What Was the Rush?

The League of Women Voters-Lake Forest/Lake Bluff Area is disappointed in the Lake Forest City Council’s recent action at its meeting on Monday, July 20. With little citizen input or questioning, the City Council endorsed a letter from Lake County. The letter requested the City support advancing the $2.6 billion Route 53 Extension Project.

With the impact of the project in mind, one resident wrote in January, and followed up with a suggestion at the February City Council meeting that constituents should have the opportunity to learn more about the project and provide feedback to the City Council. In April at the Fourth Ward meeting, another resident had a question about Rt. 53. The resident requested to be kept informed of any City discussion, so she could provide an expert speaker and materials.

The two concerned residents were not notified in advance, and only learned Sunday afternoon of the Monday evening agenda item. Both spoke at the meeting and asked that the vote be delayed until there was an opportunity for Lake Forest residents to learn about the current proposals and ramifications, but the Council voted.

The League of Women Voters has a longstanding position regarding land use and transportation that “the public must be fully informed from the beginning and throughout the planning process.” Lake Forest residents and City Council members should hear an open discussion of the pros and cons. A democratic process of openness and inclusion might have produced a different decision.

Sincerely,

Liz Bradner, Co-President

League of Women Voters - Lake Forest/Lake Bluff Area