By Ted Slowik
Several residents of the High Meadows subdivision in south Naperville are irate that the city plans to extend Book Road south of 111th Street, virtually through their back yards. The city says it's been planning this along.
If that's the case, I say tough cookies. Those High Meadows residents got to enjoy the peace and quiet for 10 years longer than planned. The extension of the road has been planned since before the subdivision was developed, since before the homes were built. In fact, Book Road used to have public access, and you could drive the tree-shaded lane along the west bank of the DuPage River between 111th and 119th streets. Sigh. Those were the days.
Anyway, I understand why residents are upset about the proposal. Heck, I would be, too. But in this case I clearly take the side of the greater good. This project was planned first, and the canoe access that's part of the project will benefit everyone.
Opponents, tell me why I should take your side on this one?
I absolutely think it would be a good idea to extend Book to 119th street. It is a small change as I see it compared to what is going on in our town. The congestion is unbearable around Naperville streets. If this would relieve some of that by even a little, that would be a good thing. Have you tried to make a left turn recently onto 59 to go south from 111th? You could practically camp out and read a book! It takes way too long. I live in a neighborhood near High Meadow and while I can understand some complaints from the residents who enjoy their quiet backyards, this extension just makes good sense. There are plenty of homes that back up to Book and they are still desirable homes.
If Naperville is going to continue to grow as it has with no patch of land left undisturbed, why not make another road? I can see them widening Book Road soon and that is one thing I personally would not like because it would make left turns more difficult for those in my sub to get out of our neighborhood but I can see that it might make sense for all of the traffic that is continuing to build along that road. Naperville is expanding too rapidly in my opinion, without care taken for those who live here. Too many strip plazas that are not filled, too many houses and subdivisions that they just "have to build". When will it stop???
I think it's a terrible idea. The farms, pasture land and beautiful prairies are all but gone from Naperville, leaving behind a generic version of what could be Anytown, USA. The small-town feel - and charm - of Naperville need to be preserved. Sitting in a traffic jam is a small price to pay to keep the Naperville we all have cherised through the years.
If the land east of the Book road extension is park land, then I am all for it. Even Better, when will the Vulcan quarry be able to be turned into a lake?
Even Better, when is 95th street going to be extended east across the river?? When is a pedestrian bridge going to be built at 87th or safe pedestrian access across the river at washington? What's up with the bike path extension from 87th down to Weigand and then somehow over to Knoch Knolls? What about a safe pedestrian crossing for Washington across 75th?
I wouldn't say I was against extending Book down there, but those are just a few projects that I think have more benefit than extending Book. But it appears we need to spend the money to subsidize downtown restaurants by building them another parking garage. Commuters, however can wait 8 years for a decent parking spot......
I say tough noogies residents of High Meadows!
How do you like it, now that the shoe is on the other foot?!?!?!?
When I attended all of the meetings regarding the District 204 white elephant (a/k/a the third high school boundary meetings), I don't remember anyone in High Meadows coming to the defense of the Tall Grass residents who thought that sending their kids 3 miles away to a new school instead of keeping them at Neuqua was wrong, so why should I care what they think now when they want their pristine backyards and property values from being lowered due to a new main road cutting through their area?
What's good for the goose is good for the gander! Maybe if they had aligned themselves with the right thinkers of Tall Grass I could find some support for them now. But, now too bad folks, bureaucratic progress marches on!
Why don't the residents of High Meadow near Book Road just move? Naperville is an overated, densely populated, over priced, high taxed suburb in a state where the traffice is horrible and the weather sucks. Move to Souther Ohio where the people are nicer, the weather is much warmer and the cost of living is incredible! Good bye Naperville...It was fun while we were there but we are much happier in the Buckeye state!
I think that connecting 111th and 119th with Book Rd would be FABULOUS... Riding a bicycle on 111th, 119th, or 127th in that area is a death wish with all the cellphone using, text messaging, emailing, speed junkies around... It's nuts. Does anyone drive and do nothing else at the same time anymore? Even though cyclists DO HAVE THE RIGHT OF WAY just as a pedestrian, and must be passed the same as a motor vehicle, I would prefer to zig-zag through the subdivisions just the same. That extention would connect the subdivisions quite nicely!
Dough Boy.... You are SOOOO right!!! And I would if I could!!
Slow down... Life is short... Ride a bike, or at least talk to the people in the car, not the nearest handheld device.
Well everyone:
Why not just stay a bit more professional and look at the overall picture here. I am a South Poimnt resident and of course I don't like the idea about Book Rd behind my house at all. That doesn't mean we can't be reasonable and consider what is best for all. First of all, this project will effect about 4000 residents in one way or another. Don't forget how some speeders love to cut through High Meadow and South Pointe speeding once they spot some congestion. Therefore enagering our children and residents. Will it really relieve some congestion on RT59?? Come on, be real. That problem will not be solved by extending Book Rd. What about the pieceful Forest Preserve West of the river? Now you have a traffic artery basically killing one of these last retreats. Don't forget, it's a rather small Forest Preserve. If Book Rd is so important why not moving it a bit further away from the subdivision. I mean lets bounce some ideas around to find a compromise. The Forest Preserve will be ruined anyways. Lately looked at the trash many motorists just through out the window?? Illegal Dumpig with a road that close? Right now this is an idyll protected and nurtured by many residents for the benefit of all. Why does everone just think of speeding through town. There will always be traffic so get used to it. Book Road won't change that. What is the benefit vs. the cost factor here??? Very much out of balance if you ask me. It's like with the Illinois Tollway. In order to widen and enhance it they need to close it all the time for construction. So when have you last seen no traffic problems on lets say I294? No matter what they do, there always will be congestion. Its a fact of live. Take a few minutes extra to drive. Chill out, take a walk in nature. What is the rush all the time. Chill out, live is too short. Enjoy it. Also, I suggest keep the discussion professional and not make it so personal. Some of the comments sound rather emotional.
GHS, how can we "slow down and chill?" We are residents of the 3rd largest city in the US with over 8 million people. Life is one big RUSH!
Dear GHS,
On the surface I couldn't agree with you more, but as one who was screwed by the District 204 school board, I'm afraid I have zero sympathy for anyone else.
Just because I live in a subdivision west of Route 59 which happens to be kind of nice (Tall Grass) is was arbitrarily singled out by the communists and socialists who are the members of the District 204 school board and told that my kids would have to ride a bus 3.5 miles north to another school because it was the right thing to do. Baloney Sausage! What about global warming from all the gases emitted by the buses needed to schlep the kids back and forth?
If the dopes who run the Naperville government want a road to run right through your backyard, then I suggest you either fight them directly or vote them out of office.
As for me, I say why not move? That's what we were told, "why not sell your house and move?" How stupid! Anyway, good luck with your fight, but I wouldn't hold my breath!
Dear Dough Boy, Dear Cincychuck:
Wow, I didn't realize how tough these Naperville residents can be. Residents of the 3rd largest City of the US? Naperville? Do you mean Chicago? Or had Naperville just been annexed into Chicaco? Well I guess I get the drift. You are right, life is a big rush most of the time. That is fine by me. But that is why it is even more important to find time to slow down and chill for the benefit of ourselves and of our Children. What are we all chasing? Don't forget what is really important in life. And of course, this is the USA which means you can live your life at any speed you want and it is really none of my business. AS LONG AS YOU DON'T RUN OVER SOMEONE's Child while SPEEDING.
DoughBoy, I understand your frustration. I am in South Pointe and we got screwed as well. I have a school basically around the corner but kids have to be bussed around for miles. What can I do? Although it will be better as more 202 schools open. I agree with you a 100% on that. I am very realistic and I agree with you there. I'll fight it, vote them out and whatever. BUT I won't get so upset that I can't sleep anymore and ruin my own life. I received different info when I bought my house. And guess what. You are right. It is not the worst problem out there. I am just voicing my opinion. That project is stupid for many reasons. Cost money, doesn't relieve any traffic really, (May be for the guy in a rush?) I emphasize with your school problem (even if you have no sympathy for us) . I know it is extremely unfair and frustrating, and I don't think it is right. I know the problems will resolve once the growing pains are over, but that doesn't help you or your children today. Nad. I heard the "why not sell and move". Well I like it here, I am not one of the many transients passing through Naperville, and moving sucks.
One more thing:
Dough Boy: Don't forget I am a South Pointe resident, NOT a High Meadow resident. I am as voted out by them as you had been. Just making sure you don't hold that against me. I had nothing to do with that mess.
Cincychuck: You said "we are the residents of..." Before that you stated you moved to Ohio. So you are not a resident. That makes no sense at all. Why are you still posting? You didn't like it here alright. You moved. So you should be all happy. I don't get that?!
Hey GHS, I still blog as much as I can and like to keep up with what's going on in Naperville. I am VERY happy that I left Naperville. I just like to read all the people complaining about things in the city I used to live in. Thank God I don't anymore! Have a wonderful day!
Benefits vs. Negative Impact Analysis
1.) Expected “Cut Through” Traffic through South Pointe and High Meadow Subdivision
Currently a “Masterplan” developed more than one decade ago is the only basis and justification to proceed with this project.
The City of Naperville has not argued or demonstrated that there is a real need for this project. It seems more that the City is proposing to build a road for which it never has formally demonstrated that it is needed and which local residents don’t want.
At one point it was mentioned by Ms. Louden that as a minor artery the book road extension can provide some traffic relief for Rt. 59. Based on the fact that Rt. 59 is basically littered with shopping and service facilities and the fact that this the reason for increased traffic I cannot see how this project can bring any considerable relief to Rt. 59. After all, the people are going to and from the businesses on Rt. 59.
Out of experience from living in another subdivision I can however envision great danger and problems from “cut through” traffic. For example a driver going north on Rt. 59 spots a minor backup from the Rt. 59 / 111th Street traffic light and decides to cut through South Pointe Subdivision by taking Champion to Spartina to Book Rd. to 111th rather than proceeding to make a right turn from Rt59 onto 111th Street. This is just one example. You can envision a similar situation reversed or in many other variations.
You may argue these may be exceptions. Well if they are exceptions than there would be no major traffic relief on Rt. 59. On the other hand just a few of these exceptions would impact a residential subdivision greatly. First of all, “cut through drivers” tend to speed. After all they are the ones in a hurry. Second, the route will take them by South Pointe Park, therefore endangering playing children. Not to mention the major disturbance such traffic would cause the residents in those subdivisions. The situation in High Meadow is similar. Posting a sign stating “No Through Traffic” would not help. It simply would be ignored. These are just the realities.
Further the City of Naperville has not demonstrated in any way the need for the Book Road extension. No recent traffic studies or traffic engineering studies, traffic flow analysis had been presented to backup the need for the project. Where is this road leading to and whom is it serving. On the east side is a forest preserve. On the west side two subdivisions which don’t want or need it. Didn’t want or need it for many years. So what greater good is served? The City of Plainfield had not made any requests either. On the other hand two subdivisions with almost 4,000 residents will have to endure a severe negative impact on safety and quality of life. For what? Close to 4,000 residents in about 1,000 households is a considerable number.
I am sure taxpayer’s money can be spent better and with much more positive impact elsewhere.
2.) Negative Impact to Forest Preserve
One has to live close by the Riverview Farmstead Forest Preserve to witness the positive dynamics of local residents actively caring for this beautiful piece of nature. Residents of High Meadow and lately South Pointe have made started to care for this Forest Preserve like it is their own back yard. Many of the problems observed in the past, such as vandalism, fire, drugs, alcohol ect., have been curbed substantially. Almost to a point where they can’t be considered a major safety concern anymore. One can feel save taking a walk through the forest preserve and enjoy without fear of “undesired subjects” . Local residents are carefully watching over the forest preserve from their homes and take action if there are suspicious activities.
Even better, often you can observe that local residents go out to collect trash and remove all kind of garbage from trees and brush. These local residents who started to care for this small forest preserve made a great difference. The forest preserve wouldn’t be the same without them. This is to be considered a great benefit for the public (the greater good). Now think again. What would happen when the Book Road extension slices though between the homes of South Pointe and High Meadow?
Very simple. Everyone will put up a fence behind their home to shield themselves from the road. None of these residents will see the forest preserve the same way they see it now. They won’t venture out to keep it safe. They won’t go out to clean up. They won’t watch out (how could they with a fence?) for “undesired subjects” and questionable activities. Why would they? Pick up the trash people throw out of their cars to “cut through” their subdivision? You get the picture. The dynamics would change dramatically therewith severely negatively impacting the forest preserve.
"I think it's a terrible idea. The farms, pasture land and beautiful prairies are all but gone from Naperville, leaving behind a generic version of what could be Anytown, USA. The small-town feel - and charm - of Naperville need to be preserved"
Too late for that. The small town feel is gone!! Someone should have thought of that a long time ago- before greed took over...
GHS, yes we need to relieve cut through traffic!! We need to relieve some of the traffic (High Meadow & South Pointe) speeding up Switchgrass lane to get to 111th. I know the same is going on with too many people speeding on Champion to get to Rt. 59. We need additional exits out of High Meadow and South Pointe. South Pointe was not to be built until the Book Rd. extension was in place. That was waived due to the Book Rd. delays. We need to have alternative ways to reach Rt. 59 southbound and exiting towards Weber Rd. and I-55. It is very normal to have to sit through 2-3 traffic lights on 111th westbound to turn left onto southbound Rt. 59 in rush hour(I think this constitutes a traffic need as much of this traffic can take Book to 119th).
There are over 600 homes in High Meadow with 31 homes backing to the future Book Rd.. There are 300+ homes in South Pointe with 12 backing to Book Rd. That makes over 900 impacted homes and I bet you that the majority of these homeowners wanted Book Rd. built according to the original plan. Further, every one of them knew that Book Rd. was to be extended years ago according to plans dating back to at least 1993.
The city has many traffic studies and development plans that they have, and will continue to share. The small group trying to prevent Book Rd. expansion won't be able to use the "Road to Nowhere" pitch that they plan as Naperville won't build 111th - 117th until Plainfield joins them on the 117th - 119th piece.
Regarding the school piece, I hope you aren't referring to Graham Elementary as the school "around the corner". The South Pointe land used to be City of Plainfield and Plainfield School District 202. Macom (the developer) was successful on a land swap with the cities to make South Pointe part of Naperville but they failed in getting IPSD 204 to change its boundaries. If anyone told you that the South Poine development would be included in IPSD 204 you have grounds for a legal case as that was never true (from my 11 years of knowledge). How were you voted out of anything by High Meadow???