THE JOURNAL & TOPICS NEWSPAPERS | FRIDAY, APRIL 25, 2008
Neighbors Question 'Army' Expansion
By TODD WESSELL
JOURNAL & TOPICS EDITOR
An apparent lack of communication between a local social service organization and neighbors over plans to demolish two houses and possibly expand a parking lot have resulted in strained relations.
Demolition of the two abandoned single-family homes just east of the Salvation Army's Corps Community Center, 609 W. Dempster St., is expected to be completed this week. A fence was put in place around the homes earlier this week and the Des Plaines Fire Dept. was seen conducting firefighter training there Wednesday.
Several neighbors have expressed concern about the demolition and future use of the property.
According to Capt. Jay Davis, what likely will be developed where the houses now stand is a park playground area and eventually expansion of the organization's parking lot. He said, however, that no final decisions have yet been made. Until that time, it's possible that grass seed will be planted on the property.
Future plans also call for the building of a new gymnasium west of the Salvation Army building, The facility is currently home to a chapel, offices and space for 27 programs ranging from conducting GED high school equivalency testing to a food pantry and for counseling. The Salvation Army has been located at that site for about the last 14 years. Before, the property was home to Brentwood Baptist Church.
Neighbors have expressed strong concern about future use of the property. A lack of communication may be at the root of the problem and a feeling among many residents that expansion is not appropriate for the residential area.
"There's a lot of frustration," said Sharon Duffy who resides next to one of the houses slated for demolition. "I was told by our alderman that we would be informed, but we didn't hear anything. Next thing we know there are fences around the houses and they'll soon be demolished." Duffy said the idea of a new gymnasium and expanded parking lot is not appropriate for the area.
"We have a RecPlex down the road. They can use the money they were planning for the gym to pay to send people to the RecPlex. I appreciate their help, but this is a residential neighborhood. Our neighbors feel the same way." The RecPlex is a recreational facility operated by the Mt. Prospect Park Dist. near Dempster Street and Elmhurst Road.
Ald. Rosemary Argus (8th) said she has been receiving complaints from neighbors and that she has called the city staff to learn the latest information. Despite her best efforts, the city staff has forwarded little information to her, she explained. Also, said Argus, Community Development Director Mike Conlan met Monday with Davis to review the plans but she was not included nor informed of the meeting.
In a memorandum Conlan sent to City Manager Jason Bajor on Tuesday, he told of the meeting with Davis and recommended that a neighborhood meeting be held the week of May 5 at the Salvation Army Center where the matter can be fully and publicly discussed. Officials agreed to conduct the meeting on Tuesday, May 6 at 7 p.m at the Salvation Army building.
"We want to get people together at a meeting and get all of our questions answered and fin out what will happen," said Mrs. Duffy.