Community: April 2009 Archives

During the first two months of operation, the city's red light cameras caught 1,906 violations at North Aurora Road and Route 59. Averaging 32.6 a day in February and 32.03 in March, it would seem that time and growing familiarity have not cut down on violations in any substantial way.

On Saturday, the city held its first hearings for those who wished to appeal their tickets, and 12 people showed up in person and 18 more did so in writing. They offered up a variety of excuses, but all ended with the same result. The appeals were denied, and the drivers were out a $100 file plus a $25 administrative hearing.

Is it worth it to appeal a red light camera ticket? Do you think it is possible to get a ticket overturned? Do you think the cameras are doing their stated job, i.e. increasing safety at the intersection?

Representatives from the Exchange Club of Naperville, the city and Naperville Park District have been discussing the possibility of moving the 22-year-old Ribfest to the Nike Sports Complex on the city's north side.
Ribfest is currently held in Knoch Park, but after this year, the site used for the festival will be reduced by 5 acres when the lease between Naperville Cemetery and Naperville School District 203 for land adjacent to the park expires.
Among the concerns identified with the use of Nike are parking, the July 4 fireworks display and the availability of an emergency shelter.
What do you think of moving the event to Nike Park? Is there a better venue in town?

At its Wednesday night meeting, the Naperville City Council approved a one-year trial period for Joe Hornbaker to operate a hot dog cart downtown.

Hornbaker said he is willing to pay his fair share for operating a downtown business, including the food and beverage tax, and the downtown special service area tax. But the Downtown Naperville Alliance is concerned that Hornbaker will take away business from other venues and won't pay his fair share.

Do you think the hot dog cart has an unfair advantage? Do you think such a business is a valuable addition to the downtown?

The results are in, and it was a good night for incumbents. In every race except College of DuPage board of trustees, every incumbent running was re-elected.

With many residents outspokenly calling to "throw the bums out" in the various races, how do you explain the success of the incumbents? Is this a case of the silent majority who stayed out of the debate speaking at the polls, or of residents voting on name recognition?

Does this mean most residents are happy with things the way they are?