More than four years after former Trustee Rachel Cook proposed it, Glenview is on the verge of getting a commission that will focus on protecting and improving its natural areas – the west fork of the Chicago River, Techny Basin, Air Station and Woodworth Prairies, forest preserves, The Grove and Lake Glenview. On Tuesday, the village board will vote on whether to establish the five-person panel – Glenview residents with training, interest or expertise in environmental law, education, pollution control, engineering, science and public health. A high school or college student could also be appointed but would not be allowed to vote.

Under the terms of a proposed ordinance, people appointed by the village president and confirmed by the village board would serve as many as two three-year terms. They could be reappointed to a third and fourth term, but only after taking a three-year break. Such term limits do not apply to any other village commission but could become a model for reform.

The natural resource commission would have no binding powers but would advise the village board on possible actions or expenditures that might benefit Glenview’s last wild places.

Editor’s note: We do not think environmental law, engineering or public health are suitable backgrounds for membership on the new commission. We have seen the conduct of attorney Sandy Stein who sits on the environmental review commission, arguing from a developer’s perspective, and we have watched as civil engineer Michael Hughes argued against designation of the West Fork Preserve as environmentally significant despite expert testimony that it provides good habitat for rare grassland birds. Protecting our environment is first and foremost about science, and there are plenty of residents with outstanding scientific credentials – people who understand the fundamentals of ecology and would be well-qualified to counsel the village board about protecting its natural resource. The board can then turn to the village attorney, engineer or director of public health if their expertise is needed.  We applaud the idea of including a student on the commission and hope the board will also consider asking a member of the park board or staff to serve as a liaison, since the park district could someday be managing all of these lands and already has considerable expertise.

When the trustees meet at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 20, they are also expected to discuss a site plan for the new Kohl Children’s Museum at The Glen, a request from Hertz Auto Rental to open a small office with no more than 10 cars on the premises at 1833 Waukegan Road (former site of Taylor Rental), a request from Planet Smoothie to open a carry-out restaurant at Carillon Square, a bid by St. Peter and Paul Church to evade local stormwater detention requirements and the possibility of drive thru lanes at The Glen Town Center.

TOUGH TALK, DEVELOPERS WALK

At the first board meeting of May, Village Manager Paul McCarthy was said to be steamed, and the trustees were ticked off over a development taking shape on Landwehr Road in unincorporated Glenview. The Moore brothers, who ran a landscaping business there for years, decided to build 66 town homes on their 10-acre property. When the neighbors and Glenview’s plan commission objected, the Moores decided not to incorporate into the village – a move that would entitle them to Glenview water, police protection, road repairs and plowing. Instead, residents of the new development would draw water from a deep well. Their police protection would come from the Cook County Sheriff, and their roads would be maintained by Northfield Township. In exchange, the Moores could build under Cook County’s relatively generous zoning rules.

That should have been the end of the story, but by law Glenview – as the closest community – was supposed to sign off on the plat. It’s a legal formality, and Village Attorney Jeff Randall said failure to do so would invite a lawsuit that Glenview would lose. Powerless and frustrated, the village board took the opportunity to vent.

President Carlson asked the developers how they would notify prospective buyers that their homes were not in the village of Glenview. "If your well breaks in five years, the people who are purchasing those units need to know that they are not going to get Glenview water," he warned.

Village Attorney Jeff Randall proposed that the board adopt a resolution stating that the property is not within the village and will not be served with Glenview water or police protection. "That resolution could be recorded against the subject property." he explained. "That way, if the well should break, people will know that they are not in Glenview and not entitled to [the benefits that residents of Glenview enjoy.]"

Trustee Mike Guinane proposed a two-week delay so attorney Randall could write the resolution he had proposed. "For what [the Moores] are doing to this community here," he said, "let `em wait two weeks!"

"Well, I don’t want to, uh, obstruct, I mean again, this is a matter of, uh, legalities," Carlson stammered. "I think you’ve already gathered I’m not in favor of this project, but neither do I see a reason to, uh, to put it off at this point." And with that, the board gave the Moores the vote they needed to proceed.

Editor’s note: When Larry Carlson ran for the presidency of the village board, he was publicly and enthusiastically endorsed by lawyer Mike Downing – the attorney who represents the Moores. His law firm, Miller, Forest and Downing, has contributed to the Glenview Boosters Association – a group that raises money for Carlson’s political party.

Two other developers who played games with Glenview also emerged winners on Tuesday night. Optima had built condos at the corner of Dewes and Railroad, getting approval from the village to construct 48 units per acre – double what is legally allowed – while providing far fewer parking spaces than required by local code. This month, the developer was back, claiming a lack of parking on the street was making it impossible to sell its ground-floor retail units. Optima admitted its indoor garage can’t accommodate some commercial vehicles because the ceiling is too low, but rather than hold the company responsible for its own planning errors, the trustees agreed to put a two-hour limit on up to eight parking spaces now used by Metra commuters so they would be available for Optima shoppers.

Then there was the case of new residents who purchased homes in the Buckingham Glen subdivision on Greenwood Road. The plan commission hadn’t liked the developer’s layout, noting that several homes had their backs to the street – seeming to snub the neighbors. To soften the effect, the commission imposed a covenant that would keep homeowners from erecting fences that might further alienate the neighborhood. Did the developer share that information with prospective buyers? Apparently not. Two couples appeared before the board asking for permission to put up fences. "Greenwood is a busy and fast road and highly traveled by construction traffic to The Glen," says a memo to the trustees. "With houses located only 30 feet from the road, it is a dangerous place for children to play as they could easily run into the street, or traffic could easily veer off the road and run into the backyards and injure those present."

Did the developer pay a price for this situation? Not a penny. The board simply folded, allowing the unhappy families to erect fences.

The Glenview Park District is not ready for green and white stripes. Members of the Historic Building and Grounds Committee recommended those colors for the Wagner Farm barn after research showed Pete Wagner had once painted the barn a blue/green color with thin white stripes. Commissioner John Winand, who sits on the committee, thought that might look garish – especially since other buildings on the property, like the chicken coop would be painted to match. On the other hand, he was not ready to back a proposal from Citizens Organized for Wagners to retain a weathered look by using a clear, protective stain.

Winand said 20-40% of the barn’s wood is rotted and will have to be replaced with planks that may not match the color of the barn. COWS founder Norma Morrison said she had spoken with the leading maker of wood protection products – Cabot – and they suggested a clear stain with a grayish tint. Morrison said COWS would be willing to pay the full cost of barn restoration if the commissioners agreed to retain the barn’s current look.

Winand said too much time had been devoted to this topic but promised the committee would continue to explore it. When Commissioner Chris Warren offered his opinion, an impatient Winand cut him off. "I know it’s gratifying to share your views in front of a large group of people," he told Warren, "but I doubt we’re going to solve anything tonight."

The commissioners also opted not to vote on the committee’s recommendation that a tall metal windmill be purchased and installed at a cost of about $5,000 to show children how farmers got running water for their homes and animals before the advent of electricity. Members of COWS have complained that there is no evidence the Wagners had a windmill, and the model proposed for purchase would not be fully functional. The committee will continue discussion on that topic.

The park board did approve a concept for the farm’s logo, deciding by a narrow vote that a cow should be shown along with the barn, a milk can and sheaf of wheat. The district’s graphic artist said the animal made her design too "busy," and Winand proposed the cow be cut, saying it looked like a smudge when the logo was reduced in size. Board members Bill Casey and Ted Przybylo agreed a cow was not necessary, but four other commissioners wanted to include the animal.

Chris Warren accepted the rotating responsibility of Glenview’s park board presidency Thursday, thanking Judy Beck for her year of service, noting that she had actually held the post four times during 24 years on the board. He noted that much had changed during Beck’s tenure. In 1979, when she first joined the board, he said the park district had a $3 million budget and 337 acres of land. This year, the budget exceeded $17.8 million and the district has 585 acres. Warren added that some things had not changed. Beck pestered park district staff for months, urging them to provide food service at Park Center. Her first motion on the board, more than 20 years ago, was to provide food service at Roosevelt Park.

– Glenview resident Bill Moore, who recently retired as finance director for the Chicago Transit Authority and was unsuccessful in his bid for a seat on the park board, will nevertheless be part of that group. Noting his credentials as a CPA, Parks’ President Beck proposed Moore be invited to serve as assistant treasurer. The voluntary job of treasurer has been held for 20 years by Russell Wende who says he might like to retire.

– Wagner Farm will not install a sidewalk colored to blend more naturally with the landscape. Commissioners backed away from that idea when they learned that coloring would actually cost more than the cement – about $8,000.

– Illinois’ chapter of Children of the American Revolution has raised $2,500 to purchase period costumes for Wagner Farm volunteers. The group’s past president, Glenview resident Chad Heber, says members who trace their ancestry back to the revolution sold commemorative lapel pins featuring the farm. "We milked it for all it was worth and were udderly successful," he concluded in presenting the park district with a plaque and check.

– The Wagner Farm Rescue Fund has received a $10,000 grant from a North Shore foundation and not a moment too soon. The money will be used to purchase three more cows slated for slaughter by the park board along with a flock of leghorn chickens that have proven too aggressive.

– The park district is looking for old pictures of Wagner Farm – even photos where it appears in the background. If you have something to show Director Todd Price, call 847-657-1506.

At the close of Thursday’s meeting, Commissioner Doug Kaiser announced he was getting up on his soap. Someone from Glenview Youth Baseball had publicly expressed disappointment with the park district because a backstop had not been installed at Flick Park. Kaiser says Youth Baseball was warned that the work would take "two months at a dirt minimum." Because of rain and scheduling problems with a contractor, the job had taken longer, and Kaiser was stung by the criticism. "That really hurts me," he said. "I just wanted to warn our new board members in case they call you and start bitching. Shit happens."

It was disappointing to see Glenview’s main newspaper turned over this week to the big news from Northbrook – a hazing incident that received far too much national and regional attention. It was the subject of all but one news story in the Announcements, all of the columns and letters to the editor. We could certainly understand a Pioneer Press decision to devote some space to the subject. After all, Glenbrook North High School shares a superintendent and board of education with our own Glenbrook South, and the case raises interesting issues for any affluent suburban community. On the other hand, we don’t recall the Glenview Announcements devoting so much attention to any other topic – not to local elections, which impact the community for years, not to development of The Glen, which has radically changed the village, not even to the deadly West Nile virus, which afflicted more than 600 people in Cook County last summer.

– You might call it "assault with a deadly dog." Andrew J. Hughes allegedly brought a German shepherd and a Rottweiler into Manor Health Care at 3300 Milwaukee Avenue and threatened to sick the growling canines on staff members. Police arrived, ordered Hughes to secure the dogs and placed him under arrest.

– Two suspects may have celebrated their heist in style. Dominick’s on Waukegan Road reported the men got away with eight bottles of Moet Champagne on May 7.

– Glenview’s development department has dealt with its share of unhappy homeowners and contractors, but the staff was not prepared for the antics of an emotionally-disturbed woman who caused a scene, ranting about problems with her brother-in-law. Police were called and took her home to her family and medication.

– Police were called to the backyard of a home on Woodland last week when neighbors reported a "suspicious person" there. When officers arrived, they found an intoxicated man sleeping in the dog house, woke him up and put him on a train to Chicago.

– Officers also responded to a call from Park Center where patrons said a naked man was parading around the locker room, taking repeated showers and shaving. Police suggested he cover himself up.

– Helping Hands of Glenview holds its annual meeting at 7:30 p.m. Monday, May 19 at Patten House, 939 Harlem Avenue. Helping Hands serves the special needs of elderly and disabled village residents, transporting them to doctors’ offices and local stores, cleaning their yards on an annual basis. If you’d like to volunteer, call 847-729-8181.

– The New Beginnings Chorus performs a spring concert at 7 p.m. Tuesday, May 20. The contemporary women’s ensemble has an upbeat sound and sings popular songs along with fresh arrangements of old favorites and Broadway tunes. To register for the show at Glenview’s public library, call 729-7500 and ask for the information desk.

– If you’re looking for a meaningful vacation this summer, consider heading west to the Pine Ridge Reservation at Wounded Knee, South Dakota – the poorest county in the nation. Volunteers will be fixing up old homes and building new ones between July 20 and August 16. Residents would also welcome donations of clothing and medicine. If you have something to give or would like to be part of the construction effort, send an e-mail to mgray@afsc.org.

– The library seeks young volunteers to help children with the summer reading program. Kids who will be in the eighth grade or high school next fall and have six hours to give should call 729-7500 and ask for the Youth Desk.

UC asks about School District 225's decision to suspend students seen beating others during a hazing incident in Northbrook: "How can the school board have the authority to suspend students for activities that occur off school grounds? It is a shame that the lives of students are left in the hands of a few school board officials. These students have been convicted before any trial and do not have the opportunity to appeal the board's decision. Since when has such a broad authority been vested in the school board? While the students’ behavior is inexcusable, the board's rush to judgment is just as reprehensible. This is just another example of school officials having too much perceived power. True, some students made some grave mistakes, but should their entire lives be ruined for it? Of course not."

The Watch replies: In his May 15 column, the Tribune’s Eric Zorn described the school district’s legal reasoning and the facts of the matter. We couldn’t agree more:

"The Glenbrook North High School student handbook makes no exceptions when it says administrators may suspend and/or recommend for expulsion students for misconduct ‘on campus and at all school sponsored events.’ Glenbrook North Principal Michael Riggle was emphatic about this limitation a week ago when he told reporters that ‘due to jurisdiction,’ the school couldn’t suspend any of the senior girls who participated in the grotesque and violent ritual."

"District 225 board member and spokesman Tom Shaer waggled both index fingers at WTTW host Phil Ponce on May 8 as he stressed that the school discipline policy applied only ‘on school grounds and during school events.’ He went on, ‘We constitutionally and legally cannot suspend a student from academic activity for something that occurs off school property or not at a school event.’"

"Four days later, as unflattering publicity continued and the Northbrook community roiled, district officials suddenly discovered the jurisdiction that had previously eluded them and suspended 32 students while announcing the intention to expel them. One of two grounds listed in the letters of suspension given the students was that they had violated Article 31 of the Illinois School Code, which prohibits fraternities, sororities and secret societies. The other ground was that they had violated the school’s prohibition on hazing and harassment. That prohibition appears in an alphabetical list of rules of conduct that includes bans on excessive displays of affection, Hacky Sack and loitering in the bathroom. In school events, of course."

Zorn concluded, "District 225 officials are making up policy as they go along in a public relations effort that’s nearly as disgraceful, though not as messy, as the event that prompted it. This is not to say that the drunken girls in yellow shirts seen in all those home videos beating and throwing ick on girls in white shirts should not be punished. They should be. First by their parents, and then by the criminal courts. . .Schools do not and should not have anytime-anyplace authority over students. What students do on their own time is the business of their families and of the legal system, not of red-faced educators who can’t even understand their own rules and, when they get desperate, will do such things as try to apply an anti-fraternity law to an annual and non-exclusive ritual."

But JH (class of `63) is glad District 225 took action: "I realize the Glenbrook North powder puff issue is not mentioned in the current Glenview Watch. I hope you will share my sentiments with your readers. I feel so much for those injured. Having attended GB sans the North designation in 1963, I can only submit the following in my astonishment: Thank you Dr. Riggle for your courage and will in such a difficult predicament. Your leadership and good judgment will be remembered for a long time to come by those innocent ones you have championed and the parents who depend on someone giving a damn."

Editor’s note: The Watch has written nothing about this subject because other news outlets have written so much. Our main mission is to cover areas of importance to Glenview that are neglected by local and regional media.

Mark Levy writes about traffic from I-294: "I have to agree with Mr. A about traffic issues at Willow and I-294. Frequently, as I wait to turn east from southbound 294, I see people doing something that is potentially more dangerous than turning right on red: running the red light westbound. I've watched my light turn green while people continue to blow through. Many times, I've seen semi-trailers blow their horns to warn traffic that they plan to keep right on going, red light notwithstanding. We need to have stepped up patrols to catch these (expletives) and stiffer penalties once they are caught."

The Watch replies: We brought this to the attention of Deputy Chief Brad Weigel who promised increased enforcement efforts but asked the public to understand the inherent challenge of catching violators at that site: "We will respond with enforcement in this area, but meaningful responses to these types of violations are not as simple as most observers think. At the present time we have 17 requests all over town for special patrol and/or enforcement between the hours of 4 - 7 p.m. on weekdays. Extra enforcement at Willow and I-294 takes that to 18. That's 18th after equally loud complaints for enforcement at Dewes and Elm, cut through and speeding problems at Lindenwood, Crestwood, Springdale, Knollwood and Dell, multiple violations throughout the E. Lake Avenue project, stop sign and speeding violators throughout The Glen, turning violations in the 1800-block of Waukegan, and on and on and on. All of these requests for enforcement are in the time frame of some of our highest calls for service such as thefts, disturbances, domestic violence and auto accidents. We have a finite pool of available squad cars on the street.

"Additionally, Willow and I-294 is not an easy intersection to set up on and effect traffic stops during rush hour. Traffic stops during this period of time create one less lane for already grid locked traffic to navigate. One ticket issued may teach one violator a lesson while hundreds of others are backed up, delayed and simply aggravated further. In the thick of this traffic, an officer's response time to a serious call for service or back up can be delayed by 15_20 minutes. As far as stiffer penalties, the courts set those in traffic cases. The police do not. As a bit of a side bar, I have personally met with representatives of employers in this area concerning traffic congestion. All of them have attempted or are conducting staggered work hours, car pooling, off site parking, shuttles and all sorts of creative methods to reduce congestion. Additionally, this interchange is in the pipeline for future reconfiguration by the Illinois Department of Transportation. Traffic congestion, frustration and violations are regional problems and demand more than local enforcement attempts to remedy. However, we will deploy units to this area when available."

WM agrees with COWS – that the barn at Wagner Farm should be protected without paint: "The park district should not paint the barn now. Instead, they should use clear stain. If this does not work, they can always paint later."

JAS is astonished that the park district would consider a green barn: "Glenview had to appoint a committee to come up with the brilliant decision to paint Wagner barn green with white stripes? Let me see, I am 60. When was the last time I saw a barn with green stripes? Gosh, I guess I never did. And how could a publicly-funded body like the park district decide that it should not consider public opinion? Then again, when was the last time Glenview considered public opinion on anything? If we're not going to take public opinion and use a clear oil stain, being paid for by someone else, then I would suggest we paint the barn purple, put large yellow dots on it and put it on The Glen where everything else is. As far as the windmill to show the little kiddies how the farmers got water where there is no water, I’m puzzled. If it’s not real, how could it be used to demonstrate anything? Maybe the windmill should be placed at The Glen too. Last, but truly not least, we are going to deny school kids the joy of naming the cows, for which I understand they have already had a contest, because a couple of whiny adults have been calling them Lady and Buddy? Now that is originality at its finest. Did those cows come with birth certificates?"

And JC writes about names for cows: "According to last week’s Watch, Park District Director of Leisure Services Bob Quill claimed Wagner Farm cows were named Lady and Buddy before the COWS contest winner, a Glenview boy, named the two Tux and Patch. We all recall the park district's original program to assign numbers to Wagner Farm cows. This program was so silly and insensitive to so many people including COWS that it actually rated a prestigious Chicago Tribune editorial board commentary both criticizing and lampooning it. Only then, and after the COWS contest, did the park district come to its senses and adopt a name not number policy. Mr. Quill just can't seem to comprehend he is not running a real, working farm but a taxpayer-subsidized, pretend farm. Now the district wants to deprive a local child his rightful contest reward -- naming the cows. Just who are these people running our park district anyway? Perhaps it's time to give these dolts permanent leisure away from the public trough."

DV was surprised to hear Trustee Guinane urging residents to consider parking at The Glen of North Glenview where he said there were 300 empty spaces: "I read with interest Trustee Guinane's suggestion that more Glenview residents make use of the ‘hundreds of parking spaces at the North Glenview station.’ My husband has been on a waiting list for a parking space at the North Glenview Station since last fall, along with at least 150 other people according to the Glenview Village Hall. We were told that we can not purchase a permit for a spot until an additional parking lot at the train station is built. So, I guess Trustee Guinane didn't bother to check this out before making the suggestion."

The Watch replies: There are 200 spaces allotted to the village by Metra at the North Glen for permit parking and 300 spaces for people who pay on a daily basis. While all 200 permit spots are occupied, most of the daily spots are available. Glenview says it has tried to get access to some of them for permit holders, but Metra won’t budge.

Terri Morgan poses a question about gender equality in competitive sports: "I’ve been reading about Annika Sorenstam playing on the PGA tour. There is a lot of controversy surrounding that decision. Some PGA Tour competitors are very angry that this is being allowed, while others feel this is a tour to determine the best player. It reminded me of how difficult it was for me, as a working woman, to find a golf or tennis league that I could play on that also fit my schedule. For the most part, women's leagues are in the day and therefore unavailable to many women. I would think there are also men who would like to play on a league during the day but can't because there are only women's leagues. I wonder why we have men's and women's leagues at all, especially for non-contact sports. Shouldn't I be able to try out for a league and be placed based on my skill rather than my gender? I think it would be great if the park district would eliminate any reference to gender in their sports programs."

The Watch replies: The Park District’s executive director says he’s all for equality in non-contact sports – especially golf where a handicap can make the game competitive even where skill levels vary. Some park district programs like softball and volleyball do involve males and females playing together, but the golf leagues are another matter. We left a message for the man in charge of men’s leagues. We're still waiting for a call back.

Melissa L. Pappamichiel checks in to say she’s happy with dozens of no parking signs that now line her northwest Glenview street: "Back in September Glenview Watch asked if Brett Lane residents were having second thoughts about the draconian solution imposed when they complained about the parking on their street. The answer, in May 2003, is a resounding no. The parking problem on Brett Lane during 2001-2002 wreaked havoc on residents. We couldn't pull out of our driveways because students often blocked them. The school bus and garbage truck couldn't drive down the street. On occasion the post office refused to deliver our mail because the delivery person couldn't access our mailboxes by truck. The students dumped trash on our lawns and stuffed our mailboxes with cigarette butts. They parked in front of the fire hydrants. The parking problem represented a real safety hazard. This problem did not disappear with the renovation of the GBS parking lot. There are still many more students who drive to GBS than there are parking spaces. The overflow continues to clog area streets (although not, thankfully, Brett Lane.) The residents on Winnetka Avenue recently had parking restricted on their street because students again began parking along every inch of curb, blocking driveways and mailboxes, making it virtually impossible for residents to get out of their own homes during the morning rush hour. The number of students parking on Lizette is rapidly growing. Its only a matter of time before the community-spirited residents there will be crying for relief. The parking restrictions on Brett Lane were never motivated by a desire for exclusivity. Had the students refrained from blocking our driveways and dumping trash on our lawns, we would have been happy to share the street. It was the students' persistent lack of common courtesy and respect for residents' property that drove us to ask for a ‘draconian solution.’ So please, put the onus where it belongs -- on ill-mannered students, rather than residents."

We continue to get mail about ESA designation for the Techny Basin, West Fork Preserve and Woodworth Prairie. Responding to our assessment of the environmentally significant areas ordinance, GD writes: "As originally proposed, the ESA was quite strong, but the party now led by Larry Carlson emasculated it. The environmental review commission is a joke! Glenview has become a developer’s dream and a citizen’s nightmare!"

YOUR TURN: Write to glenviewwatch@aol.com or 3537 Maple Leaf Drive, Glenview, IL 60025. If you haven’t already done so, please consider making a contribution to support The Watch. Non-deductible checks should be payable to Glenview Watch. Thanks for your support and for reading. Dean Schott and Sandy Hausman, Co-Editors.

To read past issues of Glenview Watch, Click Here