Western Springs was still awaiting documentation Wednesday, April 22, after sending a notice of violation April 17 to administrators at Lyons Township High School District 204 regarding a track and field facility that had been installed at the school’s south campus.
According to the notice, two concrete pads and poles for netting were installed for a discus area directly west of Bennett Field, without the benefit of an approved amendment to a conditional use permit that was previously issued. The village reportedly received four complaints in March and April about this.
The notice states that no further construction, installation or use of the subject property can occur until after an amendment to a conditional use permit has been applied for and approved by the Village Board. And failure to comply may result in the village pursuing recourse via citations and fines of up to $750 a day.
Also stated in the notice was that the school district must provide documentation no later than Friday April 24 that the discus structures that have already been installed comply with the architect’s design. In addition, the school district must provide a completed application of all required submittals for a conditional use permit amendment no later than May 15. Failure to meet either, or both, of these stipulations also could result in fines of up to $750 a day.
Selmin Cicek, communications manager for Western Springs, said the village was still waiting April 22 for the documentation confirming that the structures already installed comply with the architect’s design and a completed application for a conditional use permit amendment.
Mary Lin Muscolino, coordinator of community relations for the school district, said the discus area previously was used for archery and district officials didn’t know approval was required to make the switch. She said the district plans to meet the village’s deadlines for filing additional requests for approvals.
Chuck Fieldman is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.
