McBroom right in pushing for 5th Avenue discussion
Thank you to Naperville City Councilman Josh McBroom for pushing forward discussion on 5th Avenue redevelopment. It took decades and tens of millions of taxpayer dollars to assemble the 5th Avenue parcels. It is a terrible and expensive waste to leave those many acres of prime real estate as is (and off the tax rolls).
As Water Street and numerous other developments have been over the years, it will be hard and contentious and tedious work to come to the final version of an acceptable development. But think of what a loss it would have been had Water Street and countless other projects never moved forward because they were too contentious and likely to lead to a challenging vote for councilmen.
This project may have languished for years had Josh not stuck his neck out and made this attempt to kickstart it. I, for one, hope the council takes an ambitious approach and arrives at a development that brings high economic impact and adds mightily to sales tax collection (both of which should help push down our tax levy).
I look forward to seeing what this consultant suggests for the 5th Avenue site and urge only a project that is world class and stunning be considered by our City Council.
Kevin Coyne, Naperville
Conservation Foundation backs forest preserve tax referendum
DuPage County is blessed with a rich tapestry of forest preserves that encompass more than 25,000 acres. These public lands enrich our quality of life and provide outdoor recreation areas for citizens to relax, unplug, and enjoy the mental and physical health benefits of nature.
On Nov. 5, voters will be asked to vote on a referendum to support the forest preserves in DuPage County. The forest preserve district is asking for a small levy increase to preserve more land, maintain and restore existing forest preserves, and add recreational amenities such as trails and improve public access.
Since the pandemic, many forest preserves have nearly doubled their attendance as people continue to discover the many benefits forest preserves provide to our lives and our communities.
If approved by the voters, the preserves will be better able to improve air and water quality, purchase land and restore and create more wildlife habitat, improve flood control, expand public safety, and create more places where children can experience and enjoy with wonders of nature. With land prices skyrocketing and the amount of natural lands dwindling, we must act now to preserve our last remaining open spaces for our children and our grandchildren before they are lost to development.
The cost for the average homeowner in DuPage County will be about $3 to $4 per month. That’s a small price to pay to keep our forest preserves green and healthy and our air and water clean. The forest preserve district makes up less than 2% of the taxes we pay.
The Conservation Foundation fully endorses this referendum and we ask that you support our forest preserves on Nov. 5 with a yes vote.
Brook McDonald, President/CEO
The Conservation Foundation, Naperville
Small price to pay for increased DuPage County open space
On the Nov. 5 ballot, DuPage County residents will have an opportunity to positively shape the future of our communities by supporting the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County’s tax referendum.
Numerous studies from around the country have shown that permanently protected natural areas, such as forest preserves, positively impact property values. People like living near open space and are willing to pay a premium to do so. I know this is true because I work in real estate.
Besides enhancing the real estate values of existing homes, forest preserves and other natural areas influence the evolving character of DuPage County. More aesthetic surroundings and favorable living environments upgrade the quality of the homes constructed.
If approved, the forest preserve will preserve more land, provide more trails and access so people can enjoy nature, and keep our forest preserves clean and safe. These forest preserve lands also improve our water and air quality and provide natural flood control. All of this for about $3 to $4 a month for the average homeowner.
Land is being developed at an all-time high rate of speed with plans underway for even more. We must act now to preserve the last remaining open spaces and natural lands for our children and grandchildren before the land becomes too expensive or lost forever. The time to act is now.
Personally, I use the forest preserve trails and love to explore these open natural spaces on my bike. I know what they mean to me. Please join me in charting a beneficial course for our county and legacy for our children and grandchildren by voting “yes” for the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County referendum on Nov. 5.
John Gormley, Downers Grove
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