The Clarendon Hills Historical Society is speaking out strongly against removal of the Sloan Triangle in the village’s downtown, something that has been a consideration as part of a Downtown Improvement Plan.
The village’s proposed changes downtown has been a hot topic in Clarendon Hills, and the possibility of eliminating the right-turn slip lane that is part of the Triangle, in place of a plaza, has brought out several residents speaking out against such a move.
Village officials have stated that they are looking at an improvement plan for the entire downtown, not only the possibility of adding a plaza and getting rid of the Sloan Triangle.
The Historical Society sent a letter to the Village Board and some village administrators, stating that after carefully reviewing the village’s Downtown Master Plan, the Historical Society has determined that the removal of the downtown triangle is contrary to that plan.
The group noted that the village already has lost two of the original triangles — at Chicago and Norfolk Avenues and at Golf and Burlington Avenues — and stated that “it’s important to preserve history, keep the village safe, and businesses thriving.
“Prospect Avenue is our main through street over our only train crossing,” the Historical Society’s letter stated. “The triangle there is crucial to the flow of traffic and aids in preventing backups over the tracks. We must keep the traffic traveling from the north over the tracks moving, or people will stop coming to our town. People need easy access into our downtown.”
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The Historical Society’s letter stated the Sloan Triangle is historically very important and unique, but it also serves an important purpose.
“We have many sitting and gathering areas in our downtown area,” the group stated. “We do not need another sitting area, especially one that will eliminate our crucial west (slip) lane as well as lanes for deliveries and parking close to our businesses.”
The Historical Society stated that the large number of residents attending meetings about the Downtown Improvement Plan speaks volumes.
“Please listen to those residents who care and love Clarendon Hills and have shown up and spoken strongly, articulately and from their hearts,” the Historical Society has urged the Village Board, which is scheduled to vote in April on a Downtown Improvement Plan. “The majority of those residents have said they don’t want to lose the triangle or the west slip lane.
“It’s important that the residents be heard and are part of the decision making. Please listen to them and preserve our history as well as our unique town.”
The letter to village officials was signed by the Historical Society’s Chuck Brand, president; Jan Cummings, vice-president; Berry DeSimone, treasurer; Barb Nolan, secretary; and Directors Mary Brown, Sandy Brugge, Bill Johnson and Sandi Siakel.
Chuck Fieldman is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.