A Wealth Divide In LTHS Zone?

LA GRANGE, IL – A particular divide is often left unmentioned in the debate over Lyons Township High School's Willow Springs property.

The north side of the school's zone, where its two campuses are, is generally wealthier than the south side.

During public comments this week, Willow Springs resident Mario Imbarrato alluded to this distinction.

He argued that high school board members were trying to divide area towns in trying to sell the school's 71 acres in Willow Springs to an industrial developer, even though the village bars such uses for that land.

"If your mother or sister lived next to the property, you wouldn't be doing this," Imbarrato told the board. "If the property in this very location were surrounded by affluent homes in the center of the district, you wouldn't be doing this. You individually know that that's true."

The school board does not respond to public comments.

Burr Ridge, Indian Head Park, Hodgkins, Countryside and Willow Springs have all come out against industrial uses for the land. Except for Burr Ridge, they have lower median household incomes than the three main northern towns in the school's area – La Grange, Western Springs and La Grange Park.

Six of the seven board members live in either La Grange or La Grange Park. Board President Kari Dillon of Indian Head Park is the exception.

Members Julie Swinehart, Jill Grech, Jill Beda Daniels and Alison Kelly are La Grange residents. Dawn Aubert and Michael Thomas live in La Grange Park.

Source: U.S. Census