daughter is classified as a mentally disabled adult. Physically and mentally challenged individuals work at local establishments including Jewel, Mariano’s, Target, Buehler YMCA and Nelson Group Salon, where my daughter has worked more than 10 years.

She walks to work, sometimes dodging sidewalk and street repairs. A letter I received from the Eric Drive Industrial Council indicated the lack of sidewalks in the industrial area would endanger disabled residents.

Really? My daughter and I walk our dog down Cornell Avenue, past Eric Drive. There is far less traffic than on Colfax Street and we have never been in danger. I’m certain she could handle this journey independently. The Industrial Council might be surprised at what the disabled can do!

Palatine has been a wonderful hometown for over 45 years. But, I am saddened to read about the NIMBY attitude of the Eric Drive Industrial Council!

Perhaps they should have looked on the other side of the street and employed some of the proposed “newcomers” to their neighborhood. They would have been pleasantly surprised!

Kathleen Breault

Palatine