Salvation for D204's third HS site?

By Greg Forrest on April 12, 2008 4:51 PM

To Greg Forest AME Trustee regarding your statement: "We've put all of the options on the table so equality and justice can prevail over selfishness and discontent. That is God's will."

HELLOOOOOOOOOO anybody home? equality and justice would be treating your Eola location just the same (READ EQUAL) as was done on the BB location. Market it to THE ENTIRE D204 and allow folks to vote on the benefits (or lack there of) of this site for the entire district.

I can certainly understand your business reasons for rethinking your decision to sell your land. I think its a brilliant move. Nonprofit/tax free and with the proceeds, you can find another piece of land and build a state of the art facility and still have a significant cash reserve. But dont try and push this as some kind of "equalizer" UNLESS the board is prepared to treat Eola site just as they did for BB.

We've put all of the options on the table so equality and justice can prevail over selfishness and discontent.
______________________________________

Now a well respected church even recognizes the NSFOC's selfishness.

THANK YOU ST. JOHN'S AME!!!

I have made the decision to cease using my real name on the blogs in consideration of Greg Forest AME church trustee. Our names are just too dang similiar.

So from here on out (or at least until the AME wrinkle is fully resolved); I will be "Fast Times at Metea High"

Fast Times does not agree with Greg Forest church guys quote of equality and justice and God's will. That is unless the Eola site is treated exacly the same at the BB site for the ENTIRE D204 community. That is true Equality and Justice; Mr. Forest.

Hopefully this is true, and we can move foward with building our 3rd HS.

I'm sure there will be new false issues brought up by the NSFOC and their backers. (We can't move forward, what about all the legal fees..blah blah blah).

Regardless of what happens I applaud AME for putting the district's children's interests ahead of their own. What a novel approach don't you think nsfoc?

It's time for the residents of TG and WE to realize this is the way it's going to be. The sooner they start accepting the fact Waubonsie is a good school, the better their lives will be. Whenever my children have gotten the less desirable teacher, I've always found some way to put a positive spin on their teaching style and what my children might learn from him/her and they've embraced it every time and everything worked out. Good lessons for life. I'm not agreeing with their conviction that Waubonsie is less desirable - I'm only going with their feelings on this note.

I have to commend the Sun Editors here for their choice of words for the headline "Salvation for the Third High School" This is the way it should be. This should be a celebration for our district, the fact that the board found reasonably priced/safe land (within our budget). The tremendous harm the NSFOC has caused the district has to end here. Without a doubt, our children are cramped into the middle schools and high school will be a disaster. We need this third high school. Any argument from the NSFOC will undoubtably loose even the support of Linda Holmes at this juncture as the land Metea Valley is going on now is farm land (yes we've all eaten the dirt on this land and it's clean and safe) surrounded by a large subdivision. Nothing to twist here. They have really burried themselves, anything more from them would mean they start to burry eachother as well.

Can't wait to see how the NSFOC responds to this...likely a huge threat of lawsuit against the church..

So the SB was trying to buy the Eola land for years? All the while selling the district on BB so they could pass the referendum? Bait and switch anyone?

what are the damages from BB going to be? Can we afford them?

And who are the real selfish elitists? It seems to me there is a very vocal minority of people on the north side of the district who want Metea or nothing. And they're willing to say anything they can to get it.

It's very sad what has become of this district.

Here we go again with this bandwagon of clowns running our school district. Quote from Sun article this morning

"District 204's board will meet in closed session Monday to discuss its options now that Midwest Generation has decided not to sell 37 of the 87 acres of Eola Road property where it planned to build Metea Valley High School."

Irregardless of where you fall on the issue of the 3rd school the fact that this "team" continues to meet in isolation to decide for us what is best is totally unacceptable and the primary reason we are so divided in this district.

So much for the optimism that they've learned to involve parents. Its business as usual in SD 204 with ringmaster Metzger and his deputy Daschner.

I want my tax dollars to be used to fight to educate kids, not fight lawsuits. To better educate, it is imperative to ease overcrowding across the district which statistics indicate and I firmly believe will only get worse. Had the Broch-Brodie land been available at an affordable price, that land would have met the criteria. The next event found two parties now willing to work with D204 to make land available at a suitable price, a condition not available earlier. The Midwest Gen property was an operating site and the church was not ready to sell. Even though their kids would not attend the new school at the Eola site, a group fought and continues to mislead people regarding the safety of the Eola sight and unfortunately, Midwest Generation found itself being characterized in an ugly way even though they were trying to find a win-win situation for all. It now may be that the church is willing to sell the entire property we need and be an answer to many prayers in finding a solution to address some of the district's problems. My energy will go towards continuing to assist this positive cause, assist the students, teachers, and programs at Waubonsie Valley and possibility adding the great opportunity to do the same for Metea Valley. One of my students graduated from WVHS in 2007, one to graduate by 2010, and waiting to see where she will attend. Metea or Waubonsie are great opportunities either way. There was and is not a guarantee about where the high school was to be built or what the boundary lines were to be, it was and is about improving our ability to educate our children.

By SouthSide Resident on April 13, 2008 1:17 PM
Can't wait to see how the NSFOC responds to this...likely a huge threat of lawsuit against the church..

>>>
might be a threat of a lawsuit, but it might also be intimidation, slander, a fullpage ad blasting the church in the same fashion they blasted Midwest Gen. The NSFOC will show their true "colors" attacking the AME (does the NSFOC know what the "A" stands for?).

We are the NSFOC...we don't want our kids to go to school with their kids and we don't want the school district to buy land from them either.

The district needs to provide updated stats. I was recently told that the center of the student population was at 87th and Montgomery back in 2005 when the first referrendum was requested. I've been told that the growth in the population since then continues south and now the center is somewhere around 95th and 248 in the center of the senior development.

If this is true then the message from God may actually be to stop and relook at the location due to the population since that was what we were told byt the SB the rationale was for the 3rd school. I don't recall it being to spread the schools out so it looks pretty on a map or to have a school north of Waubonsie so it can be closed in 10 yrs. If thats the motive then we should have been told.

Emotions aside we need to SELECT A LOCATION WHERE THE POPULATION OF KIDS IS GROWING THAT IS CREATING THE DEMAND not where the board members or superintendant live. I totally understand why folks are moving out of this district. We've been exposed to lies and politics. Time for facts and leaders who we trust. My child will likely be a freshman or sophmore in whatever schools are here in 10/11 so I am very concerned and very disappointed at how this board and district continue to act.

Northern district folks did not support the referrendum (DuPage county voted NO in 05 and 06). The reason it passed was due to the South so cut off all the rhetoric about your support for the district. You only support them if you perceive a benefit for you.

Willie Horton a cowboy who robbed banks was once asked why he robbed banks. He said "thats where the money is". The board should build this school "where the kids are" and will be in the future".

IF there was a lawsuit in the future on the AME site Midwest Gen is not off the hook just because the SD bought the land from the church and not MWG. Lawsuits for environmental issues go back to the original user who polluted the site and so just because the Methodists own it now Midwest Gen is still on the hook if there are issues. That site appears to be a poor one with the gas lines alone but we'll have to see what the phase 1 and 2 studies reveal. IEPA will want to know as well. If I were Midwest Gen my next letter would be to the Methodists to let them know...

Its no suprise AME offers to sell the district the whole plot. They see a sucker and know if they don't they stand to loose a boatload of cash.

Its clear why that land was sold for $39K an acre to them. Thats all its worth with the hazards and contamination. They have an opportunity to profit and walk away from it. I wonder if they even knew about the hazards on the site until now and were probably praying for a way to exit out themselves.

They see the desperate superintendant and incompetent SB president treading water and do the right thing. Sell it and move on.

Unfortunately our crack team will see it as a divine gift and the AME leaders will laugh all the way to the bank. What a joke.

This land is the same land the Concord Vally homes are built on - so no problems there. It is a separate piece of land than what Midwest Gen operated on . And we have the most important historical data there is - families living day in and day out on safe farm land converted to residential land. There will be no need for phase 2 testing on this parcel as it is the same use as the BB land and there was no need for phase 2 testing there for the same reason. The only thing the NSFOC needs to worry about now are the injunctions that will be filed against them for their illegal activities over the past months - including, but not limited to: printing false information, encouraging illegal Racketeering by government officials, harassing, the list goes on. It's time to back off and it should start with your encouraging this to stop - Todd Andrews.

I believe the school board all along had this plan to build at Eola. They misled the voters. Here we are again with another lawsuit and a school board who ignores every taxpayer.

Now we have AME who bought land from MidwestGen. When is this school board going to give up this insanity and refocuse on what they sold to the voters. Go back and look at everything and deal with the BB openly and fairly.

Brach-Brodie = 3rd High School

Eola/AME = Trouble

"Northern district folks did not support the referrendum (DuPage county voted NO in 05 and 06). The reason it passed was due to the South so cut off all the rhetoric about your support for the district. You only support them if you perceive a benefit for you."
as posted by School Should Be Located Where the Growth is....

I'm not sure where you got your info.
Public records in regards to some of the larger subdivisions show that White Eagle voted 70% yes in 2006. One of the next highest was Stonebridge (from the "North") with 61% yes. St.Br. voted yes for a new district school even though at the time it did not appear like they would be attending it. They would most likely be staying at WV(and proud to do so:)! TG came in somewhere in the mid 50th some percentile even with the hopes of attending the new Metea. These are just some of the larger "yes" areas....you can check it out for yourself.

Let's no longer waste our time with the land at Eola.
No offense St. John's - we understand your desire to sell the land.
No offense SB members - we understand your desire to build a 3rd there; and because the cost was higher then expected.

BUT, now we have a new reality....

Cost will be a bit higher no matter where you go.

At this point, going to BB can save $$$$$
1) you stop the BB lawsuit - stop paying to defend it
2) you stop paying to defend the NSFOC
3) you stop the penalty from not buying BB

It just all stops. There is no more divide? Brookdale is not upset, because the land at Eola became problematic and has too many dangers to it. No matter who is selling it.

We can end this entire mess with one swoop decision that goes back to the original plan.

If cost is an issue - then look to other lands to buy. But, that will cost more money and you'll still be paying BB costs and other costs.

At some point, the decision is made for us.

The easiest healing and resolve could start this week; or further divide that tears up a community. This week the SB will decide.

A lot of chatter on other blogs that there is no Greg Forrest (and that the Herald has been duped). Can you confirm??

Let's no longer waste our time with the land at Eola.
No offense St. John's - we understand your desire to sell the land.
No offense SB members - we understand your desire to build a 3rd there; and because the cost was higher then expected.

BUT, now we have a new reality....

Cost will be a bit higher no matter where you go.

At this point, going to BB can save $$$$$
1) you stop the BB lawsuit - stop paying to defend it
2) you stop paying to defend the NSFOC
3) you stop the penalty from not buying BB

It just all stops. There is no more divide? Brookdale is not upset, because the land at Eola became problematic and has too many dangers to it. No matter who is selling it.

We can end this entire mess with one swoop decision that goes back to the original plan.

If cost is an issue - then look to other lands to buy. But, that will cost more money and you'll still be paying BB costs and other costs.

At some point, the decision is made for us.

The easiest healing and resolve could start this week; or further divide that tears up a community. This week the SB will decide.

Moderator Jim to To Moderator Jim: I think the confusion is that there is a poster here on this and other D204 threads by the name of Greg Forrest. Just a coincidence is that the Church guy I beleive is Greg Forest - with one r. The poster, Greg Forrest, with 2 rrs, changed his name to "Fast times at Metea High" to avoid the confusion. That may be what you're talking about. However, if you mean by other blogs, ones that are non-Naperville Sun blogs, and that there are people out there saying the Herald was duped I'd be interested in learning the names of those other blogs. Let me know...thanks.

I think AME knows that they can not sell their land to anyone for a good price (like SB offer price) once SB walk away from their land. Since we have too many issues with Eola site as reported by nsfoc
(underground gaspipe lines etc) and 3 pending lawsuits, SB should walk away from Eola site. Before doing that SB should use AME land offer as wildcard and negotiate with BB land owners for better price.

AME just thinks about money and their land value. If they were concerned about abour kids and God will, they should have offered their land when SB contacted them in 2004-05. Not now.

Mark M...so we should stop wanting the eola site so we don't have to face the expense of a lawsuit from NSFOC. If a small group of elitest (only nine are confirmed) from teh south part of the district think the tax payers are going to have to pay for this suit you are out of your mind. The attorneys for the district will ask for legal fee reimbursement when the case is tossed.

Daily Herald duped does make sense. Check the AME website, no such mention of a person. Secondly, you would think that a quote to the publication would be confirmed by an official that is listed on their website (they have many trustees and ministry officials).

In which case, who duped them? Must be those supporters who want Eola to happen.

And Mark Metzger did say "it's the first he heard." Thus, no official offer to sit down.

Maybe it's just a ploy to pull in negative sentiment some more. Many people love creating more of a divide by continued disucssion of the land.

Moderator Jim...

I do not think that the confusion is at all related to the fact that there is another Greg Forest posting on the Sun (but this may be why the name was chosen if this is a prank).

Can not state for certainty that these blog posting are accurate...but was hoping that you may have heard something one way or the other.

Moderator Jim to Anonymous: No, I don't think so. Greg was posting on these threads well before the news of the church offer. I don't see any prank there. I think people are getting a little paranoid. Wouldn't you agree?

By Eola and IPSD Supporter on April 13, 2008 12:27 PM
We've put all of the options on the table so equality and justice can prevail over selfishness and discontent.
______________________________________

Now a well respected church even recognizes the NSFOC's selfishness.

THANK YOU ST. JOHN'S AME!!!
.................................
I am betting they would be a lot more respected if they follow gods plan and donate the land to the school. It only cost their followers 2.9 mil and after all it is for the children. Why should they overcharge the D204 Taxpayers so the children can be having a safe site that was owned by Midwest Gen? How many other locations with these types of issues has Midwest Gen sold to SD’s around the country? I bet none, so why would we buy it just because AME played the fool and bought it from them first and are now saving the children by making a 600% profit on 83 acres. Nice!

By You can have shame if you don't have a conscience... on April 13, 2008 1:04 PM
Regardless of what happens I applaud AME for putting the district's children's interests ahead of their own. What a novel approach don't you think nsfoc?
...................................
Do you really think they wanted to walk away from millions of dollars in windfall profits during a down economy or did they just have our children's interests at heart? Say what you want.

By Love the one your with on April 13, 2008 1:07 PM
It's time for the residents of TG and WE to realize this is the way it's going to be. The sooner they start accepting the fact Waubonsie is a good school, the better their lives will be. Whenever my children have gotten the less desirable teacher, I've always found some way to put a positive spin on their teaching style and what my children might learn from him/her and they've embraced it every time and everything worked out. Good lessons for life. I'm not agreeing with their conviction that Waubonsie is less desirable - I'm only going with their feelings on this note.
.................................
Good positive message. Thank you.

http://www.stjohnamec.org/trustee_board.html

No listing of Greg Forest or any name like that on the AME site. Again, maybe it's just a member who is starting trouble. You would think that a listed official would confirm their intention?

By We can eat the dirt on this land - and we do! on April 13, 2008 1:17 PM
I have to commend the Sun Editors here for their choice of words for the headline "Salvation for the Third High School" This is the way it should be. This should be a celebration for our district, the fact that the board found reasonably priced/safe land (within our budget). The tremendous harm the NSFOC has caused the district has to end here. Without a doubt, our children are cramped into the middle schools and high school will be a disaster. We need this third high school. Any argument from the NSFOC will undoubtably loose even the support of Linda Holmes at this juncture as the land Metea Valley is going on now is farm land (yes we've all eaten the dirt on this land and it's clean and safe) surrounded by a large subdivision. Nothing to twist here. They have really burried themselves, anything more from them would mean they start to burry eachother as well.
.......................................
Why would this change the NSFOC's lawsuit or message? The SB still has not corrected the situation. Buy the land and write the district a blank check, because if you do and any of the lawsuits against D204 win then you are to blame for not even having a budget. The part of the budget for legal expenses is already out of whack and getting worse by the minute. Oh, but that's right, it's ok for the SB to spend millions on attorneys but no one else. Great message.

By Business as usual in 204 on April 13, 2008 1:44 PM
Here we go again with this bandwagon of clowns running our school district. Quote from Sun article this morning

"District 204's board will meet in closed session Monday to discuss its options now that Midwest Generation has decided not to sell 37 of the 87 acres of Eola Road property where it planned to build Metea Valley High School."

Irregardless of where you fall on the issue of the 3rd school the fact that this "team" continues to meet in isolation to decide for us what is best is totally unacceptable and the primary reason we are so divided in this district.

So much for the optimism that they've learned to involve parents. Its business as usual in SD 204 with ringmaster Metzger and his deputy Daschner.
..............................
Right on!

By Mark Thomas McCoy on April 13, 2008 1:53 PM
I want my tax dollars to be used to fight to educate kids, not fight lawsuits. To better educate, it is imperative to ease overcrowding across the district which statistics indicate and I firmly believe will only get worse. Had the Broch-Brodie land been available at an affordable price, that land would have met the criteria. The next event found two parties now willing to work with D204 to make land available at a suitable price, a condition not available earlier. The Midwest Gen property was an operating site and the church was not ready to sell. Even though their kids would not attend the new school at the Eola site, a group fought and continues to mislead people regarding the safety of the Eola sight and unfortunately, Midwest Generation found itself being characterized in an ugly way even though they were trying to find a win-win situation for all. It now may be that the church is willing to sell the entire property we need and be an answer to many prayers in finding a solution to address some of the district's problems. My energy will go towards continuing to assist this positive cause, assist the students, teachers, and programs at Waubonsie Valley and possibility adding the great opportunity to do the same for Metea Valley. One of my students graduated from WVHS in 2007, one to graduate by 2010, and waiting to see where she will attend. Metea or Waubonsie are great opportunities either way. There was and is not a guarantee about where the high school was to be built or what the boundary lines were to be, it was and is about improving our ability to educate our children.
...........................................
Where are your statistics to back up the overcrowding? Talk to the SB about spending on Attorneys to sue BB which caused this whole mess to begin with. What was the agreed price before they took BB to court? I bet it was lower! Keep backing the wrong horse and you will go broke. Put your money where your mouth is and help solve the problem. The problem was not started by the NSFOC and is not going to be solved by them either. Tell the SB to do the right thing for a change and follow through on the laundry list of broken promises, contracts, and referendums.

To We can eat the dirt on this land - and we do! on April 13, 2008 1:17 PM--

In regards to your statement, "yes we've all eaten the dirt on this land and it's clean and safe":

Speak for yourself. I don't eat dirt. And if you're referring to the fact that this land has been producing consumable corn and soy beans for years, then you're not aware that the majority of soy beans and corn grown in this area is used for livestock feed, or ethanol. So unless you're a cow, I don't think you've eaten it, either. But be my guest . . .

In addition to a potential 600% profit on the land in four years, AME also faced the loss of parking lot rental revenue if the HS is not built on the Eola site. Even before a shovel has been placed in the ground, the AME/MWG site design was known to provide insufficient parking. The SD planned to rent parking space from AME. No high school there, no parking rent.

"God's will" has certainly provided a clear vision for the leadership of AME (who lists on their website that they have a Trustee Board to oversee their real estate holdings) with incentive to sell their land. Desperate buyer looking to overpay, loss of parking lot rental revenue, ridding themselves of questionable land at a sizeable profit...how could they resist?

The below stats are from the IPSD website. I am so tired of people posting that we are not over crowded, and that enrollment is declining. Look at the facts, the declining is by a VERY small number. The ninth grade class at NVHS has close to 1,200 this year leaving the remainder at WVHS. The halls are crowded, and if you look at the current first grade class they are bigger than the current ninth grade class. Now for those of you to point out that I have not included the current kindergarteners numbers is because they do not include the children who the district gets in first grade from private daycares. Having classes of over 1,000 per school is not the best way to educate our children.
Who can really look at those numbers and deny that our children don't deserve a third high school!!!!

1 2203
2 2352
3 2258
4 2321
5 2225
6 2307
7 2362
8 2353
9 2144
10 2080
11 2050
12 1855

Regardless of your opinions please do not attack the church for simply being willing to discuss alternatives with our district in need of land.They don't deserve to be attacked on any level.

As we all know there are high emotions with this issue and it might be best for everyone to take a step back and give thanks for what we do have, instead of what we don't.I personally think this Blog brings out a lot of ugly in people that normally would never act this way. How about the next few blogs on totally different topics for a few days? A "Break from blogs" if you will...See you in a week or so!

Looks like Greg whatshisname is a Trustee of AMES church (Naperville Sun, point for you in that the Herald got his name wrong).

Also somewhat interesting (which did not make the paper) that Mr. Whatshisname resides in...................Stonebridge!

Yes...the same neighborhood that voted NO to the third high school (not as overwhelmingly as Brookdale, but No just the same). But now...it is God's will that the children of 204 have a new school asap right in Greg Whatshis name, Dr. D, Chad and the chick calling everyone who does not want a school at EOLA a racist's neighborhoods.

As an aside, is it the position of the Hill PTA that everyone who supports NSFOC is a racist since the chick calling everyone who disagrees with her a racist is the PTA President...(not making this up).

And it starts. The elitists of the NSFOC, Inc. are now slamming the church. Take a long look at the goal of NSFOC, Inc. Suing to protect their property values. Suing to keep their children out of Wabonsie.

One of your supporters (again, you have no legally designated members)is posting that the spokesperson for the church is not listed on their website as being a trustee. I am still waiting for the owners of NSFOC, Inc. to be listed on their website.

So let me get this straight.

Its okay to bully the school board, Midwest Gen, anybody from Brookdale or any other subdivision that opposes you, and the church.

$31 million is okay for BB but my god its outrageous for the church to sell the Eola land for $14 million less.

Its okay to pay $750k plus for a house in Tall Grass when it only cost the builder $250k to build it.

all i can say is NO matter where you build..just send all those whiny parents from NSFOC to WVHS. Let them have their way and build on Branch Brodie, they will drop their lawsuit and then set up the boundaries to send their kids to WVHS. It is a fine school and they need a reality check!

NSFOC and whoever else was involved did a good thing for the district. To buy land that needs to be remediate is not good enough to place kids and a school. Just remember fence that baby off.

The MGWEN portion of the deal was going for around 100/acre. Now if we buy more from the AME site it will cost 300/acre. 24mil.

BB at this point will in the end will cost us less. ALL the lawsuits will go away and please don't tell me that Brach and Brodie will not win even a small settlement. (I think they are going to serve our heads on a platter!!), transportation costs according to Bruce Glawe decrease 9% with BB, and when the enrollment numbers decrease it will be easier to keep the BB site full. Mark my words they will have to pull more out of WV and NV to keep the Eola site going, which means more busses. Now why would the SB take BB site off the table? To do so is being fiscally irresponsible.

MWGEN is and will always be an unsafe site to place a school. Why do you think the build smart guidelines were written???

The north voted no to the HS two times, now they call those in the south opposing the site, NOT THE 3rd HS, names. Just read the Sunday's Sun. Chad Martinson and the PTA president of Hill Jennifer Streder are back at their nasty name calling.

To all who claim that they voted for the BB property,

I personally voted for a third high school. I never saw mention of BB or any other property on the ballot. Perhaps the entitled 9 should sue the schools they attended since they clearly couldn't read the ballot. Maybe we need to go back to testing ability to read in order to be allowed to register to vote.

My understanding is that the 3rd high school is to ease overcrowding. This year there are 4500 students at NVHS. Next year there will be 4800 kids at NVHS. Since the Freshman center was built to hold 1200 and the main campus for 3000, maybe I need help with math. Under the math I learned 3000 plus 1200 equals 4200, yet there will be 4800 bodies in the place built for 4200--seems to me the overcrowding is here and we haven't even hit the bubble.

What are the facts?
1) If the school is built on Eola property will the SD lose out on state funding? If so, how much?
2) Has the SD provided busing costs for both properties? If so what do the number show?
3) The reality is the SD will incur legal fees from BB? What are the ranges?
4) Has the SD gotten "real world" market pricing for "new" Eola site? I'm all for somebody making a profit, especially a church but lets not overpay. If the market bears $50K why would we pay substancially more.. Lets be smart on how and where OUR money is spent.
It's so dissapointing to see the SB act in such haste to make a decision. Look what some extra time and patience did for the district... It saved us from buying tainted property...
While this whole ordeal is emotional for all. Let focus on the facts and the math. After sitting thru several board meetings is suspect they will do what they want without regard to either common sense or use business acumen

By Greg what'shisname on April 13, 2008 7:00 PM
Looks like Greg whatshisname is a Trustee of AMES church (Naperville Sun, point for you in that the Herald got his name wrong).

Also somewhat interesting (which did not make the paper) that Mr. Whatshisname resides in...................Stonebridge!

Yes...the same neighborhood that voted NO to the third high school (not as overwhelmingly as Brookdale, but No just the same). But now...it is God's will that the children of 204 have a new school asap right in Greg Whatshis name, Dr. D, Chad and the chick calling everyone who does not want a school at EOLA a racist's neighborhoods.

As an aside, is it the position of the Hill PTA that everyone who supports NSFOC is a racist since the chick calling everyone who disagrees with her a racist is the PTA President...(not making this up).
-----------------------------------------------------

are you kidding me? Did the hearld actually confuse Howard for Forest? I think I am going to call AME and see if they have any members/trustees named Greg Forest OR Greg Forrest.

WHile I like fast times at Ridgmont (I mean Metea) High, I would like my name back.

If true Maybe Hearld will print a correction? If not I guess the 89th lawsuit will hit due to slander/libel. JUST KIDDING Moderator Jim!! :)

Seriously, I would really like to know if Hearld got the name of Church guy wrong.

To Mark M: THANKS for posting the AME trustee list. I see Greg Howard BUT NO Greg Forrest or Greg Forest.

THanks
Fast times/ aka original Greg Forrest.

To Anonymous on April 13, 2008 4:02 PM--

"...so we should stop wanting the eola site so we don't have to face the expense of a lawsuit from NSFOC."

No, we should hold off on buying the Eola site until we know the expense of the lawsuits from BB. The Brodie Trust has filed a lawsuit for $40.2 million in damages; if they were awarded as little as 25% of that amount, that would be twice what the SB has budgeted. And Brach is still calculating its damages, their lawsuit is coming.

The NSFOC is not suing for money. That is a rumor spread by the virtuous, we-want-what's-best-for-the-district-especially-when-it-benefits-us-most anti-NSFOC folks. The total cost of the damages from the BB court case combined with the price of the Eola land could be millions more than the BB land alone.

The SB, however, does not think it prudent to wait a month or two to know the real cost of abandoning BB before buying another property. And, really, why should they care? It's not their money they're throwing away, it's YOURS.

By Anonymous on April 13, 2008 7:01 PM
And it starts. The elitists of the NSFOC, Inc. are now slamming the church. Take a long look at the goal of NSFOC, Inc. Suing to protect their property values. Suing to keep their children out of Wabonsie.

One of your supporters (again, you have no legally designated members)is posting that the spokesperson for the church is not listed on their website as being a trustee. I am still waiting for the owners of NSFOC, Inc. to be listed on their website.

So let me get this straight.

Its okay to bully the school board, Midwest Gen, anybody from Brookdale or any other subdivision that opposes you, and the church.

$31 million is okay for BB but my god its outrageous for the church to sell the Eola land for $14 million less.

Its okay to pay $750k plus for a house in Tall Grass when it only cost the builder $250k to build it.
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Yes that's ok. I think if they are in the game then they should stand up and take it. The pot shots that Midwest Gen, the Teacher, the PTA president, the SB, Brookdale, Stonebridge, anyone else who wants to slam WE, TG, NSFOC, BB, should face the same heat. If you can't take the heat get out of the kitchen. I have been on the blogs preaching this for a few days. Are you just surprised to get it coming back to you. Most wouldn't bother responding and I assure you that the SB, NSFOC, the Judges, the lawyers, and any other serious mind is not on or even worried about what we are saying on this blog. I just like to make fun of idiots for fun. It's ok with me that I overpaid for my house because I know that everybody is in this area because we attend NVHS the best darn school in the area. Why, because we support it and we are not just rolling over to the SB this time. By the way, how do you set the cost differential between the number one property in Naperville and the bottom of the heap regardless of location? I will repeat that the SB got us in this mess and they should get us out. If they couldn't afford to play the game with BB then they shouldn't have made promises they couldn't afford to keep. But it looks like they too have God on their side so that makes it ok right. Let's keep spending millions before anyone even has a chance to eat dirt (for those of you who would actually eat dirt on the Northside). Thanks to Bradshaw for that inflammatory comment (His great personal skills at work again). What an idiot. Almost as bad as Metzger and Dr. Dillweed. What is this, a race to see who can win dimwit of the year? And now the northern community wants to jump in. Just great. "The land is safe" is like saying pigs can fly. I know people say it but some of us have a little more common sense. Hello.

By Anonymous on April 13, 2008 7:03 PM
all i can say is NO matter where you build..just send all those whiny parents from NSFOC to WVHS. Let them have their way and build on Branch Brodie, they will drop their lawsuit and then set up the boundaries to send their kids to WVHS. It is a fine school and they need a reality check!
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You really are a vindictive SOB. In your own sweet way you just slammed WV. For the life of me I can't understand why. It is a great school that I would be proud to send my kids to. I just moved from your side to TG a few years back and just don't want the drive out of my way. If that's where we end up after the lawsuits settle then so be it. But don't use that as a threat or put down the great staff and students of WV. You need a reality check. How can that be punishment? Also, do you really think someone in high places is going to listen to your comments and act that dumb. Not.

By Anonymous on April 13, 2008 7:21 PM
To all who claim that they voted for the BB property,

I personally voted for a third high school. I never saw mention of BB or any other property on the ballot. Perhaps the entitled 9 should sue the schools they attended since they clearly couldn't read the ballot. Maybe we need to go back to testing ability to read in order to be allowed to register to vote.

My understanding is that the 3rd high school is to ease overcrowding. This year there are 4500 students at NVHS. Next year there will be 4800 kids at NVHS. Since the Freshman center was built to hold 1200 and the main campus for 3000, maybe I need help with math. Under the math I learned 3000 plus 1200 equals 4200, yet there will be 4800 bodies in the place built for 4200--seems to me the overcrowding is here and we haven't even hit the bubble.
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If you read the lawsuit and you are so bright, tell everyone why the lawsuit was filed. Therein lies your answer. Idiot.

Earth to SB...the people in the north are not saying pigs can fly. The people in the north (and elsewhere in the district who want a 3rd high school) are saying that the experts, using objective and scientific data are saying that the site is safe and/or can be made safe. These are professionals. Not some idiot sitting at his computer who, by the grace of Google, thinks he is an expert.

Entitled Nine word of day: objectivity.

objectivity

noun
judgment based on observable phenomena and uninfluenced by emotions or personal prejudices

WordNet® 3.0, © 2006 by Princeton University

To; What are the facts?
1) If the school is built on Eola property will the SD lose out on state funding? If so, how much?

Could you please stop with your lies. There will be not remediation necessary on this land. The only remediation necessary before was on a very small portion of the Midwest Gen land. This land is farm land - every piece of it - you've probably eaten corn from here. So yes, we will get all the state funding that Neuqua, Central, North and Waubonsie get.

By Earth To SB: No we're not surprised to get it back from the likes of the type of people that blog all day. Really if you weren't insane before this all started - you've come to that point for sure. Your posts are like poison spreading throughout our district. Take a step away from your computer - go for a run - you'll feel better after you get all those toxins out of your body- we'd all prefer you do that than continue with your posts.

The anticipated cost/acre for all of the AME land will closely equal the cost for BB! The board must go back to BB and do what the voters were told they were going to do to solicit a YES vote and build on BB.

The purchase of the entire acreage at AME will be above the fair market value of that land...is that fiscally responsible? NO!

Enough is enough. We need to do what the board themselves stated was the best for this district in their land evaluation reports and build on BB.

The Eola site will ALWAYS have a stigma as a hazmet issue and I fear a referendum will never pass in this district again if the board does not do what they presented to the voters in 2006. They will have lost all credibility especially in light of the debacle this has turned into if they build on any other site at this point.

This is about doing what is right and that is build on BB.

Dollars and Sense, Most of your blogs are well thought out and sometimes insightful but I do have 2 comments in reply to your latest entry. First, you are throwing around 25% settlement for the damages at BB. There is no case law supporting the damages for the loss of the retail property deal. Even if there was case law, it would be easy to prove that the developer backed out because of the poor retail environment and the probability of losing his shirt while trying to rent out the space. Even the IPSD attorneys would win that case. Only damages are related to loss of value during the time frame of the trial. If the jury said the property was worth $31m, they would only be entitled to the dollar value of what percentage decrease the land loss as a result of the trial or being tied up in the trial. If you are going to throw BB attorney costs on top of that number, please remember that those costs have to be paid whether the district bought the BB land or not. When the NSFOC posts their misleading numbers, they like to apply those ONLY to the cost of the Eola site and not to the BB site (as an addition to the $31m).

Second, the amended NSFOC, Inc. lawsuit opens up the suit to the possibility of a money relief award. The NSFOC supporters have claimed the purpose of adding nine plaintiffs was because they had to prove damages. Damages are only an issue if the relief is in the form of monetary relief. Unless of course they are claiming that sending their kids to WVHS is damage and I would love to hear how they say that and prove that. By the way, adding the plantiffs - individually as they have - opens up the money relief to those nine named individuals. No relief can be given to any supporters/donors in the manner in which the suit is amended (only nine with damages). This also explains why the NSFOC has never answered any questions as to the qualification of a "member." They would also have to prove the members damages and the members would be entitled to relief as well. I don't think the nine want to share...take their donations, yes...but share,no.

Hey there fast times at ridgemont (Eola) high, will you be in class Monday night. If you bring the pizza should I bring the beer? Just remember Mr. Hand will be there so bring enough for the whole class. Greg hope to see you at the meeting, maybe its time for a name change to Spicolli of ashbury.

I like the posts from Earth to SB. I also like that he is pro-nsfoc.He is doing a great job of pointing out what he and they are all about.Thanks Earth to SB you are helping the anti-nsfoc group more than you could ever know!!!!!Pleeease keep posting and don't lose that witty "charm" either :)With all that wit it's so hard to focus on your immense depth of knowledge and insight in regards to the situation at hand.

I have to know though....Were you the dork in the hazmat suit? Or the deranged lunatic that fell victim to his inner demons at the end of the last Board Meeting? Either one fits. It's all falling into place.....

Just to clarify, there is way more than Brookdale and Stonebridge in favor of the Eola site. I live in Oakhurst and while we are strong supporters of Waubonsie, we also are concerned about the overcrowding and would like to see this alleviated for our children. Please allow the School Board to do the job we have all voted them in office to do! I appreciate your frustration, but we must move forward for ALL STUDENTS of Dist. 204.

To The Blogs will Break You... on April 13, 2008 6:58 PM--

You're very right. The anonymous nature of blogs do bring out the worst in people, especially when emotions run this high. I've read things on this blog that I know would never be said if these folks were face to face.

The only thing I disagree with is your statement that the church does not deserve to be attacked on any level. I don't know if they deserve it, but they certainly should expect it. AME does not get a pass when doing business just because they're a church. They put themselves in the game; they're going to have to play it like everyone else.

To Earth to SB:

Who died and left you boss?? It seems that no matter what blog that is related to this topic, your name is there and so are your insults. Last time I checked there is such a thing as freedom of speech. Anyone who has an idea different then what you believe in, you insult them. You must be a fun guy to work with. Your mother never told you? "If you dont have anything nice to say then dont say it all."

By Anonymous on April 13, 2008 8:38 PM
Earth to SB...the people in the north are not saying pigs can fly. The people in the north (and elsewhere in the district who want a 3rd high school) are saying that the experts, using objective and scientific data are saying that the site is safe and/or can be made safe. These are professionals. Not some idiot sitting at his computer who, by the grace of Google, thinks he is an expert.

Entitled Nine word of day: objectivity.

objectivity

noun
judgment based on observable phenomena and uninfluenced by emotions or personal prejudices

WordNet® 3.0, © 2006 by Princeton University
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You really got him with that objectivity and personal prejudices crap. LOL. You are starting to beleive everything you say and hear, aren't you? I should spend more time looking for crap land so I can make a few bucks. What's the name of that Energy company again? And the Consultant/Expert again? And the SB/Experts again. Wow you are full of crap.

By Earth to SB is our new special best friend :) on April 13, 2008 11:34 PM
I like the posts from Earth to SB. I also like that he is pro-nsfoc.He is doing a great job of pointing out what he and they are all about.Thanks Earth to SB you are helping the anti-nsfoc group more than you could ever know!!!!!Pleeease keep posting and don't lose that witty "charm" either :)With all that wit it's so hard to focus on your immense depth of knowledge and insight in regards to the situation at hand.

I have to know though....Were you the dork in the hazmat suit? Or the deranged lunatic that fell victim to his inner demons at the end of the last Board Meeting? Either one fits. It's all falling into place.....
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Dr. Dillweed is that you again. Stop writing me for help. Go back to Metzger, he has God's Will. You babies just can't stand that anyone would dare call you out. Maybe Pig's do fly up North. Don't look up.

By WV grad on April 14, 2008 5:42 AM
To Earth to SB:

Who died and left you boss?? It seems that no matter what blog that is related to this topic, your name is there and so are your insults. Last time I checked there is such a thing as freedom of speech. Anyone who has an idea different then what you believe in, you insult them. You must be a fun guy to work with. Your mother never told you? "If you dont have anything nice to say then dont say it all."
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And this is proof.

Although I understand your frustration, if I have to read through the negative BS coming from your side then I will let you read an equal amount of it from mine.

AME Land Was Midwest Generation Land
April 13, 2008

NSFOC has discovered that the 82.96 acres of AME land was purchased from Midwest Generation/Comed for $35,000 per acre in 2004. We were surprised to find out that this land was once part of the same Midwest Generation land that has hazardous contamination including PCBs. In addition, our school district is offering about seven times the price AME paid for the property. Is that fair and at worst, what does it mean legally?

The first concern is, again, that pollution does not fall within the fences of a power plant. Another question comes to mind: What is in those seven secret environmental reports not shared with the taxpayers - who are footing the bill for any cleanup and liabilities? So until the entire Eola site is tested for all possible contaminants, D204 should not consider the site as safe. The remediation costs are unknown, the wetlands mitigation requirements are not fully known, and the liability risks could be high due to these unknowns.

Now in 2008, based on figures already shared with the public, D204 may be offering an estimated $244,000 per acre for the same land previously owned by Midwest generation, or nearly seven times the value of the original AME purchase. Figure the commercial/industrial market rose even 10% per year from 2004 to 2008 (not the case but let's go on the high side for the benefit of our district). That would make the AME property worth $51,000 today. So why is D204 potentially going to offer almost five times the market value? Why would they offer anything over one times market value?

Truly, D204 is a motivated buyer because once again, they have a self-imposed deadline placed upon themselves. We strongly suggest that D204 reconsider their situation and re-open negotiations with the Brach-Brodie estate. There are simply too many unknowns at the Eola site. The knowns are already bad. Almost half the soil borings from environmental testing had contamination. The new school does not meet the Illinois Build Smart Program requirements due to proximity to railroads, high pressure gas pipelines and power lines.

This is an opportunity to save up to $60 million or more in damages and $18-20 million in bus transportation costs by going back to the Brach-Brodie site, and untold millions in environmental liability risks and safety risks at the Eola site. We hope D204 chooses the path of least risk.

There's more at http://www.nsfoc.org

Earth to SB is off his rocker. I automatically dismiss anything this blogger has to say because it is illogical and mean spirited.

To By Earth to SB on:

All of the statistics are easy to find and have been published multiple times. You may choose to believe or not. Much past the next six years is a matter left to statisticians. Looking beyond the statistics, I see people moving into our district due to the great schools, both public and private. And, great support from the community, parents, businesses, and churches.

The School Board has my support, I voted "yes" each time, live in Stonebridge, have argued and debated with them on some issues, believe NVHS is great school and rival of Waubonsie (in a positive way, brings our the best of both when the get together), and cherish the teachers, staff, and students at Waubonsie for the wonderful work they have done.

Thanks to the folks at AME for at least coming to the table; with the right attitude and energy spent in the proper direction, it will get done.

Notice I've signed my real name as I'm happy to represent my views and stand by them.

To: By anonymous on April 14, 2008 7:42 AM

Blah, blah, blah, whine, whine, whine.

to: anonymous on April 14, 2008 7:42 AM

The value of Real Estate has nothing to do with what someone paid for a property, what they did to a property or when they purchased a property. It's all about supply/demand. As such, you cannot "assume" any set % appreciation. You need to evaluate the property against other similar properties in the SD.

It appears that there are only 3 properties within the district boundaries (BB, Macom, Eola)and 1 property outside the district boundaries (Hamman) currently meeting the requirements.

BB = too expensive
Macom = many issues
Hamman = outside the SD boundaries + issues as well
Eola = right price, tons of controversy

The SD should make sure that we get multiple (2 or more) independent appraisals done for ANY property we are interested in purchasing to ensure we pay "fair market value".

fyi. the 2006 referendum would not have passed had it not been for the North voters. Please check your facts. Some of these neighborhoods were higher yes % than TG.

By Earth to SB on April 13, 2008 8:28 PM
By Anonymous on April 13, 2008 7:21 PM
To all who claim that they voted for the BB property,

I personally voted for a third high school. I never saw mention of BB or any other property on the ballot. Perhaps the entitled 9 should sue the schools they attended since they clearly couldn't read the ballot. Maybe we need to go back to testing ability to read in order to be allowed to register to vote.

My understanding is that the 3rd high school is to ease overcrowding. This year there are 4500 students at NVHS. Next year there will be 4800 kids at NVHS. Since the Freshman center was built to hold 1200 and the main campus for 3000, maybe I need help with math. Under the math I learned 3000 plus 1200 equals 4200, yet there will be 4800 bodies in the place built for 4200--seems to me the overcrowding is here and we haven't even hit the bubble.
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If you read the lawsuit and you are so bright, tell everyone why the lawsuit was filed. Therein lies your answer. Idiot.

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Words have meaning and words such as bait and switch have meaning. My kids aren't impacted by where the new school is built, they are only impacted by whether ir not it is built. BTW NSFOC types are the ones that thought it was okay for my kids to be bussed for an hour or more each way to either the BB or Eola site so that their children could stay at NVHS. I sat at a school board meeting where TG and WE booed anyone who wasn't of their opinion. So if you think I have no respect for "those people" I would say your are perceptive (not terribly persceptive, but a smidge).

The referendum asked for money to build a third high school, that is exactly what the SB is trying to do. You can bend and twist anyway you like, but the bottom line is that they are trying to do what they were elected to do. Also, at least one current member of the SB was not a member back in 2006. It's true, you and your attorney should not have any trouble disproving it if I am lying. Which means this is not the same SB that tried to make everyone happy back then. This is a SB that is trying to make the best of a bad jury decision--were you on that jury by any chance????? The SB is acting as good stewards--when one option was overpriced they sought a Plan B and found it, just as any good businessman would.

1. The St. John's AME property was and always has been farmland. It was growing crops less then 4 years ago. Who cares that it was owned by MidwestGen, that doesnt'