D204 to release environmental studies on HS site

Well it appears all you NSFOC freaks who've assumed that D204 was trying to hide something will finally get your answers.

Unfortunately I don't think any answer will satisfy you. That is, unless the answer is IPSD is building Metea on BB and TG can continue going to NVHS.

District 204 taxpayers should be getting answers to some critically important questions that, if not answered sufficiently in exacting detail, could cost taxpayers for years to come:

1) was testing done for ALL possible hazardous chemicals at typical peaker power plants, petroleum tank farms, and dumping sites (if area south of peaker plant was dumping site at any time)?

2) assuming that pollution does not simply fall within the fences of industrial sites, was testing done at ALL spots at both AME and MW Gen.?

3) Who is going to cleanup ALL the potential contamination and when?

4) Are taxpayers taking on liabilities if MW Gen. is not?

5) Who is going to pay for ALL the environmental remediation costs?

6) Is the district simply fencing off contaminated areas before construction?

7) Why did D204 say the Illinois EPA was involved in the cleanup oversight when IEPA has confirmed it was not?

8) Do we trust D204 knows what it is doing having engaged a seller with over 7000 environmental violations, who surely knows the game?

9) Can we trust the IEPA who remained silent while MW Gen. committed over 7000 admitted environmental violations?

10) Do you trust any players in the game - the testing companies, D204 or MW Gen.?

"Bradshaw said once community members hear the details of these reports, they'll have a great sense of comfort moving forward."

"I can tell you I have reviewed the reports and have had the opportunity to discuss the results with out environmental consultants, and there's nothing there that concerns me," he said. "If we can't trust some of the nation's premier environmental consultants and the EPA, who can we trust? These firms haven't built their solid reputation on giving bad advice."

___________________________

Unfortunately, the NSFOC will not end it here, because it isn't about what the environmental experts say or the IEPA says. It's not about safety is it NSFOC? If it is about safety then you will stop everything as of April 8th, right? Wrong!!! They will keep throwing out assumptions and "what-if's" and the sky could fall. You made that clear at your 3/25 meeting in which Mr. Collins siad it doesn't matter what the Phase II studies show. Now that everyone is an underlying agenda and shows you it's not about safety!!! It's really about TG and the NSFOC wanting a new high school for themselves on the BB property. Well, that is not an option any more.

On the flip side, Mr. Collins has built his reputatio on giving bad advice. Walk away Mr. Collins I've heard and have seen the basis of your case. "Long Shot at Best" is certainly right!!!

When will the insanity of the NSFOC end? Anyone? Mr. Andrews? When the Phase II studies are released and remediation plans, will you end your insanity? Doubtful.

At some point you have to look at yourself in the mirror and realize you're doing this for selfish reasons. You're really starting to look like fools and it is having an effect on all of us in the district. Especially if those studies come back with the seal of approval from environmental experts with remediation plans. Walk away!!!

Just to clear it up before I am attacked. I live in the south and my kids will continue to attend NVHS. I just can't get over how the NSFOC is acting. Did the SB make some mistakes yes, but you have gone overboard NSFOC.

Moderator Jim,

Unlike those who attacked you and Tim for not reporting on both sides, I would like to say Thank you for another fair article.

Even though I am opposed to having a school built on this land for many reasons land contamination, broken promises, etc.

It will be interesting to see what they actually tested for. In my opinion 96 borings are not nearly enough since this has been operating for over 30 years.

Also, I still contend that they marketed to have a high school built on BB to get their YES vote and then negated my vote by switching to the Eola site; which I still beleive is contaminated no matter how they spin it.

Just because a Peaker Plant is removed doesn't mean the problems went a way with it. I too called the IEPA and was told the School board never contacted them on this land and was told that the site would need to go into a 6 - 12 month remediation program and depending on the chemicals that contaminate the site it could take much longer. Mark Metzger is measuring EMF's the IEPA will be measuring alot more than that.

I do trust the IEPA but they have not been contacted. Yet, Mark Metzger eludes that they have. Interesting.

Also, the paper said that they had considered another condemnation suit against St. John AME church. Did Mark Metzger not learn from the first time he did this?

Sorry not buying any of it School Board!

The NSFOC's lawsuit was never about contaminated land it has always been about Broken Promises. The SB marketed BB and then went after the Eola property.

The school board would like everyone to be fighting but it is not about the north vs the south. It is about a school board who is ignorant and arrogant and doesn't listen to the people.

The ref would have never passed it they did what they did in 2005.

Kill Metea! We don't need a third high school. We definitely don't need it in the Northern part of the district.

Bradshaw is lying because the IEPA has come out and publicly stated that they haven't been contacted - unless that has changed. So the question of trusting the IEPA does not even come up.

This is a desperate move by a desperate Northern (and Aurora) part of the school district and their stooges on the SB to get a new school.

One way or another this school will be killed - there is no way it should go forward.

Perhaps in the interim the people who will attend Metea, if it is built (until it is shut down), should pay for the construction and liability insurance. Ofcourse - they won't because these freeloaders want others to pay for their school. Losers!

Moderator Jim to "Opposed to Eola": Thganks for the kind words...I'll pass them on to Tim. That's our goal - to be fair and balanced.

The article about the release of the environmental data seemed to be well balanced. Good job Tim. This time it did not read like a NSFOC press release.

Moderator Jim to Anonymous: Thanks...I'll pass your words on to Tim.

Let see, so if we take the Tranubul Nuclear Plant and move it everything will be fine?

Bradshaw said once community members hear the details of these reports, they'll have a great sense of comfort moving forward."

"I can tell you I have reviewed the reports and have had the opportunity to discuss the results with out environmental consultants, and there's nothing there that concerns me," he said.

So Bradshaw had the opportunity to discuss the results "WITH OUT" enviromental consultants. Who did he discuss it with and when did he become an enviromental expert?

The NSFOC Rocks!

Thank god for the NSFOC - now the parents of District 204 have a voice.

Before that the SB ran roughshod over everyone, spending our money willy nilly, trying to build a school on a toxic waste dump/pipelines/railroad....etc etc....Now we have someone who is standing up to these arrogant fools on the SB and trying to hold them accountable!

Parents of district 204 - you should be thankful for everything the NSFOC is doing.

NSFOC - thank you for you excellent work! Keep it up!

To: anonymous3 on April 3, 2008 8:44 AM

"Can we trust the IEPA who remained silent while MW Gen. committed over 7000 admitted environmental violations?"
___________________

Ahhhhhh, yes, and there is the new angle that the NSFOC will be taking. Are you kidding me? You're now going to doubt the IEPA and raise as many lies and assumptions about them as you have about our school board? What's next NSFOC going to sue the IEPA because you haven't got your way? It's clear you'll never be satisfied until you get your way and your school at the BB property or no school at all for anyone. It's really sad you're putting yourself ahead of the children of the IPSD. If you say you're concerned about the children then let's ask the parents who's children will be attending MVHS. I'm sure they will also take the experts findings over the BS of the NSFOC. I seriously doubt they would risk their own childrens health over a new high school. Doubt everyone, so that's your plan?

FYI...the peaker plant was barely run and only in the summer and only at peak times. Hence the name peaker plant. Furthermore, it is hundreds of yards from the school or close to 30 acres from the school. When the school is finally built it will have been gone for 2 years, not to mention when the last time it was actually used.

Show me the data on the Eola site and not taking MidwastGen as a whole and then I'll pay attention. PCB's occur if there was dumping. I don't see a dump there. If you're so concerned ask MidwestGen how often that Peaker Plant was used I doubt very often.

To: Anonymous on April 3, 2008 9:44 AM

"The NSFOC's lawsuit was never about contaminated land it has always been about Broken Promises. The SB marketed BB and then went after the Eola property."
____________________

If that's the case then the NSFOC is sure to lose. If I recall they want after the BB property for 2 years.

Did someone explain the delay in the release of information? Were they busy erasing parts of it?

Here is latest alert from NSFOC:

NSFOC Alert!
Dear 204 Neighbors and Friends,
(including Taxpayers, Renters, Parents, and D204 Staff, Service Workers and Students)

Thank You All for your increasing engagement and donations! Here is the latest updates from www.nsfoc.org . Feel free to forward to your own distribution lists. This is important because the media and D204 are trying to play down this very serious movement to stop the district from squandering your money, time and safety. You should be concerned about that. Ask your friends to at least take 15 minutes and review the website, then decide for themselves. We respect opinions and feedback either way.

We just learned D204 is violating the State "Build Smart" program for building schools which clearly states that a school built next to high pressure gas pipelines can be an "extreme hazard to students in the case of a rupture or explosion"; that high voltage power lines "present several hazards for the school site"; that "railroad lines located adjacent to a potential school site could raise safety, noise and vibration issues...[including] ...the possibility of derailment and/or hazardous material spills." See www.nsfoc.org for the full article.

See the latest information at www.nsfoc.org :
- Full-page ad in 4/1/08 Sun "Why Won't D204 Put Safety First"
- More unanswered questions for D204
- A new flier you are welcome to distribute in your neighborhood
- An appeal to all future Metea attendees and parents
- Revelations that the Illinois EPA is not involved at Eola site
- Over 7000 admitted environmental violations by MW Generation
- No contract with MW Gen protecting taxpayers from liabilities
- Infamous quotes from officials and others shared by taxpayers

See the latest and most recent NEWS articles:
- D204 Set To Violate State's "Build Smart" Program
- Special Meeting Monday 4/7/08 - Phase I and II Testing Review
- Why Won't D204 Put Safety First?
- D204 May Squander Up To $46 M Even Without MW Gen Deal
- D204 Breaks Another Promise: This Time At Eola Site
- Thank You From NSFOC
- Opposition Launches Effort to Convert Gov't Officials and MW Gen
- Accelerating Transportation Costs of Eola Site Not Shared by D204
- NSFOC Concerned About IEPA's Own Policy and D204 Plans
- NSFOC Informational Meeting Expands Interest

This is no time to sit silently while your time, money and safety are being compromised. Please consider a $204 donation to help us make the district keep its promises. It's a lot of expensive effort on your behalf, but many 204 taxpayers are willing to keep this commitment around tight schedules of living, working and volunteering. Don't just believe us - research the facts on your own. Maybe you can help us.

Sincerely,
NSFOC
www.nsfoc.org

Anonymous on April 3, 2008 9:54 AM

So you still can't give the moderator a professional thank you. It shows your maturity.

To Anonymous10 who wrote:

By Anonymous10 on April 3, 2008 12:14 AM

Dear all folks blogging on this thread,

I read most of it and will try to comment on some of the themes and specific comments seen.

Regarding Shawn Collins being late for the meeting - I understand he was scheduled for the time he arrived...maybe he was 10 minutes late.

Regarding NSFOC meetings - most have been open meetings, and from what I've seen they have patiently gone over their positions and answered all questions asked. They appear to have nothing to hide.

Regarding NSFOC data - they seem to be willing to admit mistakes and correct them when they come up. The group is trying to keep up with the information between busy lives (like we all have). However, the more they dig, the worse it gets for D204 officials.

For Example 1 - NSFOC thought the power plant was adjacent to the Eola site, but when pictures were attacked, they dug some more and found that the power plant was actually on-site, and got more pictures like the sign on the fence of the peaker plant that read "Caution: Contains PCB's". Are you blind or something? How can you get more explicit than that? PCBs may not be found by Testing Services Corporation even though it's on the sign (remember this for Monday).

For Example 2 - The transportation costs were thought to be negligible, but as NSFOC dug deeper, the numbers became significant ($14++ million in net present value terms). Obviously, the one person attacking that transportation number has no idea how NPV works. The Net Present Value (NPV) is all the annual differences added up, then discounted back to today's dollars. In other words, the real dollars are much higher - like $30 million or about an incremental $1.5 million more for Eola than BB - then discounted and summed up to $14++ million. You see Eola has to get nailed with all the incremental costs for new bus riders from south to central, and from central to north..as well as the extra time and fuel costs - All because the northern site is much farther from the student population. Even the slowest person can figure that one out.

Regarding the comment about "Naperville" schools for the children - the BB site IS in Aurora - always was. I believe NSFOC is trying to get the SB to go back to BB site right? So what were those people talking about?

Regarding the Metzger comment about being engaged with the Illinois EPA - The IEPA was never contacted and confirmed as such. This is an indisputable lie. I understand that all quotes are backed up by video or written copy. Those quotes are all over the place. To use the IEPA to build public trust is criminal in some people's views.

Regarding the fixation on members of NSFOC - you have seen them everywhere in blogs using their names, in the newspapers, at meetings. And who cares where they are from? They will never give up any donor or member information because they do not have to. The directors (3) will be known, but they are already in the papers (thus no news). I would want them on my side even if they were from Wheaton! They could save the district $100 million in my view.

Regarding safety - very real issue I think - like more kids on buses for longer times, more student drivers/parents in rush hour traffic, high pressure gas lines through the middle of the site, EMF, PCBs, possible 26 other hazardous chemicals, potential train derailment - Am I missing something here? The potential lawsuits from any major accidents or sick kids...these can run $100 million when its all over. Are people having a blind spot or something?

Your school board is well on it's way to destroying your school district. I already have moved to district 203...and waiting for my property values to rise during the mass exodus from 204.

What is so funny is how the "unaffected" 204 people are not watching. Well, they will be watching when the backfill requirements to fill up the declining northern enrollment reaches further into the NVHS nation. That will be fun to watch. And now that there will be a nice new school in the north, the closing of WVHS will also be fun to watch. Then people will be wondering where the NSFOC is then. Well, if supported they will be in 204 with a smaller MVHS or a larger Frontier campus, a great WVHS, and a great NVHS...having saved the district from itself. If they are not supported they may be in 203 by then with a closed WVHS in 204 and many more kids being bused north to MVHS including new boundaries where north of 95th goes all the way to MVHS! ..and a poor district on the edge of insolvency due to lawsuits from perceived sick kids that cannot be defended.

Regarding the timing of the NSFOC organization forming - hell, you try to organize like that. As I understand it, the organization was formed only when the last straw was hit. One strike or two might have been OK, but 3 was the killer. This does not mean that any one was more important than another. The problem is the SB went too far, and now they will pay. I would want NSFOC on my side (these people are on mission, well-funded, and hardened warriors..with right on their side. Right is very hard to stop or silence).

To me it looks like the issues are constitutional (voted for X and got Y), safety, and cost exposure. The current total cost (all in principle/interest/operations) of $350 million should turn a few heads. Are the other "currently unaffected" taxpayers watching this space? Are they blind fools?

So I predict the following: NSFOC wins. BB site cannot be done on basis of referendum cost. New referendum is attempted but the SB/district screw that up too. Referendum is defeated. No new high chool. Revelations finally surface that it was never needed. SB gets thrown out. Super gets fired. Some referendum bond brokers and 2 former school board members go to jail. There is a brief crunch period say 3 years of crowding, then the steady decline begins and everyone lives happily ever after having saved $350 million and set D204 on track to become best in Illinois!!!!!

Forgive the length because I only blog once every few months.

------
Good points on the environmental issues regarding a) future lawsuits, and b) PCBs may not be found even though it's on the sign to the peaker power plant. In the future, if a parent has a sick kid, and there is any evidence of exposure whatssoever to hazardous materials or environment(perceived or otherwise), and D204 have a weak basis for defending itself (example, less than thorough testing and using companies that make their money on finding little contamination for all parties involved), then you get lawsuits and settlements. This can add up over time. There are a lot of examples out there.

Thus, you should expect a relatively clean bill of health from the well-heeled players in the environmental risk game (the testing companies and the polluters). There will be a few things found like diesel - expected since it was in tanks (of course they will only have tested for diesel and a couple safe other chemicals that are easily cleaned up).

There will be a cleanup and MW Gen will pay up to $1 million or so for that cleanup (of course that $ will be added to the purchase price for the MW Gen that has not been shared yet - huumm ..wonder why). Also note there were only 66 boring samples taken. Now there are over 90 ...wonder why (is this to show more thorough coverage - of course it is because they did not cover anything the first time around).

And you can expect the not-well-heeled D204 to pick up ALL future liability and ALL future costs of the cleanup. The D204 taxpayers pick up the tab again.

The other environmental tragedy is the pollution from all the new busing required to backfill students into the north. All this because the north location is far from the student population - a fact acknowledged by the district in its own site approval report for the 2006 referendum. How sad the decision-making we are faced with in D204.

I don't know whether to laugh or cry for my children.

I still don't believe it is safe. I think the school board is just upset that the NSFOC keeps finding things the school board has messed up on and is trying to save face.

A Peaker Plant spews lots of contaminants out of it even when it only operates as those say once in a while. By the way, how do you know it only operated once in awhile? As you say, so me the facts.

How Many contaminates did they test for?

What about the Pipes running through the property?

What about the rest of the powerlines?

Who did they talk to at IEPA?

Yeah, thought so. Go ahead keep believing the school board.

Those who have read my previous posts here know that I am against the lawsuit. The announcement by the board to release the Phase II environmental studies is welcome news. This is the first step to finally begin to put this insanity behind us. The amount of poison this process has injected into the community is incredible. We will all need to eventually heal from it and move on. I just wish the SB had handled their communication in a better manner - something tells me they wish they had too!
For all the misinformation and fear-mongering spread by the NSFOC, I have to say that some good did come out of it - the SB was forced to perform additional testing on the Eola site. I highly doubt they would have gone as far as they appear to have if it were not for the threat of the lawsuit. Once remediation steps are detailed out and the IEPA gets involved, I will feel a lot better. My kids are slated to go to the new HS, so I have a personal desire to see that the site is given a clean bill of health.
Knowing this blog site, I'm sure there will tons of rhetoric from both sides, but I urge everyone to hold off making inflammatory remarks until AFTER when the test results are released. There will be ample opportunity (and several other blog threads started by the fine Sun editors) to post your dislike for the other group!
Peace!

To: Kill Metea, sorry but those of in Aurora are NOT "free loaders". I doubled checked my tax bill and yes I do pay taxes to IPSD 204 and have been for close to 20 years. Just thought you should know that. I probably have paid more than you have and will continue too. Trust me I paid my fair share for just about every school in the District. So please do not call me a free loader or any other resident in Aurora.

Maybe you need to go and talk to a professional about the anger you have over a placement of a building. Trust me their is more to be upset about like maybe a child of yours serving over in Iraq right now.

Looks like the NSFOC is holding the School Board accountable.

Remember, the School Board was first to say the Eola site was not safe. Then they thought it was okay to buy it?

Thanks to the NSFOC, who started asking the hard questions about the site to make sure the site was safe even though they don't think this is the best site for our kids. So now the school board is claiming it is safe.

If it wasn't for the NSFOC the school board would have plowed ahead without doing any testing at all. Now we need to see what they tested and if it is sufficient.

Hmmmmmmmmm..................the way I see it. NSFOC is making the School Board accountable.

Good Job NSFOC!!

To new angle by the NSFOC who said

Ahhhhhh, yes, and there is the new angle that the NSFOC will be
taking. Are you kidding me? You're now going to doubt the IEPA and
raise as many lies and assumptions about them as you have about our
school board? What's next NSFOC going to sue the IEPA because you
haven't got your way? It's clear you'll never be satisfied until you get your way and your school at the BB property or no school at all for anyone. It's really sad you're putting yourself ahead of the children of the IPSD. If you say you're concerned about the children then let's ask the parents who's children will be attending MVHS. I'm sure they will also take the experts findings over the BS of the NSFOC. I seriously doubt they would risk their own childrens health over a new high school. Doubt everyone, so that's your plan? FYI...the peaker plant was barely run and only in the summer and only at peak times. Hence the name peaker plant. Furthermore, it is hundreds of yards from the school or close to 30 acres from the school. When the school is finally built it will have been gone for 2 years, not to mention when the last time it was actually used. Show me the data on the Eola site and not taking MidwastGen as a whole and then I'll pay attention. PCB's occur if there was dumping. I don't see a dump there. If you're so concerned ask MidwestGen how often that Peaker Plant was used I doubt very often.
----------
First, the Illinois EPA is a joke...one of the worst state EPAs in the country, and being in the energy industry I have benefited. They IEPA is very friendly to polluters. That may be fine when industrial sites are involved unless those sites are near homes or near SCHOOLS. Think about it - burn a couple synapses on this. IEPA is not even involved yet - something alone that should raise concerns. However, Metzger lied that the IEPA were involved, but the IEPA confirmed they were not involved. See the link at http://www.nsfoc.org/pdf/NSFOC_IEPA.pdf . They were also not involved with MW Gen as per the Tribune article (see the link at https://www.nsfoc.org/pdf/NSFOC_3-31-08.pdf )

Secondly, while NSFOC may have been started down south, their goals
are aligned with mine - Keep promises and stop Eola site because Eola was not in the promise. In fact, I am exploring with my neighbors a new lawsuit or joining NSFOC for the very reasons stated above. I would be happy to send my kids anywhere but Eola, and I live in STONEBRIDGE - YES DID YOU READ THAT? ...I would like to call you a name right now for being so blind that all NSFOC is coming from tg/we, but will not stoop to your level. Fools are trying to rule the day, to distract people from the truth. You are either easily distracted, a SB/SD Admin member, or a SB supporter (though any of those left at this point should get counseling).

Our district is being taken for a ride by huge egos and arrogance within the district and by a polished power company knowing the game of sliding off risks to motivated, ignorant buyers. The buyer, D204, is actually aligned in this case - a gift to MW Gen. D204 does not want to have anything found because they will not meet their schedule then and may be embarassed into doing the right thing. How sick is that? I am sick too that my neighbors are blinded by wanting a school nearby that has many indisputable risks for their own children. Just read the Illinois "Build Smart" program for yourself. We are on the "Built Stupid" program... http://www.cdb.state.il.us/schools/Chapter3.pdf . NSFOC is on top of that as well, having an article about the "Build Smart" violations about to occur.

Third, if the school never gets built, while not my goal, it would be the best for WVHS. Any new school hurts WVHS. The sooner people realize that in Warrior land the better. D204 has treated us like dirt and worse lately because it helps cast the NSFOC as anti-diversity, entitlement people. Most people do not realize that tg/we are very diverse. In fact, D204 may have slipped into a defacto segregation error at all 3 high schools in trying to social engineer their way out of No Child Left Behind Act failures. The next shoe to drop I hear. So D204 is turning its back on WV, then will close it as soon as the financial situation turns south - sooner than you think. New Boundaries will be drawn again and many new people will be pissed at their SB.

Finally, their IS a dumping site directly adjacent to AME and south of the peaker plant. Look at the NEW PICTURES OF ELOA SITE in the RESOURCES menu in the left hand column. There was a mound likely built up over many years into 2007. Then it was trucked away and so were the dumping roads. See the elevation of a mound in prior photo and then a more recent photo showing lower elevations. Tell me that is not a dumping site.

Thanks NSFOC I haven't had this many laughs reading posts in a long time. Keep it coming.

To Kill Metea on 4/3 at 9:48--

You must be insane. The northern residents are not "freeloaders". They pay the same school taxes as everyone else in 204, including the ones that paid for Neuqua Valley, a school that didn't benefit them in any way.

As a supporter of the NSFOC, let me say that I will be thrilled if it turns out that the site is NOT contaminated. To be clear, the position of the NSFOC hasn't been that the site IS contaminated, it is that there was reasonable RISK that it could be contaminated due to the location of the peaker plant on the site. And therefore, it was appropriate that responsible and thorough testing be completed to ensure that the RISK wasn't in fact an ISSUE.

To those who are already prognosticating that the NSFOC won't be happy with the P2 Report: I guarantee that if it turns out that the P2 Report attracts criticism, it won't be based on the results - it will be based on the methodology of the testing and how the SB chooses to react to the results of the study.

Where were the test borings taken from? At what depth? What are the characteristics of the local aquifer and how did this influence the boring profile? Did they confirm the signature chemical make-up of the specific PCBs on-site and then test specifically for that ("antifreeze" is a very broad category of chemicals after all)? What method of remediation is planned? When will the remediation be completed relative to previous promises made by the SB?

Are these really unreasonable questions? Are these suggestions "going overboard?" Over-reacting?

If the SB was smart, they would have gone to the nsfoc website, taken note of all of the excellent questions posed there, and used them in questioning the environmental firm responsible for the testing.

To those of you who just rolled your eyes at this suggestion, I challenge you to criticize the content of the group, not the group itself. Demanding that our elected SB act responsibly relative to the safety of our children sounds like a pretty good idea to me.

SaveEarth:

So you believe that school board members will go to jail. This is a fairly shocking statement. I think you should elaborate further on how you came to this conclusion. Exactly what illegal activity have they engaged in that will result in their incarceration?? You must know something the rest of us don't. If so, please enlighten us...

To SaveEarth,

Nice post. Just know you're not alone in Stonebridge there are others here too that support the efforts of NSFOC.

I think Kill Metea is a little upset that he can't afford his mortgage with the property tax attached. He feels he is supporting the entire district. Thank you for your generousity Kill Metea but we don't need it. We all pay our own property taxes.

Save Earth, the girl behind the counter at the BP station says she works in the energy industry...do you two work together?

For everyone who is preparing to jump on how the results are obtained for the Phase I & II testing, the company that does the testing does this nationwide. I would have to doubt that they would be willing to do less than 100% objective testing for a single school district. The ramifications of such work would kill their reputation and the well-being of their company. Regardless of the results released, we need to respect the results...regardless of which side of the issue we stand.

Save Earth what do you care what happens in 204 and why would you waste your time posting on this blog. If Napervillians don't want to hear from outsiders as to whether or not we think Naperville is safe in regards to the shooting on 87th then why do we want to hear from you on our issue

I'm perfectly content with what MY SB is doing. They are the ones in the know and have all the facts from all parties involved. Not these bloggers who call themselves experts because they get all their info. from websites. Remember you can't trust everything you read or see on line. They are probably the same folks that buy those silly magazines at the checkout counter too and really believe that Elvis is still alive and playing poker with Jimmy Hoffa.

I applaud those people from Stonebridge who have been brave (and honest)enough to come forward and speak the truth about their concern for the safety of the Eola site!

Sorry but most Stonebridge residents want the school at Eola once it is remediated. The only neighbors I am aware of that oppose it are afraid they might have to leave 2 minutes earlier to make up for additional Eola traffic. I also commend my neighbors for not getting drawn into the North vs South pettiness.

to Anonymous April 3 at 2:46.

Elvis is not playing poker with Jimmy Hoffa. He is playing poker with Amelia Earhart. Goes to show you can't believe everything you read online.

Count me as another Stonebridge resident who doesn't want to pull my children out of WVHS and send them to Metea.

Why would I pull them out of a school with great, experienced teachers and send them to a school built on a potentially polluted site built within the blast radius of a potential pipeline explosion by a railroad and high voltage lines. That's insane!

I can't think of a worse location for the school than the site picked by this School Board. What are they thinking?

I've donated to the NSFOC and am urging several of my neighbors to do the same.

To the "Anonymous" person who seemed to think Stonebridge is in Naperville or outside 204.

You're wrong, we're in Aurora and very much a part of district 204. Our children currently attend WVHS and in the school board's new scheme would attend Metea on that horrific location!

Good lord! What will they do next - pick a site with mudslides, forrest fires, earthquakes. Too bad there isn't a site like that around here or I am sure this school board would have gone for it.

Those in Stonebridge should be just as worried as their kids going to Granger or Brooks. But of course the NSFOC won't do anything about Granger or Brooks. Granger MS is a stones throw from the RR tracks and the BNSF yard. My dear Stonebridge neighbors why aren't you getting the NSFOC all over the location of our MS and ES. Our kids are in just as much danger there as the HS. Possbily even worse. Please NSFOC if you really are worried about all kids please look into the site of Gwendolyn Brook and Granger MS. You will be shocked where they sit and how, according to you, are putting my kids at risk.

Thank you for looking into this for me.

For those who want to use the shooting to give the south a bad rap, then take a look at who was involved in the shootings!!! Four out the five are Aurora residents. Get over yourselves!!!

I'm from Milwaukee, WI and I'm pro NSFOC. So simple to make stuff up here. This is why these blogs are bogus......

I did not realize that the tax payers in District 204 who live outside of Naperville were freeloaders who were not to be allowed to theiropinions and right to free speech. This may come as a suprize to many of you but more than a few of the homeowners who will be paying for the new school, no matter where it is finally located, do not live in Naperville. They do, howver, live in District 204. This is not a Naperville issue - this is a district issue.

Number of paying NFSOC members?
probably about 100-150 but let's give it a little more and say, ummm... 204. So the correct answer is 204.

How much their lawyer get's paid per hour?
with the kind of caliber he has shown so far, he can't be a very well paid lawyer. I know that good attorneys can easily make $900+ per hour but he is more in the league of 200 range. Let's pick a number ... 204. Yes, that's the correct answer.

How many hours of this attorney can nsfoc afford?
no guess work here, just simple math. 204.

How many hours he has already spent on this case?
in the past 4 weeks or so, let's say he spends about 20 hours per week on this case. About 80.

How many hours left?
Simple math. 124.

How long nsfoc will be in business?
at current rate about 6 weeks, unless it gets more money. It's ability to scare it going down by the minute so let's say it will survive for another week or so.

What will happen to nsfoc then?
Mr. attorney will try to settle will SB out of the court for an undisclosed ($204,000) amount.

How many laughs I will get?
No points for answering that. 204 is the right answer.

To SaveEarth

WELL SAID. I agree and thanks. I suspect there are many in Stonebridge who agree as well from a safety standpoint especially.

WVHS will be stronger for it. Those parents would rather stay at WV with good teachers/pricipal that will not be moved to MVHS. WV is located on a safe site. And the academics would not be hurt by diluting high achievers into 2 schools from one. WV is a strong academic HS with loyal alumni and students, and must never be closed!

To Anonymous for posts at 1:45 and 2:46

Who talks about me not living in the district on April 3, 2008 2:46 PM, then about SB members going to jail on April 3, 2008 1:45 PM, and Elvis/Jimmy Hoffa/et al elsewhere, you need to learn how to read. I believe Anonymous10 lived outside the district and made some predictions on jail time. The Elvis/Jimmy Hoffa/et al talk sounds like a used car salesman I once jetisoned because he was trying to confuse me with crazy talk to make me buy a car I did not want for a price I did not want (an old tactic from the 50's). That did not work then (got the guy fired), and won't work here either. Your just so alarmed that Stonebridge people have similar concerns as NSFOC you failed to read well. Panicking? Too bad this is not Anchorage or Louisville where you can say anything and get away with it. Good night!

Since we're all being honest. I'm a TG resident and I'm disguested by how my neighbors are acting. Just so that all of you in the north know not all TG residents support what the NSFOC is doing with their lawsuit. I'm happy for my kids to attend WVHS and I know for a fact that the NSFOC was started so TG kids didn't have to go to WVHS. I've shared much of this information with the SB and the IPSD, so they know what the real underlying motives are. Sure they are painting themselves a different color now, but it sure didn't start that way. Let's be honest...my neighbors are concerned about their taxes and getting a new high school for TG because they felt they were promised it. Soon to be an ex-TG resident!!!

Seems to me that the NSFOC is looking more desperate by the minute. As an outsider I don't have all the facts but it seems to me like they are taking out as many ads as possible and trying to throw as much as they can out there. When I see something like this it usually means they have no court case. I also think they are getting nervous because the test results will be released soon and all they will be able to ask for is more results which will only cost all of the residents of the IPSD more money. How many tests do you want your own school board to do above and beyond what the IEPA requires?

I have to also say that regardless of who the NSFOC's members are it is making Naperville and specifically TG look worse by the minute. I don't care how it makes their own neighborhood look but I care about how it is making our city appear. Seriously, who takes their school board to court because they didn't get their way? Broken promises will never win you a court case. That's like me trying to take our President to court because he said one thing and did another.

I guess the NSFOC supporters just don't get it. Despite the last month or so of whining, screaming, complaining, changing tactics, changing their angle, hiring an attorney etc. The SD is moving ahead anyway with Eola.

At what point do you think you will spare yourselves the embarrassment and your fellow taxpayers potential cost for this no-shot lawsuit.

NSFOC has been screaming for the release of the Phase II studies. Well, at long last they're coming. But do you REALLY think that had ANYTHING to do with NSFOC? You're kidding right? I mean like the SD wouldn't have shared that info anyway?

Don't fool yourselves into thinking NSFOC had one bit to do with timing or the release of the studies. You just aren't THAT important in the scheme of things.

The SD will proceed with ensuring that Metea is just as safe a location as any other school in the district. Many of which, likely have areas of "concern" in close proximity to them.

To Math 204

Ever stop to read the complaint? See the part about legal fees? THATs where Collins is getting paid. That and a high profile case to attach his name to.

Use your well-honed math skills to figure out how much 900$/hr times the hours his team has worked on defending D204 citizens from the quagmire that is MWGEN. Add the BB case losses. Pretty big number, which amazingly still is less than the ego of Metzger and Dash.

D203 Resident on April 3, 2008 5:28 PM

Clearly, you are have not been reading what I have been. NSFOC was asking the School Board to slow down and make sure the site is safe. The question should be asked as to why you wouldn't want to make sure your child would go to a school which is located on a safe site. I support NSFOC for standing up to a school board and telling them to test, test, test. My child will be at that school and I would like to know this site is safe.

Unfotunately, the way this school board has been I may always have a question in the back of my mind.

Must be some major panic at the NSFOC headquarters. They are now resorting to fictious blog posts to make it appear that they have more support then they actually do. Quite Pathetic.

Its Officially out of hand.

The NSFOC is taking a victory lap for tests done prior to the formation of the NSFOC.

Not a single post from anyone in south blasting the residents of Brookdale but a brand new population of Stonebridge speaking out against the SB.

Another NSFOC post stating that just because someone files suit asking the judge to award them something, they will get it. Collins is not going to get a judge to award him money for a lawsuit with no case law to support it.

The writing is on the wall. Time to panic NSFOC. Out of money and out of their collective minds.

Now I have to get back to my poker game before Bigfoot peaks at my cards.

To D203 on 4/3 at 5/28PM--

The SB is not doing any testing as per IEPA requirements. The IEPA is not involved at this point because by law the SB doesn't have to involve them. They plan to fence off the area that is suspected to have the highest levels of contamination, the peaker plant area, and get the IEPA involved in remediating that area later, which they say could take anywhere from 6 mos. to 2 years. In the meantime, they plan to begin construction of the school building on the remaining area without IEPA approval, relying on their own independent test results that will probably show this area as 'good enough', with acceptable levels of contamination.

Also, we have laws prohibiting citizens from suing the President. Good thing, too, or they'd probably spend all their time in courts defending themselves against such statements as "Read my lips, no new taxes."

You're right about one thing; you're an outsider and don't have all the facts. We have enough people within 204 causing dissension; we don't need 203 folks going out of their way to add to it. Butt out.

D203 Resident and TG Resident

I doubt you are either..this is funny. The "other" side minds the blogs, and just says "NSFOC I am laughing...keep it coming", and those "TG/WE people just want this or that".

How about some real insightful information. On the fly efforts like..."they have someone from the north and 203, so hey..lets get someone from the south and 203 ...yeah that will show them".

The constant playback of the same theme is not working. Normal people see right through it.

Enjoy, I am going to read some real information on www.nsfoc.com

To 204 on 4/3 at 6:14 PM--

What IS your problem? Of course the NSFOC has nothing to do with the Phase II studies being released at this time. The SB couldn't hold on to them forever, they had to be shared eventually. I'm sure no one in the NSFOC is gloating about how they "forced" the SB to come forward with the results FOUR WEEKS LATE.

You, on the other hand, seem to be fearful that maybe the NSFOC did have something to do with this. Why else would you take the time to write such a strong statement trying to convince them, and perhaps yourself, that they didn't? You really protest too much.

The NSFOC totally gets it. It's you who doesn't get the NSFOC. So do yourself a favor and stop obsessing about them. Get a hobby. Or get a life. Just get over it.

To NSFOC is desperate on 4/3 at 6:54 PM--

Where?

Moderator Jim,
New blog topic.Surprisingly, NSFOC does not accept PHASE 1 and 2 safety results.Do you think the testing was conclusive enough? Do we need to dig to China? Why settle for 100 samples when we could be taking 100,000 samples? Why stop there? The discussion line is now open....:)

To What? on 4/3 at 9:56 AM--

"I can tell you I have reviewed the reports and have had the opportunity to discuss the results WITH OUT environmental consultants, and there's nothing that concerns me."

I noticed this, too, and I think it's a typo, since the R and T are next to each other on the keyboard. I'm pretty sure it should read "with our environmental consulants". If it was suppose to be "without", it would be spelled as one word, plus this would have Bradshaw contradicting his own statement. Unless it's a Freudian slip . . . ?
__________________________________________

Note to Moderator Jim: Is this a typo? If so, your folks should proof for meaning, not just content. You can see the problem one wrong letter can cause.

Wow. Just think if NSFOC wasn't around to question things - we may have to accept that the SB wouldn't have anyone checking their movements.

Let's look at facts:

- Never voted on (the land)
_ Only is being pursued due to SB members desires
- Enironmental hazard; prove by the fact of what they are testing for and where they are testing. This is amazing: who does the testing satisfy - the same group that is know to mislead and deceive and change their mind against the public's input
- They skew results to their needs. From enrollment to costs and an abundance of "say one thing, then do another:

Their plan is to release results that only satisfy a handful of people, then they discredit the NSFOC group and insult them.

Why would anyone want anything to do with SB members who care more about a school being built compared to carrying out 'what the vote and marketing to get that vote.'

Horrible joke, once again, played on the community.

If the report was satisfied, it would not have taken this long. Secondly, an independent group that tested fully for the 100 chemical and toxic elements would be very, very satisfying.

C'mon. Get a clue. Lie to me once, OK, lie to me twice, I get it. Lie to me a 3rd time and it's my fault.

The problem is the dreams of the school board, it's the residents who support them.

To Stonebridge for NSFOC:

I highly doubt you are from Stonebridge. If you truly are then you would likely be feeling the same way as the majority of Stonebridge residents. We are downright happy to attend either WVHS or MVHS. We know our kids will receive a great education anywhere in 204 and we aren't concerned about exclusivity and entitlement. What a refreshing attitude in this district and I am so glad and proud to live in this fine neighborhood with great people!

Rock on Stonebridge!

Thanks NSFOC for helping bring light to this improtant matter.

It helps to see both sides. The SB needs to make sure these kids have a safe enviroment. I too do not believe this is the best site for kids to go school.

66-96 borings are not enough to ensure safety as far as I am concerned. I hope they tested for everything guess we will see on Monday.

No Panic at NSFCOC HQ. Seems like the veil of "due dilligence" on the part of the SB / Admin is quickly being pulled away....

Riddle me this - how is it possible that a school board, one who has the IASB VP (M2), no less, not be aware of the Illinois "Build Smart" Program? http://www.cdb.state.il.us/schools/Chapter3.pdf

This rush to get Metea opened by 2009 has caused them to turn a blind eye to safety, puts our financial future in jeopardy, and puts our children at increased risk.

To: Dollars and sense on April 3, 2008 11:24 PM

You are right. I don't get the NSFOC. I never will understand them - nor do I care to.

Perhaps I would understand better if the original complaints about the Eola site were about safety. But, it took a roundabout route to get to the "site safety issues". Once NSFOC solidified that as their position, they then set about trying to convince everyone that even a stray piece of trash that blew across the field is now contaiminated with nuclear waste.

I am not at all fearful of the reports, or NSFOC. Quite frankly I really don't care about what you think of my opinions because I don't give any credence to yours.

PS: I have a hobby - pissing you off by stating things you don't agree with.

Curt Bradshaw-"If we can't trust some of the nation's premier environmental consultants and the EPA, who can we trust? These firms haven't built their solid reputation on giving bad advice"

Trust? Trust? We trusted the SB. We trusted you would make the best decisions for our children. Now look at the direction the SB has taken this district. At best, questionable land and a plethora of lies. No,we don't trust. We don't trust anything you say or do. How dare he use TRUST when the SB has done nothing but cause it's district to mistrust every word out of their mouths.

Anyone else see the article on the recall statute today (I do not think the soap operas are on yet,so probably the same 5 Brookdale housewives who post 70% of the blog content reading the blog right now)....

For the other 30%, please write our representatives and state congressmen TODAY. We need to unseat the current school board asap!

Oh boy thank you great and powerful SB for delivering part of the information we need. In typical fashion this team never gives us all of the information but only releases the pieces they've scrubbed and spun. What about the other 600lb gorilla in the room (aka the cost to abandon the BB site)? This is a package deal. Same shallow pocket that you continue to pick and spend from without any regret.

I keep looking at that Eola property and shaking my head. Who would put a school on such a suboptimal site? It might be more understandable if that was the only property avail. Have you seen the aerial shot? The school is carefully situated between many hazard: Gas lines, power lines, old peaker plant and who knows what else.

My kids are not going to that site. IF we were assigned to go there I would move. We have a great opportunity to build a third school we can all be proud of. I for one will be ashamed of how the district and board have spent our referrendum monies if this site is finalized.

I'm anxious to see the test results. I'm more interested in knowing ig they tested for contaminants other than fuel oil, which is easily remediated.

After watching this process unfold since 2005, I will always be highly skeptical of this school board. The relavent issue related to this site is that when it suited the board's purpose, this site was unsafe and unacceptable. Now, it suits the board's purpose to find the site safe, and voila! it's safe and acceptable. Nothing has changed since it was deemed unacceptable, except that the board wants to buy it now.

It may well be safe, but I will always question what really changed.

We need the school. I support it wherever it get built, as long as they stay within their budget and do not come asking for more money.

sam
while I am also a critic of the SB's handling of issues and lack of PR since 2005.
The report was written to steer those to BB. Like a sales pitch.
Nothing has changed since then? Huh? You mean a land price twice of what the SD planned for is not a change?
I also cannot wait to see the Eviron reports to confirm that the site is safe.

204 - Wow. It doesn't matter where you live, or what you are supporting, you are an embarassment to the entire community. Please take a moment to read a few small samplings of your comments over the last few days and then think about what value these comments are adding to the discussion (clue: none). If you are a true believer in all of the senseless hate you are spewing, and aren't embarassed by it, please include your name on your next post. It will be much easier for the SB to come by and thank you for being such a great role model to the 204 students who might be reading this. The SB must feel great knowing that they have people of such high intellect giving them unwaivering support! Speaks volumes! Whether you realize it or not, you have become the biggest argument FOR a group like the NSFOC, as ignorance like that you present is truly frightening.

By 204 on April 4, 2008 10:13 AM
PS: I have a hobby - pissing you off by stating things you don't agree with.
*****************
By 204 on April 3, 2008 8:13 AM
Well it appears all you NSFOC freaks who've assumed that D204 was trying to hide something will finally get your answers.
*****************
By 204 on March 31, 2008 9:15 AM
Yo, brain dead people.
Won't the SCHOOL be built on the FARMLAND portion of the site.
*****************
By 204 on April 1, 2008 8:24 AM
To: IS IT SAFE?? on March 31, 2008 9:05 PM
Mooooooooooooooooooo. Herd mentality.
*****************
By 204 on April 1, 2008 4:19 PM
to: IS IT SAFE?? on April 1, 2008 2:22 PM
Right back at 'cha sweetheart.
Taken from Naperville Sun on 3/30. Right from the Horse's (as_) I mean Mouth.
******************
By 204 on April 2, 2008 10:13 AM
to: Anonymous on April 2, 2008 8:48 AM
Remember another proverb. Opinions are like as_holes. Everybody has one. And, you are one.

HISTORY LESSON IN BUYING HAZARDOUS SITES - (Reprinted here...but now available for better formatted at http://www.nsfoc.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=62&Itemid=77 )

Does this story sound familiar? School officials do a site analysis and rule out a site because of its environmental hazards. Later, that site is actually chosen, and officials retract their earlier statements. Is this MWGEN property to be purchased by IPSD 204? No, it is Belmont in LA, California!

Well, how about the rest of the story...After construction has started, new environmental remediation problems surface and because the construction is already in progress, the remediation IS 10 times as expensive and difficult, if not impossible. The school goes way over budget, and it is also referred to as "The most expensive high school ever" at 238 million! After further failures, the board was replaced, the administration fired, the consultants and lawyers sued, AND THE SCHOOL DEMOLISHED!

Here is an activist site which will fill in the details for you, including a 3 minute video on the disastrous chain of events and all the culprits involved:

http://www.fulldisclosure.net/belmont_learning_center_and_LAUSD.htm

These are some information quoted from and related to the incident:

Quote:
Partially (60%) completed LAUSD Belmont Learning Center campus shown below. Costs to date have been estimated by LAUSD to be $174 million and by the California Joint Legislative Audit Committee to be $238 million. That includes purchasing 37 acres formerly known as the Los Angeles oil field from Japanese developer SHIMIZU for $30 million "as is".

Not all, but some, of the newly constructed Belmont buildings that were built o