WHAT THE PEOPLE OF BROOKFIELD ARE SAYING
Letters to the Editor & Viewpoints that appeared in local newspapers

Look to master plan when making road fixes
4-30-2008

The recent announcement of major road construction on Grand Boulevard ("Brookfield plans Grand Blvd. street work in 2009," News, April 9) has made me wonder what has ever happened to the Brookfield 2020 Master Plan. (NOTE! At a Village Board Meeting back in October 2004 both Mike Garvey and Kit Ketchmark said “What good is having a Master Plan if it sits on the shelf and you never use it! Why waste taxpayers money!” )

It seems that with every public works program that Brookfield has embarked on over the past several years, they forget how to incorporate it into the 2020 Master Plan. Wouldn't it be easy to look at the plan and take at least some of the ideas set forth while the street is dug up and needs to be put back together?

If Brookfield was serious about the master plan, every project would be done with an eye toward the future. Sure, it may cost a little bit more now, but imagine all the additional costs to redo these areas in the future if the whole plan is to be implemented.

An example is that while Prairie Ave was being rebuilt, bike lanes could have been incorporated as a major route to get to the zoo, the train and the downtown district.

Another example is when Maple was rebuilt. Why not make the pedestrian crossings at Eight Corners align with the plan (raised crossings and bulb-outs).

Even if the master plan on the whole is discarded, the individual ideas and recommendations stand up on their own, which can only help the residents, shop owners and visitors to have a better appreciation for the village.

If Brookfield wants to move into the future and compete with its neighbors for new businesses and residents to increase the tax base and, in turn, improve the schools and infrastructure, the master plan is a great way to get there.

But if the current leaders believe that it can be put off to the future, they are mistaken. A switch cannot just be flipped on Dec. 31, 2019 to have the plan become reality.

I would recommend every resident of Brookfield to review this plan and see what Brookfield can become and ask the village leaders why they are not working hard to make it happen.
Art Plonka
Brookfield

Do they even make 3-car wide garage doors?
4-09-2008
In regard to the story about limiting side drives in Brookfield ("Move made to limit side drives on Brookfield residential blocks," News, April 2), I would like to know where in Brookfield or any of the surrounding towns that Keith "Three Car" Sbiral has seen a residential three-car-wide garage door.

I have seen several three-car garages, but the ones I have seen have had one two-car door and one one-car door. I think he should have checked with an installer of garage doors to see if they even make a three-car-wide door for a residential garage before he tried to get his view expressed.

Ted Schwartz
Brookfield

Taxpayers paying more and more
3-19-2008
Cost overruns are expected in any large project, and I think cost under runs are also possible.

Looking ahead I expected that the extensive renovations to Riverside-Brookfield High School would run out of money very quickly. That possibility was rejected. I suggested that a few of the renovations could easily be canceled. On idea was to eliminate the six new basketball courts and save a lot of money. There are a few other projects that fall into that category.

So here it is and our school board proposes to issue $5.4 million in bonds to eliminate the current "cash crunch." ...

Locally every cost is going up. ... The list goes on. We must not continue to sit on our duffs while the taxes go up without an outcry from all of us.

Frank Drazan
Brookfield

Eliminate overnight parking in Brookfield
3-12-2008
I am writing to appeal to the residents of Brookfield to consider getting their cars and work vehicles off the street and into their garages.

In addition, the Village of Brookfield government should work towards policies designated to eliminate overnight parking by 2010. Surrounding villages, including LaGrange Park and Maywood, do not allow overnight parking for aesthetics, safety and maintenance.

Regulating street parking would improve the appearance and feel of our neighborhoods, resulting in greater property values. Situations where there is no alley would be the exception, with special permits allowing them to park in designated areas.

Landlords with garages or alleys need to make arrangements for tenants. I also propose an additional fee, starting in 2009, for overnight parking permits.

An additional $600 or $1,200 a year, per vehicle, would motivate a person to consider cleaning out their garage or call Victory Auto Wreckers and have that parts car or "classic" vehicle towed away.

Let's work together to make the community better.

Heidi Burtner
Brookfield

Thanks for generosity, support
2-20-2008
We would like to thank the residents of Brookfield and all the surrounding suburbs for all the help and assistance that they so generously and thoughtfully provided during our darkest hours after the fire and the death of our beloved Aidan Samuel Wood. We sincerely apologize for the delay in writing to each individual that helped us and are trying to acknowledge everyone.

Thank you to all who contributed so generously to the Aidan Wood/Nicolas Sorrentino Trust Fund, and to Bill Russ and Gene Sheedy for setting up the trust; the Brookfield Fire Department and most especially, Matt Dubick, for his effort to save Aidan; to S.E. Gross Middle School and Brook Park School staff and students (especially the fourth grade whose kindness in sending us cards and a very special donation gives us all hope for our futures); Riverside-Brookfield High School staff and students who went over the top with their special help; the Riverside-Brookfield High School Class of 1957, who, both as a class and individually, have touched our souls; Girl Scout Troop No. 434 for their kind gift; Legion, SAL & Ladies Auxiliary, Commander Barry Post 256, Berwyn; and to our precious neighbors. Our thanks; gratitude and love are beyond belief.

A special thank you to the Brookfield Jaycees, who brought us financial and spiritual aide and also a touch of Christmas to help lighten our first Christmas without Aidan. You brought us such comfort.

We know this simple letter only scrapes the surface of those who have come forward and made this town a community. We had thought of moving, but this outpouring of care has committed us to rebuilding. What a great and caring place to live.

Again, thank you from us and, of course, from Aidan Samuel Wood (our loving Aidie Bo) who always called everyone "his friend." God Bless.

Michelle Wood, Marjorie McFarland
and Nicolas Sorrentino
Brookfield

How about A/C for the train station?
2-20-2008
Let's summarize what happens when the village spends money (tax dollars and/or grants) on the Prairie Avenue train station ("Brookfield train station work going out to bid," News, Feb. 6). Install new grass, plants, shrubbery. Looks nice for a couple of months, maybe even for one season of growth.

Pretty soon, plants and shrubs become overgrown and not cared for. Weeds grow profusely. A "landscaper" comes by and hacks everything down, and grass dies from a lack of water and/or gets destroyed from all the salt dropped on the sidewalks. You get the picture.

This mindset of spending money on outside improvements around the station has got to end. Yes, the parking lot needs to be repaved; the bridge needs to be replaced. However, ask any commuter who waits for a train-especially in the summer-what the No. 1 improvement they would make?

How about some central air conditioning in the station? We have heat in the winter. Why not cooling in the summer? The office the ticket agent sits in is air conditioned. Makes sense that the commuters should have that benefit as well.

I'd bet that the commuting population of Brookfield would trade some grass and flowers for some A/C in the summer on those hot, humid days, especially when they arrive after walking from their homes.

Perhaps Village Manager Rick Ginex, President Mike Garvey and the trustees would understand our plight more if they would put on a suit and walk about half mile or so to the station on one of those hot and humid mornings.

Mark Rogers
Brookfield

Loyalty means nothing in Brookfield
2-12-2008
Congratulations to Tom Weitzel and the Village of Riverside on his promotion to police chief. Chief Weitzel worked his way up through the ranks and was rewarded for his loyalty and commitment to the village.

It is refreshing when this type of promotion is given. The Village of Brookfield chose not to reward their fine officers with this type of in-house promotion. In spite of the fact that two of the final five on the list of finalists for Brookfield police chief are two current police department employees, the village refused to reward one of them for their years of dedicated service and loyalty and chose an outsider from DuPage County.

This is the same type of loyalty that was exhibited when extremely qualified officers were bypassed for promotion to fire chief and a non-ranked firefighter was made chief. A further example of this practice was demonstrated when the director of public works was effectively fired last year after decades of service to the village. A very qualified assistant was bypassed in favor of an outsider.

There is no doubt that it is important to have the best qualified people for these leadership posts. But when there are current employees that meet these qualifications on staff already, what sense does it make to destroy the morale and loyalty of years of service and the hope of being rewarded for those attributes?

Every one of us hopes that we are given the opportunity for promotion, if warranted, and it stings when we are overlooked for curious and unexplainable reasons.

Bill Russ – former Village President
Brookfield

Congress Park station always lacking
2-12-2008
As a longtime Metra rider from the Congress Park stop, I want to thank Chris Stach for his timely article "Brookfield's troubled bridge over flooding asphalt" (Opinion, Feb. 6).

The Village has been unresponsive to numerous calls and e-mails from several riders about the unsafe conditions walking from the north end of the tracks. The village has not lifted a shovel this winter season to make our walk safe.

The ridership at Congress Park has grown, but the village still treats us like the stepchild. Brookfield seems to be able to find grant money for repairs at the Hollywood and Brookfield stations but have done nothing about the deplorable conditions at Congress Park.

When will the Village of Brookfield act like they care about the riders at Congress Park?

Mary McEnerney
Brookfield

Congress Park station flooding a real problem
2-12-2008
Thank you Chris Stach for your "Brookfield's troubled bridge over flooding asphalt" article (Opinion, Feb. 6). My fellow commuters and I have extended many an invitation to the village manager and Public Works director to take a field trip to the site to view the muck and mess we traipse through on a daily basis, and we really would like Public Works to visit the site, with snow shovels in tow!

The frozen slushy water, snow and ice have now risen and touch the bottom of the troubled bridge--clearly drainage is a problem. But this makes me wonder why. I've been walking to this train for 20-plus years. It was never a problem 20 years ago, so why has it been a problem the last few years?

Thank you again for bringing this problem to the forefront.

Sarah Ahlgren
Brookfield

Develop Arden Ave. properties? Not a chance
1-23-08
In the December 26, 2007 Landmark I read the Brookfield Library trustees had acquired 3507 Arden in July for $400,000 ("Brookfield Library puts Arden home up for sale," News).
Then, because they were unable to complete the desired five-parcel assemblage, put in an additional $7,500 in improvements and are now are offering the property for $410,000.

Reading that, I wondered how they came to the $400,000 price; and why they did employ an "option to purchase" on 3507 while they attempted to option the other parcels? Now they own an overpriced property in a down market.

I assume the reason the Washington/Arden location was of interest to the board was the size of three of the Arden sites (three at 19,500 square feet each). That allows a buyer to assemble the required acreage, buying from fewer owners with less existing construction. That location, three blocks from the city limits, is certainly not well located to serve the entire village.

Mike Buczkowski's assessment of the Arden home purchase by the Brookfield library board ("Library should buy homes then redevelop," Opinion, Jan. 2) was that it was "a joke." But then he suggests the board go into the real estate development business and acquire two additional $350,000 homes for redevelopment into a five $500,000-plus homes. Sounds simple, but consider this.

Most residential redevelopment in the last 25 years was fueled when a site's value increased substantially, becoming more valuable than the existing site and building combined.

There are many examples in Hinsdale, and isolated examples in many communities. With today's economy and decreasing home equity, to tear down three $350,000 homes in a neighborhood of $350,000 homes and then build, on spec, five $500,000 homes, is just plain nuts.

Who's going to finance this development? Increasing library fines won't get it done.

Franklin Dieter
Brookfield

Safety good trade-off for cop expense
1-16-2008
As a taxpayer and resident in the Village of Brookfield, I find the disagreement/contract dispute over a police department 8-hour day versus 12-hour day incredible.

The village manager cites an excess in overtime pay of $27,000 in fiscal 2006-07 due to the 12-hour police schedule. The trade off is having half of our police force on duty at any given time with the 12-hour schedule as opposed to a third of the force being on duty with the 8-hour schedule.

I think that the additional expenditure is well worth the additional safety that having more police on the street brings. Where was this sudden interest in frugality when the village gave this same person (Village Manager Riccardo Ginex) huge raises? OVER 15% IN 2 YEARS!!!

How about the proposed hiring of another code inspector at a cost of at least $60,000? How many full-time code inspectors does a village the size of Brookfield need? The village used to have a part-time blight inspector at a minimal cost, which freed up the full time inspectors.

There is $5,000 in the budget to restore the plane at Ehlert Park, an admirable task, but did anyone ask if any community groups would take on this task as a community pride project?

How much did it cost the village to borrow money to pay its bills at 6.5-percent interest from the First National Bank of Brookfield?

The police chief and village manager state that the 12-hour day creates a lack of communication in the department. Was there not just recently a new of position created (deputy chief) to improve communication?

I for one feel that there are ways to improve spending to allow for the additional safety and peace of mind that additional police protection provides for such a comparatively small amount.

Wilfred Brennan
Brookfield

Taxpayers getting lack of support
11-21-2007

I have been appalled at the incredible machinations at the Brookfield Library. Many taxpayers in Brookfield are astounded at the chain of fiascoes that the library has perpetrated, staring with the buying of a $400,000 home. It was the wrong place and much too expensive.

It appears that the Brookfield Library is operating on the premise that costs were not a factor and they have unlimited power to do anything without input from taxpayers. ...

I am president of Taxpayers Against Taxes. We have been inactive since our campaign against the RB High School referendum. We lost, but we will not lose this battle. ... We will oppose each and every boondoggle that is proposed by the carpetbaggeers. They must be stopped.

I have to ask, "Who is representing the taxpayer?" Nobody.

The worst part is that, in the final analysis, the real culprits are the taxpayers who let us all down by sitting back and moaning but will not even vote. ...

What I am upset about is the lack of support that taxpayers are getting from newspapers. You supported the $93 million RB insanity. No mention about the escalating costs and disaster we are facing. I am the only one to fight for the taxpayers. When are you getting into the game on the side of the taxpayers?

Frank Drazan
Brookfield

Brookfield road work poorly done
11-21-2007

I am a former Brookfield resident and currently live in LaGrange Park. I grew up in Brookfield and lived there for a large portion of my adult life. For many years I drove a concrete truck, delivering concrete to construction and road projects all over the Chicagoland area. I have seen the best and worst of road construction projects.

The road construction recently completed in Brookfield, in my estimation, qualifies as one of the worst.

The contractor took the whole summer plus, and as of Nov. 12, has a huge pile of construction spoils sitting on Grant Avenue just east of Prairie Avenue. This creates a safety hazard as a large portion of the street is impassable. It is a hardship to residents in the area and is unsightly. The interesting part is that it is sitting there for no apparent reason.

Virtually no municipality I have worked in would allow a contractor the liberties and excesses that it appears Brookfield does. I have seen large pieces of equipment parked for months on village streets. It seems that the only time the village puts its foot down is when residents complain, such as the case of protection put around trees.

Dave Ogden
LaGrange Park

New Brookfield Library hardly needed
11-6-2007

Is the most pressing civic issue facing Brookfield today a lack of space within our library? Hardly.

I enjoy the resources provided by the library, and I appreciate the service of its employees and volunteers. Yet my car ride to the library requires the passing of empty storefronts in Brookfield's so-called "business district," dodging endless potholes in our streets and seeing young people with nowhere to go.

Given the millions it will cost Brookfield taxpayers to build a new, unneeded library, couldn't this adminstration find better things to invest in? How about attracting new businesses to Brookfield like the former administration of Bill Russ did with CVS? Or building more youth-driven projects like that the skate park at Elhert Park? How about paving our Third World-like alleyways?

I visit the library often. However, it has not once felt "overcrowded" as Jonathan Platt, president of the Brookfield Public Library Board of Trustees, suggested on these pages. The library is fine just the way it is. It is the rest of Brookfield the Garvey adminstration should worry about.

Dan O'Connell
Brookfield

Our vet memorials are neglected
11-6-2007

This past summer I was concerned with the overall care and the unkempt appearance of our veterans memorials. The "laissez faire" attitude is an insult to those who sacrificed, as well as the friends and families of those honored. At the Circle, the weeds 3- to 4-feet high, uncut grass and toppled lights were testimony. I would say that this is a "memorial malfunction."

But one wonders why this insolence is also apparent at the newly built memorial at Grand and Sunnyside? Vandalism has been apparent there for many, many months. Where is the outrage? Was the service to our country all done in vain? The sentiment is more than just "knocking over tombstones in a cemetery" as were Mayor Garvey's recent comments.

I am sure that village officials, trustees, and the people of Brookfield have driven past the memorials. Some have passed by on their bikes and some have walked obviously unaware of what is happening to our village. I am seeing symptoms of things starting to fall apart. Veterans Day is fast approaching and the usual politicians will be there.

While reading this letter, if you feel somewhat agreeable, raise your hand. Do I see at least one?

Jane Harps
Brookfield

Village, Library Boards A Matched Pair
7-24-07
The Brookfield Library board must take lessons from the Brookfield village board. A large crowd of Brookfield residents, also known as taxpayers, showed up for a library board meeting July 9 at the Brookfield Library ("Library takes heat over land buy," News).

The majority were there to express their opposition to the library board's plan to locate the library across from Kiwanis Park in Hollywood. A number of alternate locations were suggested by the residents, but there was an obvious feeling that the Hollywood plan was a done deal.

Most of the alternative sites would not result in the village losing the property taxes that would be lost at the Hollywood location. Paying over market value for a home on Arden Avenue ($400,000) will start the process. Incredibly, an additional four homes will have to be purchased to make that location a viable site, about a $2 million cost for land alone.

Undoubtedly this is a precursor to another referendum for more funds. The Library board stated that this was just an alternative and they would look into further alternatives, but, in the meantime, they will become a landlord. The meeting was very crowded, and there was undoubtedly a hidden message attached.

They had to hire an audio/visual company to pipe video and sound to two additional meeting rooms. They had to know that a large crowd would attend. Why not make arrangements to hold the meeting elsewhere to accommodate the taxpayers?

This meeting was very reminiscent of the village board meeting to discuss the Forest Avenue condo project. The vast majority in attendance was against the project, but it got approved. When will residents get tired of this "our way or the highway" mentality.

The library board should have autonomy. Running with and being sponsored by a political party lends itself to questions as to where its direction comes from. Form a citizens advisory panel, a cross section of interested residents, explore alternative locations and try to come up with a reasonable location that is financially expedient.

Wilfred Brennan
Brookfield
Wilfred Brennan is a former Brookfield village trustee

How About Ogden Ave. For Library?
7-24-07
I commend the Brookfield Library board for exploring options for a new library. I have a suggestion that may or may not have been mentioned in the public hearing.

Seeing as how the library would like a new home and the Village of Brookfield would like to improve the appearance along its Ogden Avenue corridor, why not try to kill two birds with one stone and have the library look for a site somewhere on Ogden?

Although I don't know exactly what kind of space the library is looking for, I would imagine that since Ogden runs through the middle of the village that might be a good place to look. Besides, a new, fantastic-looking, brand-new library could begin a much needed beautification of Ogden and serve as a shining example to residents and passersby that Brookfield is undergoing a resurgence. The Ogden Avenue option seems like a win-win for everyone.

Additionally, procuring an Ogden Avenue property just seems easier at face value. Ogden Avenue is a central location and properties appear to have more space, or at least more expansion potential by buying adjacent vacant for sale and/or underperforming properties.

Trying to buy up houses piecemeal, demolishing them and then plopping a new library in the middle of a residential neighborhood like Hollywood-while facing the wrath of residents-just doesn't seem to make sense and sets a bad precedent. Of course, Brookfield's library already has a history of bad precedent, with the current one becoming obsolete even before the last brick was laid.

Besides, Hollywood is all residential, and for a library to be more effective it should be as visible as possible and, more important, easy to find. I think everyone in Brookfield would agree that Ogden Avenue is much more visible than Arden Avenue.

And if you drive through the heart of vibrant neighborhoods like Oak Park, Hinsdale and LaGrange (new library currently under construction), you'll find a great looking library in the middle of it all. Perhaps our village's catalyst for the long-discussed Ogden revitalization can be the new library.

Matthew Tennicott
Brookfield

Where's Leadership On Library Issue?
7-24-07
When I was president of the Brookfield Public Library around 1978, the board was in the process of determining what could be done to improve our facility. For a number of years, under sound use of tax dollars, then-Treasurer Ridell Kelsey and I opened an account at a local savings institution to place funds earmarked for a new library. When I left office, I do believe that the fund had grown to about $100,000.

During this period, I investigated ways how our board might build a new building using federal funds. I discovered that there were funds available via our national parks system for all sorts of recreation. I proposed that we apply for a grant for "quiet recreation."

Brookfield was eligible to receive a $500,000 grant to build a library at the north end of Kiwanis Park. I discussed the idea with Police Chief John Hymel. Chief Hymel thought that it was an excellent idea. In nice weather, residents could sit among the park's trees, experiencing "quiet recreation." And, as John stated, it would offer a safe environment for our residents.

The plan fell by the wayside because some residents wanted the new library built on the site of the old building. It appears that the present board wants to spend vast amounts of monies acquiring residential homes that are in good condition, only to demolish them for a new library. Brookfield, where is your leadership? Where is your vision?

Ed Jaeky
Indian Head Park

Stop The Spending Before It's Too Late!
7-5-2007
Brookfield is under attack by our schools, by our elected party and now by our library.

The new party wants to "improve" everything by hiring two managers at a cost of over $200,000 as against the old one-man manager at $90,000 per year. That, coupled with a total change in personnel-result, more taxes.

The high school superintendent declared the school was worn out, so he rammed through a $60 million building program that will actually cost $93 million because of the interest on the debt.

So here comes the librarian who wants to build a new library ... in a location that is not even bought yet. ...

We are facing a huge debacle in every taxable area. Our officials are on a spending spree that will make our town a ghost town, a victim of taxpayer complacency and the carpetbaggers who ha It is time for all of us to rise up and throw those carpetbaggers out. We can cut their $93 million boondoggle in half. Fire the Garvey debacle and cancel the library.

We must do it starting today. Otherwise Brookfield will die under a sea of debt.

Frank Drazan
Brookfield

Brave New World
THE LANDMARK VIEW
6-13-07
Last week's news that the Brookfield Public Library was seeking to purchase land across from Kiwanis Park on Arden Avenue was something of a thunderbolt.

While it was well known that the library had been seeking to acquire property for a possible expansion of the library, the library board had initially only discussed the area around the current library at Grand Boulevard and Lincoln Avenue.

This is a very bold move by the library, one they may or may not be able to pull off. Our guess is that the July public hearing required before the initial land purchase can be finalized will be a lively one. The last attempt at large-scale development in the Hollywood neighborhood was met by a reaction just short of pitchforks and torches.

While Hollywood residents may react strongly again, the library has other worries as it moves forward with its plan to reinvent the organization in a new locale.

The main one is a worry that the library board, having made the huge decision to relocate, is capable of pulling off such a significant project. And the main object lesson is the current library building.

Scarcely 20 years old, the Brookfield Public Library was basically obsolete the day it was built back in 1985. Since that time, taxpayers have spent hundreds of thousands of dollars trying to make the small library fit the community it serves.

The lower level was finished in 1998 to provide space for programming and meetings through a combination of grant funding, reserve funds and a mortgage loan that totaled about a half million bucks. Since then the library has spent over $100,000 to repair the roof, install new windows and replace the HVAC units.

But there's no more to be done at the Grand Boulevard site. For whatever reason back in 1985, we're guessing the problem was money, the library can't build up. It's foundation won't hold a third story. That lack of foresight with a building that was too small to begin with means that the library needs more land.

They've apparently found that land on Arden Avenue. But before any new, expensive library facility is built there, the library board is going to have to prove to taxpayers that it has the ability to plan for the long term. In 1985, the board failed to do that, which is why just 20 years later, they're looking at a redo.

It's going to be a tough sell to Brookfielders, who just gave the library an operating fund increase a couple of years ago. That increase was supposed to have gone, in good part, to a makeover of the current library facility to make it more user friendly. Instead, voters are faced with the possibility of bills for property (we're estimating $2 million for that) and several million more for the library itself.

That's a heck of a lot of money for an organization that, historically, has planned poorly for its future. Maybe that criticism is just that-history. But it's going to take plenty of convincing to make this plan for a new library fly in the minds of voters.

Taxing Bodies Out Of Control
6-13-07
Reading today's Landmark was a total revelation as to what is going on in our communities. A front-page story about a new library in Brookfield ("Brookfield Library: Hollywood here we come," News, June 6), a boondoggle that was never revealed to the taxpayers. Six members of the library board made that decision without any input from taxpayers. They will buy the land before we have an opportunity to stop it.

Page three ("Another referendum looming for D208 voters," News, June 6). My God, RB is going to ask for more money to support increases in the salaries of every person that works for RB, things like maintaining and paying for air conditioning, heating and lighting and monitoring the additional basketball courts open to the public. The gimme gimme list goes on. Millions here, more millions there, and we all will be taxed into the poor house.

The greatest Landmark editorial in years reports that the teacher salaries at RB at $76,500 per year. The article also mentions the administrators are paid $100,000.

RB and the Brookfield Library are black holes that are clearly out of control. They must be stopped. Vote against any tax increases.

Frank Drazan
Brookfield Resident

Why Can't Brookfield Host Great Events?
6-6-07
I just heard that Brookfield is once again, not going to have an Oktoberfest. I am greatly disappointed in this. It seems like every community event we have ever had has been cancelled-Brookfest, car show, street fairs, Oktoberfest, etc. Why?

It appears like there are many people who would gladly give their time and effort to organize these events. Even though our community is filled with people and businesses who are passionate about Brookfield, it appears like our government is not.

When I have asked why these events are not being held, the answer is always, "We got no support from our town. No one got back to me. The administration put up every roadblock possible."

I mean, come on! Berwyn has managed to put together one of the best Oktoberfests around. Why can't we? Events like these are important to bring the people who live here together and give a sense of community and pride, along with bringing much needed business to our shops. Come on President Garvey, get with it! Be the leader we need and deserve.

Marcey Miller
Brookfield

Up To Code
THE LANDMARK VIEW
5/29/2007
Last night the Brookfield village board was to have voted on a recommendation by the Plan Commission to deny a plea by the owners of property in the 3500 block of Forest Avenue to allow construction of three townhomes there.

Village trustees were expected to go along with the Plan Commission's recommendation and disallow the variance that would have allowed the multifamily use.

While we don't have a quarrel with that recommendation and decision, it does continue to highlight how loosely Brookfield's zoning code has been enforced throughout the years and how the current code makes it difficult for redevelopment of residential lots.

This issue came up a year ago when the owner of a vacant 25-foot lot wanted to build a house on it. The lot had always been vacant and served as open space for neighbors. The owner wanted to build a house on the 25-foot lot, but the zoning code states that lots must be 50-feet wide. This is despite the fact that there are hundreds of homes in Brookfield built on 25-foot lots.

Eventually, the owner of the small lot sold it to the next door neighbor, thereby solving the problem.

On Forest Avenue the problem is different. The current owners bought a house that was in deplorable condition and a blight on the neighborhood. Demolition was a requirement of the purchase, so it was obvious to anyone that the property needed to be redeveloped.

The owner came up with a plan for townhomes, which flies in the face of the area's single-family zoning designation. The owner argues that the zoning allows for a single-family home that would far outstrip the size of the townhomes in size and bulk.

However, is such a home appropriate or feasible on that block? Building a more modest house, the owner says, would not be financially viable, since he's already put over $200,000 into the property between the cost of the land and demolition.

While we're used to developers crying poor to argue for bigger developments, the owner in this case also argues that the village has turned a blind eye to its zoning code in the past, since the area is dotted with multifamily structures. He is also prevented by the village's zoning code from building two single-family homes on the 75-foot frontage-even though, again, the area has plenty of homes built on 25-foot lots.

The developer is attempting to turn a neighborhood eyesore into something that will improve it. While we agree with the village that allowing multifamily zoning is not the answer, the zoning code has be realistically allow redevelopment in single-family neighborhoods that will both beautify and benefit the area.

While many developers have earned a bad name for themselves in recent years for shoehorning oversize projects into inappropriate places, there should be a way to make redevelopment of blighted properties a win-win for both the developer and the neighborhood. It's up to the village to guide that process by making sure it has a zoning code that works.

Thanks To Trustee For Job Well Done
5-23-2007
On Monday, May 14 the Brookfield village board swore in three new village trustees. Congratulations to the newly elected and good luck in the future. The change of village trustees through the consolidated election also brought about an end to the term of Village Trustee Linda Stevanovich. Ms. Stevanovich had been a Brookfield Village Trustee for two full terms, a total of eight years. She was prevented from seeking another term due to the two-term limitation mandated by Brookfield village ordinance.

I would like to commend and thank Trustee Stevanovich for her devoted and dedicated service to the citizens of Brookfield. The office of village trustee is often a thankless position, but a very important one. The long hours, numerous meetings and community commitment can be very demanding, and the financial compensation is small.

The last four years of her tenure have been particularly difficult, as she was the lone voice many times and, as such, she sought and demanded explanations on many issues brought before the Brookfield village board. Many times she was chastised, ridiculed and ignored but maintained her dignity and resolve. And because of her tenacity, Brookfield government was more transparent and open.

Thanks again Linda Stevanovich for eight devoted years and a job well done.

Wil Brennan
Brookfield
Wil Brennan is a former Brookfield Village Trustee

When's 2006 Work Going To Get Done?
5-23-2007
I think the Village of Brookfield made a big mistake when they chose J. Nardulli Concrete for the 2006 street improvement project. First, they were three weeks late in getting started. Second, they would work three days and then they would be gone four of five days, I would guess on other jobs.

The contract called for the job to be completed within 120 calendar days from the start of the job. This was not done. "Should the contractor fail to complete the work within the contract time, the village will withhold the sum of $900 per calendar day."

I would guess that since the job is still not completed there is around $200,000 coming to Brookfield. My question is now: Will Brookfield collect that $900 a day ...

It was stated in the papers that Nardulli would finish the job in May, and, so far, we are still waiting for the sewers to be raised and the finished asphalt to be put down. Also, why doesn't Brookfield have someone checking how the work progressed and what is taking so long to finish the job?

Ted Schwartz
Brookfield

Guard Against Complacency
THE LANDMARK VIEW
5-16-07
For the first time since the late 1990s, eight members of the same political party sat at the Brookfield village board table. An all-PEP Party village board was sworn in Monday night, ending an eight-year period marked by turmoil and political wrangling.

President Michael Garvey graciously bid goodbye to departing board members Linda Stevanovich and Alan Dorobiala, presenting them with plaques honoring them for their dedication to residents of Riverside by serving as trustees for many years.

The stage is now set for PEP to chart the course of Brookfield's future at least for the next two years, unimpeded by political opposition at the board level.

While the lack of rancor at the board table will likely be a welcome relief, it's our hope that the trustees continue to be vigilant in holding the village management to strict standards of fiscal discipline and that the lack of opposition at the board table doesn't lull the board into a sense of easy security.

The final official business meeting held Monday night with Stevanovich still present went according to form. When it came time to vote on the village's payment of bills, Stevanovich again voted no, and she questioned a supplemental appropriation that called for hefty overtime payments for police and fire personnel-payments management hadn't anticipated in the 2007 budget year.

It's going to be up to the board to make sure management can keep a lid on such unanticipated expenses. And it's going to be up to a board perhaps not inclined to challenge one another to continue asking hard questions and making sure policies are followed.

A political party unchallenged can, as Brookfield has seen in its past, become a complacent and sloppy political party. We hope for Brookfield's sake that won't be the case moving forward, but we want to acknowledge that the danger exists.

Isn't It Grand? The Boulevard Trees Are Safe
5-9-07
Elaine Zelinski contacted me on Sunday, March 25, about a situation that disturbed her greatly. She said that last November, two men were going up and down Grand Boulevard, surveying and spray painting numbers on the sidewalks. When she asked them what they were doing, the older of them said they were from the Brookfield Water Department, and that the street was going to be widened.

As I reported in my column of April 18 she told the men, "Look at my big tree, and all the other trees. You can't make the street so much wider."

According to Zelinski, the older of the men replied, "That's no problem. We took out all the trees on Prairie Avenue."

After hearing that, who wouldn't be upset?

She made phone calls to the village, but got nowhere. So I tried to find out what was going on. The people at the village hall said all the records of anything like this were at Public Works. So, during that week, I tried Public Works, connecting with the secretary on Wednesday, March 28. I left a message for someone to get back to me with information about this planned street work.

Nothing happened. On Thursday morning, I left a message for Scott DeRoss, the village forester. Again, no reply. Friday morning came, and I called again, earlier, hoping to catch him. The secretary said he'd be in, but then he'd be gone until next Monday.

I then got in touch with Bill Heider, the new Public Works director. I asked about the work on Grand Boulevard and he said, quote, "This is in the planning stages, in the hands of engineers, scheduled for autumn. Maybe, more realistically, towards late autumn, and early winter."

That seemed to confirm the existence of this project.

This column, meant for the April 11 issue, was bumped to the following week. When I returned from vacation the following Monday, April 9, DeRoss had left a message on my answering machine, just saying he was returning my call. He'd called at 5:06 p.m., Tuesday, April 3.

On April 18, the column appeared. Elaine Zelinski thanked me and sent me an e-mail that day, at 1:53 p.m., that read, "I am in the process of being put on the agenda for [next] Monday's village board meeting. The residents of Grand Boulevard will all be there to make our feelings known."

Suddenly the village wanted to talk with her. According to her e-mail, she said that Riccardo Ginex, the village manager, telephoned her, assuring her that there were no plans to widen Grand Boulevard. Nor did he know who those two men were who had given her the misinformation, which had started all this.

This seemed a very hopeful sign. By e-mail, telephone, and spoken word, I immediately began assuring people (who were asking how they could help) that the situation didn't seem so dire. A petition was on the point of being created, and the good news was, that now it didn't seem necessary.

At the April 23 village board meeting, absolutely nothing was said about the trees or a Grand Boulevard widening project. Though I had assurances from Zelinski's e-mail, I wanted something from an official source, so I attempted to contact Ginex, and the Public Works Department. I wanted clear, quotable e-mail answers.

My first answer came from Ginex, who e-mailed on April 25.

"Grand Boulevard will not have any widening done to it. As it stands now, we don't anticipate taking down this tree [the 3341 elm]. The trees were marked by the surveyors to get calculations for the engineering plans. They may have assumed we were removing trees. I DO NOT want to take down any trees at all. This is not to say that some may have to be removed if they are too close to a driveway that needs replacement. Our engineers do not feel that the trees on the street will be an issue as we're doing curb replacement and no widening."

My e-mail of April 25 to Public Works went unanswered. In fact, it is still unanswered as of Monday, May 7. However, on Thursday, May 3, I spoke with DeRoss, who said that he had nothing to do with the project, but that he "was all in favor of saving the trees."

One reason I wrote the April 18 column was to show the frustration Elaine Zelinski was feeling, about not being able to get any answers. I, too, felt frustrated as I attempted the very same thing. I have since heard from other Brookfield residents who make calls, or send e-mails to the village or Public Works, and never receive any reply. Something must be done to eliminate this communication problem.

The Grand Boulevard trees appear to be safe, although I'd keep an eye on the ones near driveways. Still, the curb replacement project isn't scheduled till 2008 or 2009, assuming that funds are allocated. We're still a Tree City, and that's good news.

Chris Stach
Brookfield
(Note! This letter appeared in the Brookfield Landmark (5-9-07)

Be Consistent In Applying Zoning Code
5-9-07
"One foot here, one foot there and now you have people taking too much."

Forgive me if I do not remember the exact quote, but there would be no way Bernie Hletko of the Brookfield Zoning Board of Appeals could dispute me that he said those words when he turned down a man's appeal to add roughly 16 inches to the front of his property.

The board unanimously denied this man his variance, all agreeing that village code was village code.

One hour later, I sat and listened to the board pass a variance that will allow the apartments at 3400 Maple Ave. to change the variance for parking spots.

This property is currently in the process of being sold to a developer who will turn these properties into condominiums. The property currently has 28 parking spaces and village code requires 40 spaces if it were to be converted to condos. The board voted 5-1 to allow this to happen.

This is my question to the village zoning board: If you are going to go with the attitude of village code is village code, why don't you follow it in all circumstances? It seems when it comes to condominiums and townhomes, the village zoning board makes it happen. An example of this would be the hotly contested Buresh property.

After conversations with residents of the property, my grandmother being one of them, and hearing the things told to them before the meeting, I wouldn't be surprised if the zoning board had made their decisions well before the public hearing. Before anyone sat in his or her seats that evening, the deal was in place.

Although my grandmother will eventually lose the place she has lived for the last 15 years, I am in favor of condominiums. As a lifelong village resident and now a property owner, I am pleased to see progress in Brookfield and am excited to continue my relationship with this community well into the future.

However, when making progress, let's remember why we have village codes and regulations in the first place, whether it is a single-family home, condo or townhome.

Ryan Evans
Brookfield

Brookfield Voters Not Satisfied, Just Indifferent
4-25-07
So Mike Garvey is convinced that PEP's thin margin of victory and the paltry turnout at last Tuesday's election was a sign Brookfield citizens are "satisfied"?

No, Mike, it is a sign that we've given up. It is a sign that after suffering 32 of the last 37 years of a Brookfield under PEP rule, we are defeated. Although they were not officially listed on any voter card, apathy, hopelessness and indifference won on Tuesday, not PEP.

If Garvey is looking for signs, perhaps he should put down the tea leaves and look at the for sale signs on the lawns of "satisfied" Brookfield citizens heading for the exits. Or look to our declining population numbers, empty storefronts, falling property values, rising crime rate and the total absence of tax generating businesses moving into Brookfield . Aren't those signs, too?

Dan O'Connell
Brookfield

PEP Winners' Statements Are Laughable
4-25-07
"Too many communities have gotten into trouble with overspending," [Village Trustee-elect C.P.] Hall says. "We have very good financial controls." ("It's all PEP in Brookfield trustee, clerk elections," News, April 18).

Good for whom, Mr. Hall. Good for our very overpaid, non-resident village manager? Good for his equally overpaid, non-resident assistant? How about their assistants? You certainly do have control of our finances. Unfortunately, it's total control, and it is not to the benefit of the taxpayers.

As for Mr. [David] LeClere's comments of "I want to make our recreation programs more versatile for all ages, and people with disabilities," LeClere said. "I also want to work with the Brookfield Zoo, to bring them more together with the village"- how many times are you going to sing that "work with the zoo" song? We've seen nothing to date, and it's getting very old.

You want to make our recreation programs more versatile? How about you actually offer some programs. There are less and less offerings with each pathetic flier. The so-called summer camp offered by the village is a joke, at best. You have a bored group of kids sitting around playing pool all summer? No thanks; if I wanted that for my child, I'd have looked into summer camp at The Green Room.

Your statements would be laughable if you didn't actually expect people to swallow that swill. As it is, they are insulting.

Joalle Desco
Brookfield

VIP For Responsive Government
4/11/207
I am writing to respond to Mr. Uphues' statement regarding my pursuit of the Brookfield village clerk's position. Mr. Uphues infers that I am only running for the clerk position in order to run for a different office in two years. If this was a four-year term and that was my intentions it would be wrong, however, the position is the remaining two years of an unexpired term.

In two years when the term is complete, whoever wins the position will have to make another decision. I resent his accusations that I am using the office as a holding position. After being a part of government for eight years, I want to continue to serve my community.

I see many shortcomings in the way the clerk's office is being run right now and I want to improve things. It's almost comical that Mr. Uphues laments the fact that there are not new people willing to run for office; why would anyone want to put themselves up for ridicule and belittlement so frequently offered by Mr. Uphues.

On another note, I want to thank the residents of Brookfield for the two terms that they elected me to serve as trustee. It was one of the most rewarding of experiences and the most frustrating. I served my first two years under the PEP majority and the following four years with a VIP majority and the last two years under PEP again.

Styles of governing are very different. I know as I go door to door the one comment I frequently hear is that the public is tired of the fighting, and I have to agree. No one is more weary of it than me. That is the most frustrating part of the job.

It has become very clear to me that both parties have different approaches to government and those differences surface frequently. It doesn't help when differences are sensationalized as being only political when in reality, at least on my part, has been a difference of opinion. I think anyone who attended a board meeting would find we agree on more than we disagree. However, those are not the issues the paper focuses on.

When I served as a part of a VIP majority, I felt that we really accomplished a great deal and could have accomplished more. Before we came in office, there was no street program. We created a long-term plan and wanted to bond out to start the program. The PEP party immediately began a campaign to stop us.

We still accomplished some and were proud to see the PEP Party continue the program much in the same manner we wanted to, only when we were doing the same thing, they claimed it was wrong. It was important to us to provide services to the residents, so we hired more public works employees and the president held Saturday hours for residents to stop by and make suggestions. When people needed a tree trimmed or an alley graded we were quick to respond.

The PEP Party's approach is different. We brought back a successful Oktoberfest and successfully ran Brookfest. We replaced decades old garbage cans, both private and public along with street furniture that creates a distinctive business district.

We need to get back to that progressive, responsive type of government. Please consider all the VIP candidates in this election and thanks again for your support these past eight years.

Linda Stevanovich
Brookfield

Political Newsletter A New Low In Brookfield
4/3/2007
I have just received a "newsletter" called The Monitor delivered to my doorstep. After reading this vile and disgusting literature, I am firmly convinced that politics has sunken to a new low in the Village of Brookfield .

I have lived here more than 30 years and until 2001 I had not seen hardly any progress in our village. The Bill Russ administration accomplished many things in its tenure. They started street reconstruction, they brought a major franchise to Brookfield , they spruced up our parks and village hall, they started a process for grants that are now being used to further improvements, business area banners, trash containers and benches and many other long-needed improvements.

The Monitor would have you believe that Bill Russ, Wil Brennan and Linda Stevanovich are the return of Satan. I personally know them and know that they have the best interests of the residents of Brookfield in their hearts. I am totally dismayed that Brookfield Village President Michael Garvey would put his signature on that piece of garbage.

Tom Campbell
Brookfield

Brookfield Board Needs To Vote For SEASPAR
4/3/2007
I am the proud godmother and aunt of a 10-year old boy with special needs who also lives in Brookfield . Since my husband and I don't have any children of our own, this little boy is the light of our lives, and we want only the best for him. Although our nephew has Down Syndrome, he is a tremendous joy to our entire family. Our nephew would personally benefit from SEASPAR programs, as would the children of our friends and neighbors, and many special needs children and adults who live in Brookfield (" Brookfield inches toward joining special recreation group," News, March 28).

Brookfield needs to join a special recreation association for the benefit of these residents and their families. Recreational and social activities and physical fitness are extremely important to the special needs population. And, now that the Rich Port YMCA has closed in LaGrange, the importance of and need for those activities is even greater. ...

I am asking [ Brookfield trustees] to please vote "yes" for Brookfield to join SEASPAR as soon as possible. The Playground and Recreation Commission has twice recommended this to the board, and they have now provided you with the numbers and feedback you recently requested. ...

The website for Brookfield promotes our village as a great place to live, work, visit and play. However, the "play" is currently missing for a great many residents-those with special needs. You have the power and the responsibility to make it even better for those residents and their families, and for future residents who may some day choose Brookfield as the ideal, caring community in which to live and raise their families....

Karen Ann Schramek
Brookfield

Water Bills Just The Latest Fiasco
3-27-2007
Brookfield's latest fiasco-sending residents $1,000 water bills without explanation-is indicative of the chaos and dysfunction that now marks village government.

Under the incompetent leadership of President Garvey and his PEP party, the quality of life Brookfield today offers its residents has plummeted, from its complete lack of recreational services to the hostile environment omnipresent at village meetings where every issue, not matter how trivial, is a bitter skirmish.

Over the past two years, according to research I've done on zillow.com and realestate.yahoo.com, housing values in Brookfield have failed to keep pace with neighboring communities, our so-called "business district" has become littered with empty storefronts, and our parks are too dirty for our children to play in. Alleyways remain unpaved, while the pothole-ravaged streets require a four-wheel drive to navigate.

However, when a citizen complains about any of these issues, he or she is meet with a new closed-to-the-public attitude at village hall. Brookfield 's last president, Bill Russ, went out of his way to meet with citizens and hear their opinions; Garvey couldn't care less.

PEP campaigned as "reformers," but today's Brookfield village hall reminds me of Cicero in the 1980s with Betty Loren-Maltese at the helm, complete with mystery finances and overpaid politically connected hacks.

I am voting VIP. Anything has to be better than this mess.

Dan O'Connell
Brookfield

Water Billing Unfair To Seniors
3-28-2007
I couldn't agree more with Wil Brennan on the water meter issue (" Brookfield must be fair on water bills," Letters, March 14).

My 75-year-old mother has lived in Brookfield for about 13 years. She recently had her meter replaced and thought nothing of it. About three weeks later she received a letter from the village telling her she owed over $1,000 for an alleged inaccurate reading.

When she called the village she was told either pay the bill or her water service would be disconnected. All this with no chance to even try to find out if the amount owed is accurate. She was also told that this bill could reflect 20 years of inaccurate meter readings.

Having lived in the house for 13 years, I don't see how the village can hold her responsible for the full amount. She feels she was forced to set up a payment plan with the village. The payments were set by the village at $100 a month.

My question is this: How is a 75-year-old woman living on social security, who fell on the streets of Brookfield (because the ice was so thick) and broke her hip expected to make this increased payment on her very fixed income?

Ron Culbertson
Brookfield

Trees On Broadway? Are You Kidding?
3-28-2007
Each day decisions are being made by our elected officials here in Brookfield that have a bearing on the economic well-being and general welfare of the future of our village. One of the most recent planned blunders by President Michael Garvey and his trustees is to plant some 66 trees along the Broadway Avenue parkways in front of storefronts and businesses.

It is no hidden fact that most of these stores are hard enough to find off Eight Corners with the combination of traffic and pedestrian crossings without adding to the congestion of more trees.

Maybe I am wrong, but I doubt that the officials even took the time to actually walk the area. If they did, they would have seen the existing trees trimmed to resemble palm trees, trees that have been deprived of water with split trunks and planted close enough to the curbs that many are drooping and fighting to stay alive from the continuous deluge of winter salt.

Removal of snow around these new trees will be quite a challenge for public works employees. Common sense will tell you that all those trees will not increase the volume of business for our merchants, but will add to their cost of maintenance of awnings, signage and sidewalks.

The $85,000 village cost in next year's budget will put a burden on the taxpayers and yet there is not any plans for improving the economics of downtown.

Jane Harps
Brookfield

Brookfield Must Be Fair On Water Bills
3/14/07
The Village of Brookfield is in the midst of their water meter replacement program, which will give them the ability to read all of the water meters remotely. I have spoken to numerous residents who have received huge water bills after their meter was replaced.

When the new meter is installed, you get billed based on the old inside meters reading, the bills you have been paying for years, were based on the outside remote reader which is prone to be inaccurate. If this happens to you, demand that the old inside meter is sent out to be tested, as they have been known to be inaccurate.

However, if it checks out OK, I think it is totally wrong to charge people for years and years of inaccurate readings at today's water price. Water costs have been constantly going up and some type of formula should be derived at to reflect those changes.

The Village of Riverside recently completed the same type of water meter replacement program, but they used a formula to prorate the water cost if there was a discrepancy. Another possibility would be to forgive the charges which resulted from a malfunction of village owned equipment.

Also, the large surplus in the water/sewer fund can be attributed to interest from homeowner's deposits and people who don't use much water and are charged for a minimum usage regardless. It appears that there was not much thought given to these circumstances.

Wil Brennan
Brookfield

It Takes A Village ...
THE LANDMARK VIEW
3/7/07
Do the right thing

Brookfield has been kicking around the idea of creating or joining a recreation association for its citizens with special needs for years. Late last year, the village Playground and Recreation Commission finally acted, and recommended that the village board approve joining a Downers Grove-based association.

The village board and management kicked the idea back to the commission looking for more information.

While we understand the need to be "fiscally responsible" there's also the matter of doing the right thing. If the village can find money in its budget for flat panel TVs for the board room and for a 10-percent raise for the village manager, it can find money (via a state-approved special recreation tax that will cost each property owner the cost of a small pizza) to fund special recreation opportunities for the citizens that need them.

Do we really want to start ticking off how many people it takes before the idea's considered "worth it."

In the long run, our prediction is that Brookfield will benefit far more than it pays to join a special recreation association.

Let's get off the dime and get this done.

Broadway Plan Should Include Business Development
2/28/07
I hope the improvement plans for Eight Corners is a foreshadowing of better things to come for that area in regards to local businesses ("Broadway Avenue makeover scheduled this fall," News, Feb. 21). Fancy trees and paver bricks mean nothing if there are no valuable businesses to entice the community to visit there.

With the exception of Leo's Liquors, CVS and Tischler's, that area is lacking charm and interest in my opinion. Let's hope there are some interesting ideas for new business development to match the cosmetic upgrades.

Carla Sumka
Brookfield

Old Firehouse Should Have Been Saved
2/28/07
What happened to the historical respect our charmingly old-fashioned village deserves? Preserving our heritage is vital, and saving our tangible past is equally important for a complete tapestry of the history of our village.

A few weeks ago in the Landmark there was an article regarding the 100-plus-year-old fire station ("Where's the firehouse, "Currents, Oct. 31, 2006). This structure was originally owned by the brother of the then-reigning Village President John W. Gross.

But now the oldest fire house in Brookfield, which was one of the most picturesque structures and one of the village's most historic buildings is now gone. It found its new home in a nearby dumpster.

And now another president comes into view. Why did this current president, Michael Garvey, allow this to happen? There are things worth saving, and this administration has shown a complete insensitivity to the spirit of our village, which will be judged by future generations.

Our village is full of talented rehabbers, handymen, retired carpenters, who in a massive community effort could have all come together to disassemble the aged firehouse, and then reassemble it in a more convenient place for tourists, and most of all providing our community with a window to the past of a bygone era.

I am equally disappointed in the Historical Society's lack of concern and attention to this important issue. Kit Ketchmark, president of the Historical Society, has let us down. I guess preserving this building didn't have enough frosting or fluff to get his attention.

From now on, we must insist that elected officials protect our village's landmarks and historic neighborhoods.

Jane Harps
Brookfield

Seniors Need To Take Care Crossing Streets
2/15/07
In regard to the story about the tragic death of Helen Lilly ("DUI charge in fatal Brookfield accident, News, Jan. 24), there is no doubt that Thomas Postulka should not have been driving. The really sad part of the story is that if Lilly and her husband had walked 50 feet north and crossed the street at the corner where there is a flashing red light, maybe that tragedy would not have happened.

She and her husband should have been more careful and not tried to cross a main street in the middle of the block at night when it was dark. This should be a wake-up call for seniors to be extra careful crossing streets, more so at night.

As we get older, our reactions and sight slow down, and things like this are still going to happen, but maybe not as often.

Ted Schwartz
Senior Citizen
Brookfield

Garvey Should Keep His Campaign Promises
2/7/07
How long do we have to be stuck on square one? Evidently, common sense and the ability to perform campaign promises is not plausible with our present president, Michael Garvey.

Most residents, like me, who truly care about Brookfield , have dreams of our uniquely located village becoming one of the most sought after village in which to raise a family, and to be able to support an assortment of profitable shops and family restaurants.

It appears we have nothing but nightmares, here, under this administration.

This past month, there has been article after article in the papers regarding the expansion and the ambitious renovation of our "adjoining twin," the Brookfield Zoo. We must use every tool at our disposal for our future.

Now there is a prime opportunity to have some dialog with the director and the president of the Zoological Society to embrace us with their plans. But the only attempt that I saw was last year, when President Garvey had one village board meeting at the zoo.

It's like he is a deer in the headlights when it comes to good, challenging conversations. Maybe a good book for him to read would be Donald Trump's book, "The Art of the Deal."

Creating a subcommittee to study economic development of 47th Street is way off base. It is like writing a list of nonsense doodads only to be put on a shelf to collect dust. This is just a worthless attempt to do nothing.

Jane Harps
Brookfield

RB Parking Lot Must Not Impact Residents
1/24/07
It is difficult to convey my dismay at the Landmark article about the new entrance to Riverside-Brookfield High School and the resurrection of the idea of turning Rockefeller Avenue into a parking lot ("Building schedule set for RBHS renovation," News, Jan. 17).

As a resident on Rockefeller Avenue, in the block closest to the proposed development, I can tell you that we already have heavy traffic down the street during morning drop-off times and when students are dismissed, as well as after football practice and during athletic events.

Meanwhile, this traffic flows through a residential neighborhood, where on that one stretch of Rockefeller alone, there are 15 young children. These are children who walk or ride bikes to school every day and must avoid parents of high school students, as well as student drivers themselves.

It is already an unsafe situation for many kids, and now it looks as though both the high school and the village government of Brookfield are failing to maintain the safety and the standard of living for their tax-paying residents.

Within the illustration of the school's new entrance, there is no indication of a circle driveway to bring parents and buses dropping off kids back down Golf Road and out onto Washington to First Avenue. Surely this is merely an oversight of the architect who drew the picture.

This should be a mandatory aspect of a high school entrance. There would be no safety issues for the high school or zoo (regarding ambulances, etc.) since traffic would be moving. In addition, if a vocational education building can be built in that space across Golf Road, then there is no reason why the street cannot be widened to accommodate parking on Golf (a nonresidential street) and fire lanes, as well as traffic lanes.

As to the Rockefeller parking lot, this was discussed in neighborhood gatherings with Assistant Village Manager Keith Sbiral and Village President Michael Garvey. They are aware of the problems facing this proposal, and promised that they would stay in touch with residents about developments.

RB has a parking problem. They also have a neighbor in Brookfield Zoo, which has a giant parking lot on 31st Street. They also have a bus they purchased last year. These things would indicate that they should be able to move people from one place to another without impacting the residential area surrounding the school.

Why not talk to the zoo about using that more remote parking lot? It would be more inconvenient, but since when does placating parents and teenagers who want ease trump the safety of residents?

Martha Carlson
Brookfield

Professionalism Must Be Earned
1/17/07
There has been a lot of chatter in the last few months from our public officials on how they intend to professionalize Brookfield . I call it "monster professionalism."

I am all for professionalism and enjoy working with and knowing real professionals. But I think President Garvey's way is nothing more than a matter of power. I suppose that he will do practically anything to preserve his base of power.

Our longtime, knowledgeable village office workers were quietly swept out of their jobs. Public workers who are the backbone of the village have been laid off, only to be replaced by outside help.

President Garvey's strategy is high salaries bring professionalism. But the fact is, it has brought nothing but arrogance and condescending behavior to our residents and workers.

Real professionalism has to be earned. It means that you can be trusted to put the village first. Short-term behavior, as with the new manager, should not be rewarded with a $10,000 pay increase as reported in the Landmark.

We are all shareholders in the growth of our village, but, somehow, that is overlooked by our officials. The big picture is this-poor leadership, poor growth, poor examples set by Michael Garvey as attributed by his kind of risky professionalism.

Jane Harps
Brookfield

Better Brookfield Promises A Flop
12/13/06
The life lines for the Village of Brookfield have heavy weights on them. Promises to build a better Brookfield sounded good at the time, but in my opinion, so far, it's been a big flop.

Another year is coming to a close and President Garvey's rendition of curtailing village spending and improving our village lies somewhere between a sorrowful explanation and excuse. This "Lion King" administration, with its highfalutin payroll and multi-ways of cleaning out our employees and workers reminds me of a wolf wearing a good-government sheepskin. A top-heavy payroll for those newly hired and creating multi-subcommittees, assistants to the assistants eliminates accountability.

So, how can we tell when the lifeboat is full? When President Garvey really feels "thrilled," as he stated many times about the status of Brookfield ? Excessive exultation leads to wishful bliss.

There appears to be a reduction in services to the residents of Brookfield , and at the same time a major increase of salaries of village management.

Jane Harps
Brookfield

Recent Audit Shows Top-Heavy Spending
12/6/06
The Brookfield annual audit was presented to the village board last month, narrowly making the state of Illinois requirement of six months after the fiscal year end.

The numbers presented show a continuation of the current administration's policy of top-heavy, less-resident-friendly management. The examination of some of the reported expenditures shows this trend.

[The village spent] $73,000 less than budgeted for recreation and $237,000 less for capital outlay for recreation. This is glaringly obvious when you peruse the recreation booklet and see the number of discontinued programs or see the state of the Madison Avenue tot lot.

[The village spent] $200,000 less than was budgeted for highways and streets, $160,000 less for street maintenance, nearly $100,000 less for public works salaries and $108,000 less for salaries related to the Building/Code Enforcement Department. This department actually had no full-time employees for an extended period of time to do field inspections.

These reductions in village services total $878,000, so one would then ask how come the fiscal year 2005-06 audit shows only a positive of $236,000. The difference was eaten up by a number of curious expenditures. The legal costs were more than $20,000 over budget, a CPA had to be hired to work on the village's financial reports at $120 an hour after the finance director was forced out, $150,000 was spent over budget for village management salaries, and numerous other budgeted items were exceeded.

This style of management will become even more apparent with the firing of longtime Building Department employee Ruth Ann Blyth and the recent removal of Public Works Director Bill Brandt. Both of these faithful employees were dedicated to the residents of Brookfield and will be missed.

Wilfred Brennan
Brookfield

No Money For Demo A Shame
12/6/06
The politicians in Brookfield would never try to mislead us, would they? After all, residents of our community deserve honesty.

I was reading the " Brookfield village briefs" in the Nov. 22 Landmark regarding the demolition of the former car dealership on Ogden Avenue near East Avenue . My heart was racing, thinking that finally the redevelopment and reconstruction of Ogden Avenue will finally come to fruition, as proposed in the master plan. Well, it would be a start.

I closed my eyes and pictured Ogden Avenue being competitive to LaGrange's downtown, neighboring villages like Madison Street in Forest Park and others near our village. I was thinking of the hustle and bustle, people actually coming to Brookfield for casual browsing and shopping and dining.

But then my bubble broke. Village Manager Ginex, hand-picked by President Garvey, stated that there was not enough money in the village coffers to pay for this demolition. He blamed it on the former public works director, Bill Brandt, who has just "retired" at the age of 56. I don't think that Mr. Brandt could have anything to do with the process except to give a key out for the inspection of the building.

Former Manager Dave Owen secured that building for no cost to Brookfield 's taxpayers. The involved cost was about $3,000 in attorney fees. But most important, too, was the secured environmental grant for about $150,000 from the state for the contamination clean-up. Reimbursement was ours for the asking.

Where did the grant money go and how was it spent? As usual, this administration wants us to follow the Brookfield bouncing ball into hocus-pocus mode of business as usual.

Jane Harps
Brookfield

What Does PEP Have Against Trees?
11/1/06
What does Mike Garvey and his PEP Party cronies have against trees? After the near deforesting of Prairie Avenue , they've now taken to destroying Maple Avenue 's foliage as if Dutch Elm disease was running rampant.

To make matters worse, the firm The Garvey Gang hired apparently does not discriminate against the seeing impaired as they hired only blind men for the job. A child could have performed the work more professionally. It looks pathetic.

And why exactly was this "trimming" done? None of the branches were in the way of traffic. Perhaps Mike was just passing out favors, and Edward Vrdolyak doesn't have a tree cutting service.

Tree branches are a small issue, certainly. But this is just the latest example of Garvey demonstrating a breathtaking lack of concern for the citizens of Brookfield. From canceling Brookfest to approving huge condo projects without adequate parking... to the cold shoulder citizens now receive at city hall, the Garvey administration has ushered in nothing but bad news for Brookfield.

This town has gone downhill with Garvey in charge. Its name will have to be changed to Crookfield before he is finally voted out.

Dan O'Connell
Brookfield

Government Process Doesn't Work In Brookfield
10/25/06
This is my response to the letter in the Landmark by Mark Weber on Oct. 11, " Brookfield board follows rules on development." Whoa, there, Mark. Get a grip on it.

As I've said before, under President Michael Garvey's administration, many outrageous projects have been approved by his trustees. Under Michael Garvey's watch, intense public concern has been ignored. With his board, for some reason, there is a lack of control of developers. Evidently, the process that Mark is talking about does not work.

Prudent planning for the future and supportive architectural design for our village, along with appropriate green space do not belong in the same sentence with this administration ...

I think Mark has a petty peeve and is trying to point his political finger at anyone voicing an opinion. I was a PEP Party member and VIP Party member, and I was also a village trustee. So what?

I think that Mark forgot to mention that he is [a member] of the PEP Party and his wife was appointed village clerk by President Garvey. The clerk is paid ... Mark and his wife have contributed over $1,500 to Garvey's campaign. I call that reward time. Isn't politics just wonderful?

Jane Harps
Brookfield

Brookfield Blew It On Prairie Water Main
10/19/06
The taxpayers of Brookfield have a right to know how their tax dollars are spent, or wasted, as the case may be. The recently paved Prairie Avenue project is a prime example. The project was a 70 percent grant project with the village paying 30 percent of the construction costs, about $500,000. This money will come from the motor/fuel tax fund. The scope of work includes widening, sewer work, and new curbs gutters and asphalt.

Incredibly, the village engineer and Public Works Department did not identify that the water main serving the homes on Prairie Avenue is about 85 years old. It was an oversight and could have been included in the 70/30 grant. The Brookfield administration was made aware of this just about halfway through the project; it seems that there were breaks in the line during construction, too late to apply for grant money.

So what did they do? Cover the 85-year-old water pipe with a brand new street and put the replacement of the water main in the next 5-year water main replacement program. It seems inevitable that mistakes are made, but why compound the problem by putting their heads in the sand?

There is no doubt that the main could have been replaced at a lower cost now, before the paving rather than wait for a year or so. What were they thinking?

Wilfred Brennan
Brookfield

High-Density Projects Upset Residents
10/11/06
I guess I am understanding more clearly what really ticks off the residents of Brookfield with the heartfelt venting of what our village means to them at the canceled meeting at the village hall last week ("Hollywood residents sound off on 60-unit condo building," News, Oct. 4).

First of all, it's about quaintness and character along with ensuring only new low-density buildings will be built in a residential neighborhood.

Secondly, it's about irate homeowners fighting back at greedy developers getting the most bang for their buck while making millions as evidenced by the overbuilding at 31st Street and Prairie and Forest Avenues, while pretending to be sensitive to our wants and needs. The projects just keep coming, getting bigger and higher.

Thirdly, the arrogance of President Michael Garvey's administration faking sincerity for the well being of our village. Property abutters to new projects deserve more say than the zero say that they have now. The illusion of power by this village board is childish.

We need a political shift. McGarvey's drive-up at village hall tried to close its windows to the people, but the residents of Brookfield ain't lovin' it.

Jane Harps
Brookfield

60-Unit Building Wrong For Hollywood
10/04/06
Brookfield has a developing problem. It is going to be a Riverside problem as well. A new five-story, 60-unit building is being proposed in the Hollywood section of Brookfield . This building will start on Brookfield Avenue and continue down McCormick, which is currently single family homes. Besides being wrong for the block, it is wrong for the community. This is another proposal that is too tall and does not provide for enough parking (sound familiar?).

It is several blocks away from my house, so why should I care? First, everyone who lives in School District 96 should be aware that there is no more room. Hollywood School is filled beyond capacity. Many children who live here have to go to school in Riverside . So all the people who move in will be going to school in Riverside .

The problem with this is that of the 45 classrooms available, 45 are currently being used. Some grades are filled to, or slightly above, capacity throughout the district, meaning the school district will have to increase class size beyond its own limit.

Some might point to the new tax dollars that this project will bring. The fact is that a new school or addition will have to be erected, new teachers hired, equipment purchased, and any new revenue from taxes pales in comparison to these costs.

I also believe that overly tall, high-density, multi-unit developments erode the sense of community. They ruin the feel of a neighborhood. One might argue they have a place in a commercial district, but I don't see how that extends into and down a residential block.

The thought that some developer will come in here build a 60-foot brick monstrosity and make a million dollars and leave without ever facing the consequences of what he has wrought ticks me off. Am I fighting to keep others out and keep this great area to myself? Yes.

I worked hard and paid a price to live in this area. It is a great place to live, and it is worth fighting for to keep it great.

Mel Tracy
Brookfield

Take Another Look At Buresh Townhomes
10/4/06
I recently read an article in the Chicago Tribune dated Sept. 21. The headline read "Developer to build temporary parking" and the story went on to say:

"As part of his punishment for deviating from approved plans for his Opera Club condominiums on Marion Street in Oak Park , developer John Schiess of Oak Park has agreed to build a temporary parking lot on South Boulevard that will be available to downtown shoppers during the holidays."

It went on to say that "Schiess also was fined $150,000 for making several changes to the Opera Club building during construction that included using a different brick than was approved by the village and altering some window styles."

This, in my opinion, is some real disturbing news about a person who has been the architect on two projects in the Village of Brookfield since 2001.

All this leads to my following concerns: John Schiess of Oak Park was the architect who built the homes and townhomes at the site of the old Buresh Lobster House. We all remember how concerned the residents in the surrounding area were about flooding and sewer back-ups if the new buildings were built and other safety issues.

John Schiess, the architect, assured the village board and the residents that there would probably be no flooding or sewer back-ups caused by the new construction and there were no safety issues he was aware of at that time.

Mr. Schiess told everyone that the plans included an underground storm retention system made up of several large underground storage tanks and pipes that would stop or alleviate any flooding or backups in the area. Now that the buildings are built, I think the village officials should take a second look at these buildings.

Based on what is now coming to light in Oak Park with Mr. John Schiess and how he altered the plans approved by the village according to the Chicago Tribune, I feel that the Village of Brookfield should re-inspect the Lobster House site where the new buildings are now standing and make sure that the storm water retention system was really installed underground.

Also inspect the buildings and make sure everything was done according to the plans he presented and the Village of Brookfield approved. Also make sure no short cuts were taken to jeopardize any ones health and welfare. It is better to be safe than sorry when safety is an issue. Another problem according to a few people is the way these monstrosities look, not as quaint and beautiful as Mr. Schiess originally presented in his plans.

Bill Russ
Brookfield

Brookfield's Madison Park In A Sorry State
10/04/06
I am writing concerning the state of Madison Park. It has been neglected for several years by this administration. We have called for wood chips several times this year as none were placed last year or this. My husband offered to spread the chips if they were delivered. This never happened.

The weeds have not been dealt with, and the last straw was the removal and destruction of the swings, slide and climbing hexagon. A sign has been placed on the fence saying that there would be new equipment in the spring. I learned there is no plan for this in the budget.

I voted for this administration, but understand there is ill feelings as this park was fixed by the last administration and is now being trashed by this administration. Why?

Who suffers? The children of the neighborhood, my grandchildren and others. This administration has left this park an eyesore.

Sandra Morris
Brookfield

Canceled Meeting Won't Stop Condo Protest
10/4/06
I find it very peculiar that the public hearing to be held in front of the Planning Commission of the Village of Brookfield, in regards to the 60-unit condo development on Brookfield Avenue, was abruptly canceled hours before it was to scheduled to take place. I was told it was a clerical error, despite the public notice published in the Landmark on Sept. 13. Apparently the notice was not posted 48 hours ahead of time at the village hall, ergo the clerical error.

Perhaps, whoever the powers may be got wind of the fact that their is a neighborhood rallying against this development and we all put this time aside to vocalize our thoughts. Perhaps, inadvertently making a clerical error 48 hours prior to this meeting would avert a public outcry against this development. Or, perhaps I am just cynical and it was merely an oversight to post a piece of paper on some bulletin board somewhere in the village hall in regards to this meeting.

I know one thing. I know this has just made me more eager to show up at the meeting which is now scheduled for Oct. 26 at 7 p.m.

This is by far the most ludicrous agenda the master plan is sponsoring. All the variances this development needs are outrageous. Has anyone even addressed the non-variance issues such as the sewer system, traffic pattern and school systems which cannot handle this population influx?

These issues are not variances in any law we have. These issues are just common sense. Hollywood School is already making exceptions to their rules on class sizes due to an influx of children. Can Hauser handle this increased enrollment?

Aren't we still catching up with our sewers, and find it difficult to find the finances to update necessary sewage issues. Heck, we can't even pave our gravel alleys. And, now we're expected to cough up more money for our sewers, roads, traffic lights, schools and other unforeseeable expenses so that the Stronghill Group can dump 60 condos on us and make their money and run?

Come on Brookfield, let's rally against these greedy contractors and say no to the development. Riverside residents who have children attending Hauser should also address this development as it will affect their children.

Rescheduling this meeting is not going to deter us. No clerical error can do that. See you Oct. 26 at 7 p.m. at the village hall.

Mary McKevett
Brookfield

Developers Have It Their Way At McGarvey's
9/27/06
Things are happening pretty fast here in Brookfield. Just about every time you pick up an informative Landmark newspaper, you can read about a substantial development underway, along with the demolition of existing homes.

Acquisitions can make or break a community. It seems as though President Michael Garvey's administration has a propensity for making sure that there is no line formed when handing out permits. Letting variances slide by and deviate from the code here will only cause a disruption in the careful planning of our village and will be problematic in the future.

I suggest that each and every trustee take a pledge that they will be absolutely devoted to enforcing the village code of two parking spaces per unit. Why do the trustees approve everything carte blanche.

It's like President Garvey has made a drive-up facility out of village hall called "McGarvey's." A developer drives up to the window, orders what he wants, pays for the permits and is off and running.

Having it his way, of course-super-sized!

Jane Harps
Brookfield

Brookfield Board Must Take Us For Fools
9/27/06
When the Brookfield village trustees overturned the suggestion by the Zoning Board of Appeals and the plea of local residents to vote down the variance request by Bass Builders to allow for less than two parking spots per townhouse at the Forest Creek project, I must admit I was quite angered.

Well, I have taken a cooling off period, and with the haze of frustration removed, I must say I am thinking more clearly.

My new, improved and objective opinion is that the village and the PEP Party are taking the good residents of Brookfield as fools, dolts and simpletons. The village's cryptic shenanigans will soon be called to the table. But in the meantime, riddle me this.

At the last town meeting [where the Forest Avenue condo development was discussed], a concerned Brookfield property owner requested who is bonding this Forest Creek project. This is a valid question to assure us that a project can be safely completed. The village's response? They did not respond. Why the secret?

I requested from the village the name and owner of the contractor who is behind this project, and the response given? We don't know. ...

I was never good at Three Card Monte. Why the secret?

Trustee Ketchmark [who has voted down variance requests for smaller projects] is approving variances for these monstrosities that are an eyesore and embarrassment to this village. My question is, "Why?"

And for the trustees of this town and the PEP Party, please put this in your "gee whiz" file. Your function is to serve the residents' needs and desires. To discount the residents will ultimately result in the discounting of the PEP Party at the polls this spring.

Me thinks something stinks.

Michael Fressola
Brookfield

Need To Be Smart About Development
9/27/06
I bought my house in Brookfield a little over a month ago and was troubled to see word of the 60-unit condo building being pitched to the Plan Commission mentioned in the Sept. 20 issue of the Landmark. I am troubled, not on the account of growth and development of the community, but by the egregious nature of this particular instance.

I lived in Forest Park for roughly the last seven years