More than 100 residents packed Village Hall last week to voice their opinions on a plan by the Park District to build a community center in the heart of town.
The district, which won voters’ approval in an advisory referendum last March to build the 62,000-square-foot center, wants to construct a two-level building on nine acres near Parkside Circle and Park Boulevard. It would replace the existing center at 777 S. Bartlett Rd.
Though none of the residents who attended that meeting argued against building the center, many said they wanted it someplace other than near their homes.
Among their concerns were potential flooding, light and noise pollution, decreased property values because of its proximity to adjacent homes, and increased traffic on their roads and the subsequent safety of children in the area.
But other residents argued that the proposed location will allow children to walk to the center, increase property values and give youngsters a place to go for constructive activities.