'Discord Will Prevail,' LTHS Warned

LA GRANGE, IL – School districts like to maintain good relations with their counterparts.

But that's not happening with the latest controversy at Lyons Township High School.

Over the last few weeks, Pleasantdale District 107 has made it clear it wants no industrial development next to Pleasantdale Elementary School.

The elementary school is next to vacant land owned by Lyons Township High, which wants to sell it to an industrial developer.

In a statement two weeks ago, the Pleasantdale school board said Lyons Township was not collaborating with other public bodies on its plan.

On Monday, Pleasantdale Superintendent Dave Palzet spoke to the Lyons Township board about his concern. He encouraged the high school to work with Pleasantdale and other entities.

Classes are about ready to let out Monday at Pleasantdale Elementary School in Willow Springs. School officials do not want industrial development on neighboring land. (David Giuliani/Patch)

"We have shared warnings that in the absence of a process that includes all stakeholders, rumor, conjecture and discord will prevail," Palzet said. "Unfortunately, it seems the worst-case scenario is now being realized."

He said he wanted to bring a message of "hope and a better path forward." In doing so, he said the Lyons Township board should reflect on local feedback and adjust its plan for its 71-acre property.

"The Lyons Township board has stated that to meet its goals, it has a responsibility to develop this property," Palzet said.

But he said the Pleasantdale board also believes the board has a responsibility to "first, do no harm."

"We want to ensure that our community's health, quality of life and property values are not negatively impacted by the sale and subsequent development of this property," Palzet said.

The board did not respond to Palzet's comments.

Other entities said they were out of the loop on the Lyons Township board's interest in selling until a Nov. 30 public announcement. Patch has left a message with Palzet about when his district heard about it.