Village of Woodridge approves Pulte Homes over Christmas Trees and Owls

On the evening of 1/27 throngs of Woodridge residents showed up to protest the destruction of one of the last open spaces in the southern Timber’s Ridge section of the village.  This pristine property will be destroyed to cram 149 new single family homes by Pulte Homes. 

Residents made numerous appeals to the 4 members of the Planning Commission that showed up, Donn Zawacki, Chairman, Jeff Gaspar, Kay Page and Cameron Hendricks.  One resident confronted Chairman Zawacki for talking down to the citizens as if the Pulte Homes request was already in the bag. 

Chairman Zawacki made several statements that he is just following the “Master Plan” for the property.  Over and over the citizens heard “Master Plan”, nothing we can do.  One citizen asked what Pulte’s backup plan would be if the commission did not authorize a rezoning from R4 to R3.  Pulte stated that all their plans revolve around R3 approval.  This left a perfect opportunity for the commission to side with the community they serve and keep the "master Plan" zoning R4. 

Three of the four members then voted to allow the R3 rezoning.  Only Kay Page voted neigh resulting in loud applause from the standing room only crowd.  But Mr Gaspar and Hendricks voted Yeah and then, Mr. Zawacki also voted against the “Master Plan” to rezone as R3. 

One of the residents was very upset over losing a beautiful property, she said the Owls hoot her to sleep at night.  Barn Owls are an endangered species in Illinois.  DuPage is a home for Barn Owls.  In August 2004, biologists at the Spring Brook Nature Center in Itasca released 10 young owls bred in captivity into DuPage County area. 

The Village Planner Jason Zawila, stated that no endangered plant or animal species exist on this property.  He alluded that Pulte will try to save some trees and some wildlife may remain, but most plants and trees would be destroyed and wildlife would have to move when they lose their home.

Mayor, Gina Cunningham-Picek said she was a good listener and someone who could bring the Village Board and residents together when she was sworn in on May 5, 2013. 

As one of the residents stated at the public hearing, we elected our Mayor and Planning Commission to come up with good ideas, not rubber stamp big business destroying a beautiful property.  Another resident had good ideas about uniting Woodridge and Darien to create a Timber's Edge preserve much like the very successful Cook County Forest Preserves. 

The three members of the Planning Commission who did not show are Nancy Balogh, Joseph Przepiorka and Linda Mast.  "I believe that Working Together Works, we are elected to serve the people and do excellent works on behalf of our community", said the Mayor in an April 03,2013 Patch article by Michael Sewall (Editor).  Vote on this issue at: http://www.poll-maker.com/poll100512x79344d5c-4.  Let the Mayor and all the other elected officials of Woodridge know how you feel!