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letters to the editor
Updated: February 27, 2012 8:30AM
Northbrook is an urban area, not agricultural
Can you believe it? The village trustees are considering letting people raise chickens in Northbrook. What’s next goats and sheep?
One trustee said, “I think there is a movement in this country to have local food and to have sustainable food, and I think that we should at least look at it.” Perhaps the Landmark Inn would like to put a few head of cattle in their parking lot, they could advertise locally grown hamburgers (local food). The coyotes which have been seen more and more in Northbrook wouldn’t mind a chicken dinner every now and then.
Another trustee said “residents should be able to raise chickens responsibly” just how do you raise chickens responsibly? The added noise and building of chicken coups should really add to the neighborhood. Still another trustee said, “If somebody wants to do that and it’s their own property, I don’t have an objection to it.” Obviously he has never heard of the tree police or the dog barking ordinance. I wonder how he would feel if it was his neighbor raising chickens or operating a truck farm?
I don’t think this is a good idea since the village trustees have elected to have truck farming in front and backyards of Northbrook and now considering farm animals? When will it stop? This is an urban area not agricultural.
Craig Lofgren,
Northbrook
District 34 and its
budget deficit
Are you kidding me?
Just a couple short years ago, District 34 tried again, and finally got, the local folks to agree to a tax increase. We were threatened with loss of basic school functions and cuts in standard school classes. A couple of weeks ago, it was announced that the high schools would be adding artificial turf to their sports fields at a cost of $3 million. What!? Three million dollars? Where did the district come up with this money? Why do we need artificial turf? Couldn’t District 34 find a hugely better use for $3 million? Do the board members realize that the Bears, the Cubs and the Sox all play on real grass? Hasn’t it been shown that it is much more likely to get hurt on the artificial stuff than on grass?
I was going to keep this all to myself until I read todays news... “$4 million needed to plug District 34 deficit.” Are you kidding me? Lets just say that I have a great idea on where most of that deficit could be found. And please, don’t even think of asking for a another tax increase.
Brad Rowe,
Glenview
Grocery store needed
I have been reading about a possible grocery store being built near Golf Road in Glenview.
A grocery store is needed in downtown Glenview, not near Morton Grove and not like the location of the Jewel near Northbrook.
The old Dominick’s store on Waukegan Road is a perfect location, not near any other large grocery stores.
The Village of Glenview said it couldn’t do anything for five years to replace the old Dominick’s store. We are close to five years now. I do hope the Village board will continue to pursue locating a grocery store at that location.
When Glenview’s population was 15,000, we had five grocery stores in the heart of the town (A&P, Kroger’s, National-Tea, Rugen’s, Lavernier’s).
A grocery store would serve as a good anchor for other stores in the area.
We need a grocery store at this end of town!
Longtime Glenview resident,
Elaine Barber
Thankful for teachers, staff who care
I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of the outstanding teachers and staff in our schools, specifically School Districts 62, 63, 64, 207, Notre Dame College Prep and Our Lady of Destiny.
My organization, Maine Community Youth Assistance Foundation, works with these schools regularly and I am always heartened to find so many caring teachers and other school staff (teacher assistants, custodians, cafeteria workers, etc.) that go above and beyond to support our children.
These extraordinary people show up early or stay late to provide extra educational support, and they coach or lead clubs and other activities that our children are passionate about. They not only model healthy, responsible behavior but also get involved when a child’s heart is wounded, and make it a priority to connect with our kids.
They may simply offer a smile in the hallway that tells our children, “I see you. You matter.” They also care enough to set high expectations because they know our children are capable.
We are extremely fortunate to have so many caring teachers and support staff in our schools that are exemplary models of the type of people we want our children to grow up and be.
Margaret Polovchak
Director, MCYAF
Des Plaines
