Pre-trial release was denied a Chicago woman accused of leading police on a chase from Bloomingdale to Lombard after an alleged retail theft Friday by her passenger The chase also caused a three-way crash that sent one person to the hospital Judge Michael Burton granted state’s motion to detain Autumn Provine She was charged with one felony count of fleeing and eluding police and 19 misdemeanor and petty traffic offenses was charged with a felony for retail theft He was released on the condition he doesn’t enter any Best Buy store according to the DuPage County state’s attorney’s office Bloomingdale police responded to a report of a theft in progress at Best Buy left the store and got into a Lexus RX300 driven by Provine After seeing the Lexus on Army Trail Road near Gladstone Drive Bloomingdale police tried to pull the car over but the driver instead sped up to about 55 mph in a 25 mph zone Police were able to deflate a tire using a spike strip but Provine kept driving east on Army Trail Road They located the Lexus and attempted another traffic stop without success Lombard police said Provine was involved in a three-vehicle crash at Main Street and Roosevelt Road Provine and Cerda left the Lexus and went inside the Jewel-Osco where police found them in bathrooms and took them into custody The McChesney & Miller grocery store was a landmark in the Village of Glen Ellyn The last building the grocery store occupied was on Crescent Boulevard in the downtown area before the owners closed the business in 2014 Now plans are under way to build a five-story mixed-use development that includes apartments on the vacant property To help the Glen Ellyn Village Board of Trustees envision what the new building would look like from various locations on the ground, the urban planning and design firm Houseal Lavigne Associates got creative by developing an immersive 3D game-like environment for viewing the proposed development During a presentation at the recent Geodesign Summit hosted by Esri Devin Lavigne—a principal and cofounder of Houseal Lavigne Associates—showed the audience the Immersive 3D Development Viewer The Village of Glen Ellyn hired Houseal Lavigne Associates to work on its comprehensive plan and is using the viewer to evaluate development proposals such as Glenwood Station the five-story mixed-use building that will include apartments By using GIS software such as ArcGIS CityEngine and ArcGIS Pro along with the game engine software Unreal Engine the firm was able to turn GIS information into an immersive 3D environment This allowed users to do things such as study architectural characteristics and building heights and setbacks as well as see what the proposed development would look like from nearby properties The avatar in the gaming-type environment was designed to look like one of Houseal Lavigne’s employees looking at buildings and infrastructure from different perspectives “Something that we say [at Houseal Lavigne] is And I am particularly excited about this project,” Lavigne said Buildings and trees in Glen Ellyn—with measurements taken using lidar—were modeled in 3D The firm also was able to take a model of the proposed five-story structure from the developer and drop it into the environment “We had a live [online] meeting where we streamed the video from our computer and we showed [village officials] what was being proposed adding that the project received unanimous approval from the Glen Ellyn Village Board of Trustees Lavigne said that preserving the established and desirable character of the village has been of the utmost importance to residents But it also led to a challenge when new developments and investments were proposed that would make the downtown area financially healthier as well as more vibrant “With concerns and opposition to proposed height local developers often faced challenging approvals,” said Lavigne “Village planners believed GIS and a 3D planning tool would allow them to better evaluate proposals and that an immersive game-like experience could [give] elected officials and decision-makers the ability to better evaluate the appropriateness of a development within this important place in their community.” The Immersive 3D Development Viewer  has also worked well during the COVID-19 pandemic because it is a tool that village officials could use online developers submitting proposals to the village now must send in 3D models with their applications and provide a small fee to allow for Houseal Lavigne Associates to update the model and provide the development viewer to the village Carla Wheeler is a former technology writer and editor at Esri and a former newspaper journalist She graduated from the University of Minnesota with a Bachelor of Arts degree in journalism and political science She was the previous editor of ArcWatch and worked with ArcGIS StoryMaps apps “Awesome.” “Exquisite.” “We went away singing!” These are among the many audience accolades regularly received by Glen Ellyn-Wheaton Chorale which will be presenting its annual spring concert Mother’s Day weekend This beloved 60-voice choir has been performing in the western suburbs for over 40 years and is known for its mix of audience-pleasing song selections and musical excellence titled “A Time and Place for Us,” will include selections from Bernstein’s timeless “West Side Story,” along with works by Bob Dylan Conducted by musical director Jennifer Whiting the choir also will perform a new piece “Hymn to Time” by local composer Lee Kesselman The concert theme of “time and place” is a fitting nod to the choir’s recent journey to find new locations for rehearsing and performing This auditioned choir has members from across the area so after losing their long-standing Wheaton venue finally landing on locations in Glen Ellyn and Elmhurst the Glen Ellyn Main Street Recreation Center — their new rehearsal home — was the site of group’s very first rehearsal space in 1985 at the First United Methodist Church in Glen Ellyn it’s convenient to many local restaurants for those wanting to extend their outing or celebrate a mom they bring along Tickets for “A Time and Place for Us,” a musical celebration of home, belonging, and peace, can be purchased online at gewchorale.org they will also be available for purchase at the door.) The First United Methodist Church is at 424 Forest Ave. one block south of the Glen Ellyn train station Glen Ellyn is the latest DuPage County community to crack down on short-term rentals after receiving complaints about loud parties and parking problems Village trustees have prohibited short-term rental stays of 30 days or less A search for available short-term rentals in Glen Ellyn brought up about 30 listings on Airbnb and 15 on Vrbo according to a board memo issued last month The village’s community development department has received noise and traffic complaints concerning at least two short-term rental properties “I do appreciate a homeowner wanting to have autonomy over their property,” Trustee Kelley Kalinich said when the board discussed possible regulations at a March workshop But we already know of one situation that's been extremely problematic.” One resident told the board last week that since a home near his became a short-term rental Among other suburbs, restrictions on short-term rentals vary. Schaumburg late last year increased its annual licensing fee from $130 to $300 and prohibited corporate ownership of short-term rental homes There was some disagreement expressed at the time and the village board intended to evaluate the effectiveness of the new regulations in six months at a meeting last week as part of its consent agenda Short-term rentals are defined as those offered for rent “for a period which does not exceed” 30 consecutive days the fine for the first offense within a 12-month period is $1,000 and the fine for a second or subsequent offense within a year is $2,500 The ordinance is slated to take effect on May 14 except for certain preexisting short-term rental agreements · Daily Herald staff writer Eric Peterson contributed to this report 2025 at 10:57 am CT.css-79elbk{position:relative;}The Spring Clean Flea Market will be held May 17 at Maryknoll Park residents can purge unwanted items —or add new knick-knacks and tidbits to their homes— during the Glen Ellyn Park District's Spring Clean Flea Market The sale is schedule for May 17 at Maryknoll Park There is no cost to attend the flea market which will feature local residents offering their own secondhand items for purchase Sellers can register for a 10-foot by 10-foot spot to vend their items at the event but must bring their own stands and tables The cost is $15 for residents and $25 for non-residents Click the link to register to sell at the Spring Clean Flea Market Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts. Clara Hughes has been part of a long-running effort to build affordable housing in Glen Ellyn As a leader of a group called DuPage United through her church Hughes advocated for an apartment development on part of a village-owned site close to public transit “You heard directly from people who need affordable These voices sometimes go unheard … You listened,” Hughes told village trustees shortly before the board unanimously approved the developer’s request for zoning relief Nonprofit Full Circle Communities now hopes to break ground this August Full Circle intends to create 42 units of affordable housing near the Roosevelt Road corridor “We know that the need is far greater than our 42 units but we're still really proud that we're able to move this project ahead,” Executive Vice President Lindsey Haines said Tuesday No less than 55% of the units will be reserved as supportive housing for people with disabilities according to the terms of a redevelopment agreement also approved by the village board Monday the architectural firm behind the Glen Ellyn Public Library designed a three-story building with “Tudor-modern detailing,” Vice President Therese Thompson said I like the nod to Tudor,” Trustee Steve Thompson said of an architectural style long associated with the village “I think it's going to be a beautiful addition to that area.” Becky Beilfuss and other parents of adult children with disabilities have voiced support for the plans Full Circle also plans to partner with the Association for Individual Development to provide on-site supportive services “I only hope that my daughter will be able to utilize one of those apartments so that when her dad and I are not here to make sure that she is OK that they are there for her,” Beilfuss told the village’s plan commission Glen Ellyn has one group home for adult men with intellectual and developmental disabilities “We clearly need more supportive housing here,” said Evans calling the development a “good start to addressing a critical shortage.” The village originally purchased the former hotel properties in January 2022 for $2.85 million An ad hoc work group held public listening sessions to solicit public input and gather information on potential redevelopment The village formally opened a request for proposals later that year Some residents instead pushed for commercial redevelopment In what Trustee Anne Gould would call a “compromise,” the board last year agreed to sell four of the seven parcels to a commercial developer for $1.5 million Full Circle will pay the village $1.75 million for the three western parcels Full Circle was drawn to the site because of its proximity to amenities like grocery stores as well as transit that will connect residents to downtown Glen Ellyn and other commercial hubs “Although the property is zoned for commercial uses the lack of frontage along any major roadway would be a deterrent for commercial development for any business that requires visibility at this location,” said Jennifer Henaghan Glen Ellyn’s community development director The village in 2023 released a housing assessment that showed 96 legally-restricted affordable housing units in four buildings in Glen Ellyn “We feel like if we're able to work through this process with the village of Glen Ellyn that it might inspire other communities to take a look at what the housing needs are in their community and to try to make a dent in an affordable housing problem that spans the whole Chicago region,” Haines said The Glen Ellyn development is planned for individuals or households earning between 30% and 80% of the Chicago metropolitan area’s median income The building would include a mix of studios Wider doorways in apartments can accommodate wheelchairs “When people can put down roots,” Hughes told the board “our whole community thrives for generations to come.” IL — Two candidates are vying for village president and four candidates are hoping to fill one of three available seats on the Glen Ellyn Village Board in the April 1 consolidated election Here's how the races will appear on the ballot for Glen Elllyn voters you'll find some information about each candidate in their respective races Two candidates are facing off to fill the role of Glen Ellyn village president. Since November 2024, trustee Donna Simon has served as acting village president, following the rresignation of former village president Mark Senak Gary Fasules has been a village trustee for 12 years He served as acting village president for four months in 2021 according to the Village of Glen Ellyn website Fasules has also served on several village committees that include the capital improvements committee police pension board and fire and police commissions Fasules says he is familiar with the village's mission of "respect and helping others," per his Civic Betterment Committee profile I promise to continue this tradition by increasing retail growth keeping Glen Ellyn affordable; maintaining fiscal responsibility; increasing sustainability and safety; and improving transparency of the [v]illage’s government to its residents." An Independent candidate, Jim Burket writes in his candidate bio "I believe that our town has a bright future but I also know that we have some work to do It will take all of us working together to bring that spirit of community forward as we address what’s needed to ensure a vibrant future I’ve had the opportunity to connect with many residents and local business owners over the past few months I feel it is critical to engage with as many of you as I can Not just those who live close by or who agree with all of what I believe Four candidates are vying for three seats on the Glen Ellyn Village Board Sonia Desai Bhagwakar and Kelly Kalinich are running as part of the Betterment Committee Robert Margetts is running as an independent candidate Stephen Szymanski currently serves as chair of Glen Ellyn's Capital Improvements Commission and returned to Glen Ellyn for its strong sense of community As Chair of the Capital Improvements Commission I have experienced the challenges and opportunities we have in the Village We will continue to keep Glen Ellyn the best place to live by listening and working with everyone in the community." Incumbent trustee Kelly Kalinich is seeking a second term as village trustee Kalinich formerly served as Kenilworth School District No 38 and is a board member for the Glen Ellyn Library Foundation In her candidate statement on the Civic Betterment Committee website Kalinich says she plans on "Conducting listening sessions with community members of varying generations to ensure that all voices are heard Implementing components of the Comprehensive Plan and I want to be a steward of the community resources to positively move forward for the betterment of our community." "I sincerely love this community and want to run for Village Trustee to assist in taking Glen Ellyn to the next level as a vibrant town for our families and promoting sustainability while preserving historical charm I am committed to listening to residents and collaborating with others in my approach." A lifelong resident of Glen Ellyn, per his candidate bio Margetts is on the Board of Directors for Glen House Food Pantry His bio states that he was one of the pantry's founders "I believe that the citizens of Glen Ellyn deserve a real choice when it comes to who is on the ballot for our Village Government I value good old-fashioned common sense and responsible governance The history and future of Glen Ellyn is important to me Glen Ellyn has undergone many changes over the years and I would like to be your voice in the changes to come." Residents can click the link to see if they are registered to vote in DuPage County Below is a list of polling places in Glen Ellyn: Click the link to see the full list of Election Day polling places in DuPage County The Glen Ellyn Historical Society welcomes historian and actress Leslie Goddard as she explores the history of Route 66 the iconic road that linked Chicago to Los Angeles from 1926 until its decommissioning in the mid-1980s quirky attractions and adventure on the open road Goddard helps the audience learn why Route 66 is indelibly associated with the lore of the American road trip What was Route 66 like at its pinnacle — what is it today The program will be at 2 p.m. Saturday, May 31, at the Glen Ellyn History Center, 800 N. Main St. in Glen Ellyn. Admission is free for Glen Ellyn Historical Society members and kids or $10 for nonmembers. For information, call (630) 469-1867 and visit gehs.org. 2025 at 4:58 pm CT.css-79elbk{position:relative;}Glen Ellyn Police are urging local high school students to find an alternative to the "Senior Assassin" water gun game IL — Glen Ellyn police are urging local high school students to find an alternative to the popular "Senior Assassin" water gun game which is played by students throughout the United States involves students with squirt guns who hide out and chase each other with the objective of squirting water at other students A news release from the Glen Ellyn Police Department said "[s]ome incident have occurred outside of Glen Ellyn where participants have used realistic-looking water guns." They caution that "[t]he use of realistic-looking toy guns can lead to unintended consequences." is not condoned by Glenbard West High School or the Glen Ellyn Police Department Glenbard West prohibits students from playing "Senior Assassin" on school grounds Parents are also encouraged by police to talk to their children about the game's "potential risks," the news release said "Actions of participants could create a preventable incident resulting in potential criminal and/or ordinance violation charges." While Glen Ellyn picked a new village president Tuesday voters in several other DuPage County towns were in an anti-incumbent mood Mayoral challengers were sailing to victory in West Chicago and Lisle Here’s a look at where races stood as of about 9:30 p.m James Burket defeated Gary Fasules in the race to decide Glen Ellyn’s next village president the candidates addressed downtown housing and plans for an overhaul of the Metra station site Once Glenwood Station — the latest apartment development downtown — comes online “I don't think we’re going to need any more density downtown I think that’s going to max us out,” Burket said Burket said he understands why people want a pedestrian tunnel under the train tracks but he thinks it's “a luxury more than a necessity.” the train station project also calls for warming shelters utility and streetscape work as well as ADA-accessibility improvements He stressed if grant money doesn't come in Fasules in a candidate questionnaire said the village is governed under a “strong manager model with board oversight” and views the president’s role as a facilitator Burket said it’s like any other tradition — “If there’s a better way of doing things Fasules led the Civic Betterment Committee slate a roster of candidates that emerged after voting at a town-hall meeting Burket ran an independent campaign outside of that nominating system Challenger Daniel Bovey was poised to unseat West Chicago Mayor Ruben Pineda Bovey and Sheehan have criticized Pineda over the state of the downtown has been locked in a lengthy dispute with the city over his family’s backyard geodesic dome greenhouse and calls plans for a new city hall campus “a bad use of our resources at this point.” “I think that we should focus on our strength but we want to have a West Chicago that is thriving and that people want to bring their family members to and visit.” West Chicago’s first elected Hispanic mayor has touted a “full” business park near the DuPage Airport and city-funded grant programs “We have all the amenities we need to bring people here and we need density,” he said at a League of Women Voters forum Challenger Mary Jo Mullen was on her way to defeating incumbent Chris Pecak in Lisle’s mayoral contest Adversaries on the ballot and on the village board namely the search for a new police chief and downtown development Pecak has suggested the empty Family Square shopping center at Ogden Avenue and Main Street — a gateway into the downtown — could be revived “The purpose of that site should be for commerce I have retailers interested in moving into that location,” he said A developer hoped to demolish the shuttered Family Square Plaza to make way for a large-scale apartment building with ground-floor commercial space Mullen believes such a multiuse development is still feasible and pushed back against the idea of having retailers move into the long-vacant strip mall building “The downtown master plan calls for mixed use in these areas,” she said Mullen campaigned with the “Lisle Forward” slate of village board candidates and I want a really business-friendly environment within our community to help attract and retain good businesses,” Mullen said Pecak and incumbent Trustee Dan Grecco were part of another slate called “Lisle First with PFL,” which in previous years stood for Prosperity for Lisle Elmhurst Mayor Scott Levin easily fended off challenger Mark Mulliner Levin bested three mayoral contenders — Mulliner finished in third place then — to secure his first term Andrew Johnson was headed to victory over Michael Hoffmann in the contest to replace five-term Mayor David Brummel a former school board president in Wheaton Warrenville Unit District 200 Rebecca Giannelli was leading three other candidates vying to become the next village president Michael Ontiveroz had 787 and falling out of contention was James Francis Sullivan with 448 Current Village President Chodri Khokhar was removed from the ballot by the village’s electoral board Voters in Addison chose Tom Hundley as the town’s first new mayor in 12 years Oakbrook Terrace Mayor Paul Esposito was narrowly leading challenger Joseph Beckwith had 343 votes in his bid for a second elected term 2025 at 11:03 pm CT.css-79elbk{position:relative;}With 100 percent of votes tabulated in DuPage County unofficial results showed James Burket with a lead over Gary Fasules IL — With 100 percent of votes tabulated in DuPage County James Burket appeared poised to win the Village President seat in Glen Ellyn Sonia Desai Bhagwakar and Steven Szymanski were poised to win the three open seats on the Glen Ellyn Village Council for the 2025 consolidated election in Illinois Here's a look at the Glen Ellyn Village President unofficial race results as of 10:48 p.m. Here's where the candidates stand in the race for Glen Ellyn Village Board as of 9:40 p.m. per the DuPage County Clerk's Office's unofficial results: Two candidates are facing off to fill the role of Glen Ellyn village president. Since November 2024, trustee Donna Simon has served as acting village president, following the resignation of former village president Mark Senak and helping others," per his Civic Betterment Committee profile.He says It will take all of us working together to bring that spirit of community forward as we address what’s needed to ensure a vibrant future.I’ve had the opportunity to connect with many residents Sonia Desai Bhagwakar and Kelley Kalinich are running as part of the Betterment Committee Incumbent trustee Kelley Kalinich is seeking a second term as village trustee A Glen Ellyn police officer and another person were taken to the hospital after a car crash on Wednesday The crash happened at the intersection of Roosevelt Road and Briar Street in Glen Ellyn just after 11 a.m. according to a press release from the Glen Ellyn Police Department The police officer was driving in a marked squad car through the intersection at the time of the crash The other vehicle rolled over as a result of the crash The drivers of both vehicles were taken to the hospital with injuries that were not life-threatening The driver of the passenger car was cited for failing to yield at the intersection The cause of the crash is under investigation Get ready to test your disc golf skills and aim for the ultimate prize at the Disc Golf Ace Race on Saturday The Glen Ellyn Park District is hosting this competition where the only score that matters is a hole in one are invited to play two rounds of disc golf on the 9-hole course the goal is simple: throw as many aces (holes in one) as possible the course will feature shortened holes with both adult and youth tees and single players will be grouped with others for a friendly and engaging experience Here’s where the excitement kicks in — every ace earns a $25 Dick’s Sporting Goods gift card each ace also enters you into a drawing for the grand prize: a $100 Visa gift card Participants are encouraged to bring their own discs but spares will be available for those who need them Each participant will also receive a swag bag filled with disc golf goodies Sign up today via gepark.org/register Office sought: Glen Ellyn village board (Vote for 3) Previous offices held: Historic Preservation Commissioner Grace Lutheran Church Council (all current) What is the most serious issue your community will face in the coming years and how should the village board respond to it A broad health safety issue that will affect us and our community is the unfunded state mandate for lead pipe replacement Every lead pipe residential and business needs to be replaced by 2042 as indicated on village website How would you describe the state of your community's finances What should be the top priorities for spending during the next few years Are there areas of spending that need to be curtailed Based on the village’s “State of Village” presentation that I attended all is well with the community finances and is backed up by a triple A bond rating The replacement of lead pipes is a long-term project and should be top priority each and every year until completion A review of future staff hires is needed to justify the pension liability that will be incurred What do you see as the most important infrastructure project the community must address what project(s) can be put on the back burner Based on the state mandate 1.) Lead pipe replacement 2.) The “streetscape project” involving the train station and the pedestrian underpass along Crescent Blvd This project has been in the works for many years and should be in its final phase in 2026 This project has a long-term effect on how our village looks The pedestrian underpass will give residents and the disabled better and safer access to the downtown area Long-term bonds are an option to minimize the tax increases Conversely the two projects that I am aware of that could possibly be delayed are the vacated U.S Bank property and the requested new fire station from the fire department Describe your experience working in a group setting to determine policy What is your style in such a setting to reach an agreement and manage local government Explain how you think that will be effective in producing effective actions and decisions with your village board and working together to consider the options Listening and considering solutions that are outside of the box What makes you the best candidate for the job sometimes you must dig into the weeds to understand the process to make the best selection of the solutions provided What’s one good idea you have to better the community that no one is talking about yet Home gardens that contribute to not only the homeowner Excess fruits and vegetables could be donated to the local food pantries Those with an entrepreneurial spirit could sell at the Glen Ellyn French Market Collaboration with the historical society could be done and used for a class on canning foods The village could provide education and promotion to encourage participation becoming more responsible for ourselves and others A cleaning woman has been charged with stealing $20,000 worth of jewelry from three clients in Glen Ellyn of the 7300 block of Gladiola Avenue in Hanover Park is charged with three counts of residential burglary she cannot contact the victims in the case or enter anybody’s home for her job a resident reported to police that jewelry including a Cartier yellow gold ring with a diamond and a yellow gold charm necklace had been stolen from her house sometime after Nov including a 14-karat gold engagement ring and a 14-karat gold wedding band 15 that a white gold tanzanite marquise ring a gold band ring and other items had been stolen from her house sometime after Dec According to a petition for detention prosecutors filed Hernandez was part of a three-person crew that worked at all three houses The petition stated she initially denied the theft when questioned by police but then admitted to it She said she sold the jewelry to a Hanover Park jewelry store having a friend do so on her behalf so the store would not be suspicious of repeated transactions “Hiring a cleaning service can be a great help and time-saver but people must remember that they are allowing unsupervised people in their home Protect yourself and your belongings by asking questions before allowing people in your home the amount of insurance they carry and don’t forget to ask for references,” DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin said in a news release James Burket has a comfortable lead over Gary Fasules in the race to decide Glen Ellyn’s next village president Her friends might have said that her birth was the “best thing since sliced bread” but there was no store-bought sliced bread in 1925 Her birth was also before the invention of talking movies her mother would give her very sound advice One was to always wear a pin on your shirt … in case your knickers fell down she volunteered in the World War II effort joined the Royal Army in the parachute brigade the couple moved to the United States and built a house in Glen Ellyn They were happily married until Thomas fell ill and died at the age of 60 Phyllis moved into the Brookdale Senior Living in Glen Ellyn where she continues to be active She enjoys spending time with her many friends Her friends call her “The Queen” with her curly white hair and her British accent She is a force even though she stands about 4’8“ tall Phyllis celebrated her 100th birthday on Feb She commemorated this auspicious day by doing what she does every Wednesday morning — bowling in her Wednesday league at Fox Bowl in Wheaton this is not the only bowling league that she participates in She is also on a bowling league every Friday at Fox Bowl She started bowling in 1952 — at the age of 27 years old and has been bowling ever since Many of her bowling friends try to keep up with her You have a century's worth of wisdom and experiences to share with all who love you Everyone who knows you feels truly blessed 2025 at 2:17 am CT.css-79elbk{position:relative;}Brookdale Glen Ellyn was recently named among the Best Senior Living communities in the country by U.S IL — Brookdale Glen Ellyn was recently named among the Best Senior Living communities in the United States by U.S The study evaluated more than 3,800 senior living communities throughout the country for the 2025 roundup 313 senior communities were ranked among the nation's best using feedback culled from some 450,000 residents and family members In its evaluation of Brookdale Glen Ellyn News & World Report gave the facility an overall score of 4.6 out of 5 The community received high rankings for its value One survey responder said Brookdale was "a good place to meet others and hear their stories." "We truly felt a sense of warmth and family during my mother's one-year stay on the Assisted Living Floor We were only supposed to be there for a 90-day rehab stay we experienced nothing but support and understanding of our unique situation and we truly felt that everyone there had mom's and our family's best interest as their priority of care and hospitality The front desk staff was always warm and welcoming "Brookdale Glen Ellyn has an exceptionally welcoming and the residents seem to pick up on that and it becomes their behavior as well Glen Ellyn as a superior senior living community." "More than one of my fellow resident’s have commented 'living here is almost like being on a cruise ship Click the link to see the full U.S. News & World Report Best Senior Living roundup 2025 at 10:10 am CT.css-79elbk{position:relative;}Sandy Hernandez was charged with three counts of residential burglary IL — A professional housecleaner is accused of stealing more than $20,000 worth of jewelry from the houses she worked at in Glen Ellyn was arrested April 8 and charged with three counts of residential burglary in connection with incidents police say took place between November 2024 and mid-January 2025 Glen Ellyn police were contacted by a resident on Dec who said jewelry valuing around $7,900 had been stolen from her home She said a gold charm necklace and a Cartier ring were among the items that were taken the woman said the items were stolen between November 19 and Dec 5 to report that pieces of jewelry with a total value of more than $10,000 had been taken from her house The stolen items were described as a 14-karat gold engagement ring and wedding band along with "more than a dozen additional items of jewelry," per a news release from DuPage County State's Attorney's Office Police received a third report of stolen jewelry on Jan A woman said a gold ring and a white gold tanzanite marquee ring were stolen sometime after Dec The total loss was valued at around $2,500 Prosecutors say Hernandez was identified as a suspect after an investigation Hernandez used her employment as a cleaning woman to gain access to her victims’ homes stole thousands of dollars’ worth of jewelry,” DuPage County State's Attorney Robert Berlin said in a statement the amount of insurance they carry and don’t forget to ask for references." A proposal to create a 42-unit multifamily affordable housing development at a former hotel site in Glen Ellyn will be reviewed by the village plan commission on Thursday The Taft & Exmoor Apartments which is proposed by Full Circle Communities will be discussed during a meeting that begins at 7 p.m at the Galligan Board Room of the Glen Ellyn Civic Center Full Circle Communities entered a purchase and sale agreement with Glen Ellyn in February 2024. The Chicago-based nonprofit intends to develop several parcels along Taft Avenue into one contiguous lot of .89 acres it will seek a change to residential zoning from commercial including ones for building height and setbacks whose plan was chosen out of seven received by the village proposes to build up to 42 units for individuals and households earning 80% or less of the area’s median income At a March 2022 community meeting that amount was listed as $52,200 for one person and $59,650 for two people with maximum rents of $1,398 and $1,677 for one- and two-bedrooms Full Circle will provide no less than 30% of the units as permanent supportive housing for persons with disabilities and provide waitlist preference to persons with disabilities for all units The public hearing will be streamed live on the village website. For remote viewing of the meeting, visit glenellyn.org and go to the Feb. 6 calendar listing under “agendas and minutes.” 2025 at 8:44 pm CT.css-79elbk{position:relative;}Village trustees have until Feb 28 to make their final decision on the proposed affordable housing development IL — In a meeting that lasted nearly four hours the Glen Ellyn Plan Commission gave a positive recommendation for an affordable housing development on part of the old Roosevelt Road hotel site will feature 42 unit one- and two-bedroom units spanning three parcels at 640 Taft Ave FCC plans to allot 30 percent of the apartments to provide housing for residents with disabilities These residents would have access to support services while they live in the complex In late winter of 2024, the village board approved a $1.75 million agreement with Full Circle Communities for the property the plan commission voted 5 to 2 in favor of a zoning map amendment and zoning variances that had been requested by FCC The petitioner requested the map amendment to rezone the property The recommended variances include a request to reduce the site's required parking spaces to 42 several residents came to show their support for the proposal stressing the need for more affordable housing in the village Mark's Episcopal Church and First Congregational Church of Glen Ellyn urged the plan commission to favor the development especially in a world that's not always so hospitable so we'd like to invite all of those gathered here tonight to support this development of affordable and supportive housing to stand." Everyone who was seated behind Smith appeared to stand in support of the measure "Thank your for your time and for all that you do," Smith concluded amid chuckles from the dais and the audience Carey echoed Smith's sentiments in his speech Prosperity stems from a community's diversity: ages Despite what seemed like overwhelming support some residents and village staff expressed concerns over traffic issues that may arise once the apartments are occupied called the intersection of Exmoore and Taft "the Wild West" and asked whether the traffic study accounted for parking along Taft on-street parking on Taft was not part of the study Village staff had "expressed concerns with the applicant about the limited number of parking being provided," Village Planning Manager Daniel Harper said some commissioners expressed hesitance about the development Commissioner Tim Loftus shared a similar sentiment I don't think the location is a good spot." Commissioner Laura Bromann Brown said she favored the zoning change but suggested "ways to offset the loss of these commercially zoned parcels." Commissioner Loftus also lamented that there's no way to give priority to Glen Ellyn residents with disabilities The development promises to offer more independence to those who are able to take advantage of its support services for disabled residents which was read during the public comment portion he has lived in Glen Ellyn since he was a child "The Full Circle development is important to me because I have autism spectrum disorder." "My dream is to live in my own apartment in the near future but I don't want to live with them for the rest of my life." The Glen Ellyn Village Board will review the development proposal on Feb the Glen Ellyn Historical Society presents historian and author Laurie Russell in a program about “The Queen of Chicago,” Bertha Honoré Palmer “Bertha Honoré Palmer: A Life in Three Acts,” will be at 2 p.m This program examines Palmer’s legacy and impact on Chicago and around the world Vintage photographs illustrate Palmer’s life from early childhood her marriage to hotel magnate Potter Palmer the Great Chicago Fire and the Columbian Exposition the fact that she brought impressionism to the Art Institute and that she was a cattle boss in Sarasota Admission is $5 or free for historical society members and youth under age 18. For information, call (630) 469-1867 and check the website at www.gehs.org 2025 at 9:40 pm CT.css-79elbk{position:relative;}A police officer and the driver of another car were hurt in a crash in Glen Ellyn late Wednesday morning IL — A police officer and the driver of another car were hurt during a crash that involved a marked squad car in Glen Ellyn late Wednesday morning near the intersection of Briar Street and Roosevelt Road the crash caused the passenger vehicle to roll over That car's driver and the police officer driving the squad car were taken to a local hospital to be treated for injuries that were not thought to be life-threatening the driver of the passenger vehicle was cited for failing to yield at an intersection The crash is under investigation by the DuPage County Sheriff's Office Receive emails when new obituariesare published to our website the Williams-Kampp/Woodward Funeral Home has taken these words seriously while providing funeral services in their Wheaton location and throughout the Chicago metropolitan area Our family owned business has been passed down through four generations with each dedicated to providing the integrity and compassion that has become our tradition our family expanded to include the West Chicago area with our Williams-Woodward Funeral Home which has been servicing the area for over forty years We offer a complete range of quality services from funerals to cremation and are experienced at servicing families of different faiths and customs We invite you to contact us with your questions and we are glad to arrange a tour of our well-designed facilities It is our goal to support you through this difficult time; we will guide you through every step of the funeral process and help pay tribute to the special memory of your loved one The Family and Employees of Williams-Kampp and Williams-Woodward Funeral Homes Williams-Kampp Funeral Home(630) 668-0016430 E Williams-Woodward Funeral Home(630) 231-1300Williams-Woodward Funeral HomeServices are now being handled at our flagship funeral home in Wheaton only © Williams-Kampp Funeral Home Crafted with care by Frazer Consultants & TA Your browser may not work with certain site. Upgrade now. 2024 at 10:59 am CT.css-79elbk{position:relative;}Christmas trees wreaths and other items will be picked up when the village resumes its holiday greens collection for the 2024-25 season IL — Now that Christmas 2024 has come...and gone.. wreaths and other items during Glen Ellyn's Holiday Greens Collection 6 and continues for a three-week stretch in January Items will be picked up with typical refuse collection on the following days tinsel and other decor and make sure that trees and wreaths are not in plastic bags when placed at the curb 2025 at 1:14 pm CT.css-79elbk{position:relative;}The Downtown Glen Ellyn Craft Beer Crawl will feature 11 different beer samples IL — The Downtown Glen Ellyn Craft Beer Crawl will feature nearly a dozen beers this year The event is planned for April 26 from 12:30 p.m Admission to the event is $40 per person and includes the following: Samples will be served up at several locations throughout downtown Naperville Click the link to buy tickets for the Downtown Glen Ellyn Craft Beer Crawl 2025 at 4:55 pm CSTExpandGlen Ellyn's Restaurant Week is Feb (Photo provided by Alliance of Downtown Glen Ellyn ) Glen Ellyn’s highly anticipated Restaurant Week returns Feb This ten-day culinary event features Glen Ellyn’s finest dining offering special prices on an array of delectable dishes for residents and visitors Participating restaurants across Glen Ellyn will feature exclusive prix fixe menus giving guests the opportunity to savor signature dishes and new culinary creations The week not only allows visitors to experience a culinary adventure but guests are encouraged to visit other walkable attractions like the local boutiques one-of-a-kind independent retailers and public art in Glen Ellyn For more information, including a list of the 17 participating restaurants, visit downtownglenellyn.com/restaurant-week Restaurant Week is sponsored by the Alliance of Downtown Glen Ellyn the Village of Glen Ellyn and the Glen Ellyn Chamber of Commerce Shaw Local News NetworkShaw Local News Network provides local news throughout northern Illinois IL — If you want Easter brunch and don’t want to cook it several Glen Ellyn restaurants will open Sunday Here's where to enjoy Easter brunch in and around Glen Ellyn Reserve 22 Reserve 22 will set up a multi-station Easter brunch that is sure to sate a wide array of cravings Their seafood station will feature shrimp alfredo Entrées include roast loin of pork and chicken piccata Breakfast options run the gamut from quiche Lorraine and eggs Benedict to french toast Arrowhead Golf Club $60.95 per adult; $25 for kids six to 12 years old; kids five and under eat free Arrowhead Golf Club's Easter brunch boasts six stations serving up seafood Lucille Restaurant at Drury Lane $115 per adult; $40 for kids ages five to 12 years old Diners can indulge in a brunch buffet at Lucille Restaurant that features nine stations Head to the appetizer station for smoked salmon before loading up on prime rib leg of lamb and other meats at the carving station Top it all off with pastries and cookies from the dessert station Call 630-530-8300 or click the link to reserve a spot for Easter brunch at Lucille Restaurant 2025 at 2:46 pm CT.css-79elbk{position:relative;}Phillip Valerio is accused of attacking a woman during a domestic violence incident in Joliet Police say Valerio had pills and suspected cocaine on him when he was arrested IL — A Glen Ellyn man faces multiple felony charges after police say he attacked a woman during a domestic violence incident in Joliet in which he had a substance suspected to be cocaine and pills in his possession resisting/obstructing a peace officer and possession of controlled substance with intent to deliver in connection with the April 5 attack Police were called to a home in the 800 block of North Prairie Avenue just after 9:10 a.m a spokesperson for the Joliet Police Department Valerio is accused of taking the woman's phone before he grabbed her and hit her on the head Valerio was later taken into custody in the parking lot of the CVS store at 809 Plainfield Rd He is accused of having prescription pills and "suspected cocaine" on his person when he was searched by police Patch Editor John Ferak contributed to this article 2025 at 12:36 pm CT.css-79elbk{position:relative;}Glen Ellyn recently launched an initiative to develop an ADA Transition Plan to improve accessibility throughout the village IL — A project to improve ADA accessibility throughout Glen Ellyn is underway The village kicked off its ADA Transition Plan with a public meeting on Feb 25 and is seeking input from residents to help identify places that could benefit from accessibility improvements crews will begin evaluating sidewalks throughout Glen Ellyn checking to see if alterations are needed to make them more accessible Information about curb ramps will be included in the data collection Traffic signals and bus stops will also be reviewed to ensure they meet ADA standards "This plan will identify and assess barriers that currently impede accessibility on roads crosswalks and other components of the public right-of-way Based on village priorities and community feedback high priority sidewalks will be identified and plans developed to improve accessibility throughout the village." The village has created an interactive map to allow residents to identify and comment on areas that provide challenges for pedestrians Residents may use the map to place a pin at a location and add a comment residents had remarked that improved sidewalk access is needed near the Frank Johnson Center near the intersection of Sunnybrook and Glenbard Roads Another resident wrote that sidewalk and building accessibility is difficult near Shear Pandemonia salon on Crescent Boulevard Residents can email glenellynada@oatesassociates.com to join a steering committee to help facilitate the ADA Transition Plan as it moves forward village officials plan to meet this summer to identify priority areas and plan out future improvements The goal is to have the ADA Transition Plan finalized by fall 2025 2025 at 1:42 am CT.css-79elbk{position:relative;}A Starbucks store with a drive-thru has been proposed for 405 Roosevelt Rd IL — A public hearing will be held regarding a proposal to build a Starbucks at 405 Roosevelt Rd The hearing is scheduled for the upcoming Plan Commission meeting on Jan the proposed Starbucks store would occupy a 2,460 square foot building with a drive-thru The structure would fill a 36,322 square foot lot that is vacant with a car wash and Buona Beef located to the west and Andy's Frozen Custard to the east Site plans indicate the Starbucks store's drive-thru entrance would be located on the building's northwest side Starbucks has two locations in Glen Ellyn: one at 691 Roosevelt Rd What: Plan Commission Public Hearing for Starbucks at 405 Roosevelt Road The next Glen Ellyn village president will have a say in a number of big-ticket projects in the works or under review — a list that includes a proposed Metra station overhaul and a pedestrian tunnel beneath the train tracks a former village trustee running for the president’s post says the one-story depot needs to be replaced But Burket questions what he considers “the overbuilding of it,” while opponent Gary Fasules “Some of us question why we need such a big building but if we scale it down and go back and try to get the grants we may not get the grants that we've already been earmarked for,” Fasules said the project is much larger in scope than a new downtown station The village and engineers have examined a redesign of the station site and in the years before the pandemic sent ridership tumbling noted the “significant reduction in ridership does not justify” the proposed increase in station size “Rarely is there a time that you don't have your own seat on the train,” Burket said in a joint interview with the Daily Herald Editorial Board “I walk by that station every day after walking to Starbucks I don't think I've ever seen more than five to 10 people inside all of them with all the room they could ever want I don't see the need for putting up a building … that large.” Commuters and downtown visitors now cross over the tracks at Main Street or Park Boulevard I think it's a luxury more than a necessity,” Burket said of the pedestrian tunnel He acknowledged that “we have a lot of train problems in our town living on what's essentially the busiest freight line in the Midwest I just don't think it's going to be used quite as much as people think.” The pedestrian tunnel below the tracks would “not only make it easier for customers to access the station from either side of the railroad but going under in lieu of across the tracks at nearby grade crossings will save time and provides an additional level of safety,” according to a preliminary design report by CDM Smith Fasules reiterated if the grant money doesn't come in “We've got other needs in the town that we've got to use those monies for,” he said wrote in his questionnaire that a top issue is unfunded projects in the various planning stages “We have so much unfunded infrastructure needs we as a board need to prioritize those projects,” Fasules said in the interview we have to put them in a timeline to see when they can be built out And then we've got to model how we get the finances.” Office Sought: Glen Ellyn village president Occupation: Commodity broker/branch office manager Previous offices held: Former Glen Ellyn Village Trustee Is there a particular issue that motivates you what makes you the best candidate for the position We are currently living through uncertain times and I feel it is vital that we have local leadership that is understanding of the needs of every resident and business owner within our ZIP codes the village’s customers; these are our neighbors and together we as a community make Glen Ellyn a home Every resident deserves to feel included in the process and to be respected; we simply cannot let our political or cultural differences divide us In my 31 years as a resident of Glen Ellyn I’ve volunteered in many ways both inside and out of our Civic Center chairman of the Architectural Review Commission and current board member of the Glen House Food Pantry I understand the issues and the work that needs to be done to keep Glen Ellyn moving forward I have worked with many village departments and residents to bring forth successful programs in Glen Ellyn including the Tour of Lake Ellyn professional bike races I look forward to helping all of Glen Ellyn understand that we truly are better when we work together What is the most serious issue your community will face in coming years and how should leaders respond to it Ask residents what they value most in Glen Ellyn and they’ll likely tell you safety Glen Ellyn is facing two issues that need to be addressed soon to help ensure the long-term safety of the village The first is the mandated removal of lead water lines in as many as 1,400 homes and businesses I can think of no more important initiative than achieving this sooner rather than later While municipalities have until 2034 to remove these lines we have only two years to come up with a plan to do so and how to pay for it Second is the replacement and likely relocation of our two aging fire stations We are fortunate to have a strong volunteer fire company and it has saved the village millions of dollars over the years in salary and pension obligations Spending large sums of money on engineering studies for a band aid approach to keep them operational rather than using those funds on new construction is throwing good money after bad We must make tough decisions and prioritize what is important to us And residents should have a strong voice in that process Glen Ellyn is in a strong position financially but the current number of proposed capital projects is unsustainable; there are over $50 million in unfunded plans on the present list Funding sources are currently being threatened on both state and national levels and the village needs to have a long-range plan to put itself in a solid position to react to these and potentially other unforeseen actions without simply going to a tax increase The train station replacement price has ballooned; the new station is 50% larger than the present building and this is at a time when Metra ridership continues to be down 40% from pre-pandemic numbers but the significant reduction in ridership We need leadership to take on greater responsibility in setting strategic priorities and making decisions and we need this to happen prior to lot of work being done Staff is often given feedback after putting in substantial time on projects the board takes accountability for issues on which they were elected and they make it easier for staff to succeed What do you see as the most important infrastructure project you must address Although there is a 10-year deadline to replace lead water pipes I feel we should prioritize that project over others The estimate for the village to eradicate these lines is north of $10 million The village feels the chances of Glen Ellyn securing any available federal grants are low requiring the village to take out a loan for the project Until we get a better understanding of what we are in for it behooves to delay or rescale some of low-priority projects on the unfunded/underfunded projects list much like any fiscally responsible family would do in trying times Rethinking the scope of the train station project And reality is that the fire stations will likely remain in place as is until the bond used for the new police station is paid off in 2035 Describe your leadership style and explain how you think it will be effective in producing effective actions and decisions with your village board I am a collaborative leader that strives to get others involved: I take a listen first approach I also realize that I am not always right in my thinking; nor do I need to be We can always learn varied solutions to problems from others That would be no different when working with Glen Ellyn’s board members I’ve learned through years of volunteering throughout the community and in staging events that Glen Ellyn is filled with people eager to be involved; whether it’s gathering for a spring cleanup or volunteering at charity bike races I have sat down with dozens of residents and group representatives to discuss their collective experience in Glen Ellyn — what we’re doing right and what can be improved While each have their own set of priorities most of the people I spoke to would like the village to be more responsive to set clear priorities for the future and to be more of a partner when it comes to addressing their needs Tough choices always need to be made in municipalities and the board needs to be able to do that with real input from residents The village needs to be open to new and innovative ways of thinking about big topics like economic development There is a lot of good work happening in the community already This is not about spending more money or reinventing the wheel It is more about connecting and amplifying some of the great work that is already being done within the village and believe that the village board and the staff can do a better job building on the good works being done here to ensure that there is a bigger impact in the village Rather than staff deciding the use for a certain parcel allow the community to be part of the decision-making process and let them have a real say in what goes on in their own neighborhoods Our commissions are an incredible resource of talent and we can make better use of them and the residents who participate as commissioners a Glen Ellyn-based 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to developing the capabilities of nonprofits in West Africa recently launched its “Spring Into Action” fundraising drive to support menstrual health education for students at rural public schools in Montserrado County The campaign aims to raise money to fund a series of educational workshops and provide essential washable sanitary pads The fund drive will run from April 15 to May 28 with an online donation option and end with a ribbon-cutting by Glen Ellyn Chamber of Commerce at the International Neighbors’ newly decorated offices on May 28 which is World Menstrual Health Day All contributions will go directly to the Liberian partner organization and its team of reproductive health educators “We are thrilled to kick off this drive as we strive to make a real difference in the lives of girls who miss school days due to lack of sanitary supplies and also lack knowledge that leads to unintended pregnancy,” said Herbert Hopkins we believe we can achieve our shared goal of keeping girls in school longer and creating a brighter future for them.” Community members can support the drive by donating at international-neighbors.com/donate/ Corporate sponsorships and matching gifts are also encouraged For more information about International Neighbors Inc. and how to get involved, visit international-neighbors.com or follow them on Facebook and Instagram is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and a member of the Glen Ellyn Chamber of Commerce Its mission is to build the capacity of nonprofit West African organizations to meet their goals through culturally sensitive training and mentorship that improves the lives and futures of young women and girls they have worked with three Liberian organizations They worked with the Rotary Clubs of Glen Ellyn to provide a commercial oven for a vocational school for the intellectually disabled and they have mentored a group that sews and distributes washable menstrual pad kits along with education on adolescent health Their vision is better lives of rural people in West Africa ExpandThe Glen Ellyn Park District invites community members to make a positive impact on the environment by joining the annual DuPage River Sweep from 9 a.m (Photo provided by Glen Ellyn Park District) The Glen Ellyn Park District invites community members to make a positive impact on the environment by joining the annual DuPage River Sweep from 9 a.m This year’s event will focus on Lake Ellyn’s shoreline and the surrounding park areas Volunteers will work to remove debris from the shoreline and park grounds surrounding the lake preventing litter from entering the DuPage River This effort is a crucial part of maintaining the health and beauty of the local ecosystem Participants are encouraged to bring rubber boots or hip waders if available This free, family-friendly event is open to all ages. Children aged 14 years and younger must be accompanied by an adult. Registration is required by April 5 at theconservationfoundation.org. Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network There’s long been a debate around Glen Ellyn about how much multifamily housing the village should allow in the downtown And it’s seeped into the race between two candidates running to become the next village president Once Glenwood Station — the latest apartment development — comes online I think that’s going to max us out,” says James Burket a former village trustee who is seeking the top leadership post in next month’s election were asked about the pace of development downtown and whether it needs more apartments during a recent joint interview with the Daily Herald Editorial Board Fasules quoted a former trustee in noting that “it’s going to get very hard to build any more buildings because of the cost to consolidate the parcel Holladay Properties developed the 86-unit Glenwood Station building on the site of the old McChesney & Miller grocery store The downtown also has seen another longtime merchant torn down to make way for an apartment complex that now rises above Main Street Burket called a previous Giesche redevelopment proposal Fasules believes there’s one element missing: more owner-occupied units There’s only limited areas where we can go to buy a condo,” he said acknowledged “that gets very tricky because banks don’t finance them so you’re in a Catch-22.” The candidates also weighed in on whether the downtown fire station should be replaced on the existing site or moved elsewhere to make it available for developers has a number of building code and accessibility issues the firm selected by the Glen Ellyn Volunteer Fire Company to complete an analysis of its existing facilities and the reason they don’t want to move is to get the volunteers to a central location,” Fasules said Burket said “you do want to keep that fire department downtown,” but he suggested there are locations downtown “that you might be able to consider The Glen Ellyn Park District and an environmental organization called Go Green Glen Ellyn are offering a “Sportswap” equipment exchange and sale this Sunday Athletes will see deals on gently used sports gear such as baseball bats by trading in or donating gently used equipment people also will be encouraging sustainability in the community Sports equipment can be dropped off at Ackerman SFC from March 3-8 and all donors will receive a voucher to use at the Sportswap cash and credit will be accepted for purchases at the event For details, visit gepark.org/gepdevent/sportswap-spring 2025 at 6:56 pm CT.css-79elbk{position:relative;}A & G Sub Sandwich Shop is now open in Glen Ellyn IL — A & G's Sub Sandwich Shop recently opened its doors at 482 Forest Ave The Italian-inspired eatery offers toasted subs The sandwich selection at A & G's includes oven toasted roast beef topped with Swiss cheese ham and cheddar and other traditional sandwich options Grinders at the shop take a twist on typical sandwiches comes slathered with a salami-style spread called nduja The shop's A-Bomb is stacked with roast beef and then accented with a generous helping of Tuscan tomatoes and cacio e pepe spread that's crafted in house cookies and soft drinks to complete their meals A & G's Sub Sandwich Shop is open Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m 2025 at 11:24 am CT.css-79elbk{position:relative;}Residents can check the Rainout Line to make sure conditions are still safe for ice skating IL — After a cold spell that brought subzero temperatures the ice has become thick enough on some lakes to permit ice skating in Glen Ellyn skating conditions were favorable at Lake Ellyn According to the Glen Ellyn Park District Rainout Line the ice was bumpy at Lake Foxcroft and Lake Ellyn No ice skate rentals are available at Lake Ellyn Park They can also visit or call Paul’s Shoe Service Lake Foxcroft Extended cold weather is required for skating to open at Lake Foxcroft the lake will welcome ice skating between 6 a.m The tennis rinks at Newton Park are turned into skating rinks when weather permits (if daytime temperatures stay lower than 22 degrees and ground frost is thick) When open skating is not in effect or skaters are not using the rinks Before you head out to skate, click the link to check whether ice skating is open 2025 at 3:43 pm CT.css-79elbk{position:relative;}Safeway recently came under fire after buses broke down on morning routes during subzero temperatures in Glen Ellyn IL — After buses broke down in subzero temperatures in Glen Ellyn Safeway Transportation Services is taking additional measures to "ensure weather-related issues minimally disrupt [its] operations," Amy Kent On Jan. 21, buses operated by Safeway broke down or were late to pick up students in Glen Ellyn School District 41 McHugh wrote that he was "deeply frustrated by the continued failures" of Safeway which also came under fire from district parents at the start of the school year Patch received reports via email of buses arriving late to pick up District 41 students and dropping them off in areas with which the students were not familiar Safeway made a "Here Comes the Bus" app available to students and their families in November McHugh wrote that the district was "in communication with our legal counsel and will be engaging other providers who could possibly meet our transportation needs." Kent confirmed that some Safeway buses were "unable to start" on Jan despite efforts to start the buses early and perform preventive maintenance Kent said buses were able to start in time to accommodate Safeway's afternoon pickups "We continue to improve our communications with District staff and have implemented several new technologies and support staff across our locations to enhance operations." "We remain committed to improving our policies and procedures to ensure we provide safe and reliable transportation to the families we serve." ExpandA rendering shows plans for an affordable housing development in Glen Ellyn at Exmoor and Taft avenues (Courtesy Village of Glen Ellyn) Clara Hughes has been part of a long-running effort to build affordable housing in Glen Ellyn As a leader of a group called DuPage United through her church, Hughes advocated for an apartment development on part of a village-owned site close to public transit, a park and three grocery stores. “You heard directly from people who need affordable, supportive housing. These voices sometimes go unheard … You listened,” Hughes told village trustees last week shortly before the board unanimously approved the developer’s request for zoning relief. Nonprofit Full Circle Communities now hopes to break ground this August. Full Circle intends to create 42 units of affordable housing near the Roosevelt Road corridor. “We know that the need is far greater than our 42 units, but we’re still really proud that we’re able to move this project ahead,” Executive Vice President Lindsey Haines said Tuesday. No less than 55% of the units will be reserved as supportive housing for people with disabilities, according to the terms of a redevelopment agreement also approved by the village board Monday. Cordogan, Clark & Associates, the architectural firm behind the Glen Ellyn Public Library, designed a three-story building with “Tudor-modern detailing,” Vice President Therese Thompson said. “I think it’s a beautiful building. I like the nod to Tudor,” Trustee Steve Thompson said of an architectural style long associated with the village. “I think it’s going to be a beautiful addition to that area.” Becky Beilfuss and other parents of adult children with disabilities have voiced support for the plans. Full Circle also plans to partner with the Association for Individual Development to provide on-site supportive services. “I only hope that my daughter will be able to utilize one of those apartments, so that when her dad and I are not here to make sure that she is OK, that they are there for her,” Beilfuss told the village’s plan commission. “She is a Glen Ellyn resident. She knows that end of town. She can walk everywhere she needs to be. Currently, Glen Ellyn has one group home for adult men with intellectual and developmental disabilities, noted Julie Evans, joined by her son, Miles, at the commission meeting. “We clearly need more supportive housing here,” said Evans, calling the development a “good start to addressing a critical shortage.” The village originally bought the formal hotel properties in January 2022 for $2.85 million. An ad hoc work group held public listening sessions to solicit public input and gather information on potential redevelopment. The village formally opened a request for proposals later that year. Some residents instead pushed for commercial redevelopment. In what Trustee Anne Gould would call a “compromise,” the board last year agreed to sell four of the seven parcels to a commercial developer for $1.5 million. Full Circle will pay the village $1.75 million for the three western parcels. Full Circle was drawn to the site because of its proximity to amenities like grocery stores, retail, health care, as well as transit that will connect residents to downtown Glen Ellyn and other commercial hubs, said Mary Donoghue, senior project manager. Although the property is zoned for commercial uses, the lack of frontage along any major roadway would be a deterrent for commercial development for any business that requires visibility at this location,” said Jennifer Henaghan, Glen Ellyn’s community development director. The village in 2023 released a housing assessment that showed 96 legally restricted affordable housing units in four buildings in Glen Ellyn. “We feel like if we’re able to work through this process with the village of Glen Ellyn that it might inspire other communities to take a look at what the housing needs are in their community and to try to make a dent in an affordable housing problem that spans the whole Chicago region,” Haines said. The Glen Ellyn development is planned for individuals or households earning between 30% and 80% of the Chicago metropolitan area’s median income. The building would include a mix of studios, one-bedroom and two-bedroom units. Wider doorways in apartments can accommodate wheelchairs. “When people can put down roots,” Hughes told the board, “our whole community thrives for generations to come.” The League of Women Voters of Glen Ellyn is teaming up with schools and local community groups in a renewed and expanded effort to raise awareness of air pollution from engine idling You may notice lawn signs and/or car magnets in the area telling residents: “Engines Off for Kids’ Health.” The League of Women Voters of Glen Ellyn is teaming with local schools and community groups this spring creating a campaign aiming to reduce the amount of air pollution produced by idling car engines in school car lines Idling is running a vehicle's engine when not in motion “We wanted to target schools as children are more susceptible to air pollution because they take roughly two times more breaths per minute than adults,” said Jennifer Greenwalt former chair of the League of Women Voters of Glen Ellyn Environmental Committee “breathing exhaust fumes is linked to increases in asthma Reducing idling at schools can reduce children’s exposure to toxic vehicle exhaust.” The League’s Anti Idling Task Force has been working on this campaign since fall of 2023 school principals and each school’s PTA to get buy-in to the plan and asked each school to take an active role in orchestrating the program.” “We created a tool kit for each school that included talking points for school newsletters the League is partnering with the Glen Ellyn Park District and Go Green Glen Ellyn to provide support and help in communicating the mission The campaign asks to parents or other caregivers in the car line to 1.) Turn your vehicle off if you need to wait more than 10 seconds; 2.) Avoid idling at schools to reduce children's exposure to toxic vehicle exhaust; 3.) Warm or cool your car in extreme weather limit idling to five minutes; 4.) Walk or bike to neighborhood schools; and 5.) Take the bus or carpool as much as possible For more information on the campaign, visit lwvge.org/cleanair contact Amy Hohulin at amy@amyhohulin.com.