District 87 Makes Concessions on Memorial Lights

After almost a year of debate, officials are willing to make concessions on the usage of lights at Memorial Field. 

First, the installation of lights has to be approved by Glen Ellyn's Village Trustees, but Thursday's plan commission was the first time district officials offered up specific compromises. This came as a shock to Mary Ozog, district 87 board member, and other Our Field Our Town members who were upset that this announcement came after hours of testimony and numerous public hearings. 

"This did not have to get to this point," said Kirk Burger, OFOT president. 

Although they are thankful for these concessions, those opposed to the lights wish the district would have worked more closely with the group to get to this point. If that were the case, Jim Ozog, resident and attorney representing the opposition, says plan commission meetings could have been completed by now.

"It took us nine nights of contention to get them to this point," said Jim Ozog. 

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However, Jim Ozog does not think the school district has made enough concessions. He would like to see a limit on the amount of games at Memorial Field, although he would not say exactly how many games would be acceptable.  

During Thursday's plan commission meeting, Chris McClain, district 87 assistant superintendent for business services, said district officials have been "good listeners." That's why the district compromised months ago, stating instead of a 10 p.m. shut off for lights, officials would flip the switch at 9:30 p.m., in addition to no lights on Sundays. 

Now, McClain said third-parties could still rent the field just not under the lights, which includes Glen Ellyn Park District programs. The District would also limit Saturday light usage to 14 nights during the school year and no summer light usage.

The next plan commission meeting will be held on Wednesday, Nov. 30. Cross-examination and the public comment section is complete. Plan commissioners will get to ask questions at the next meeting, which will be followed by closing arguments. The commissioners will then go into deliberations. It's likely that there will be three more plan commission meetings before it's turned over to the village board of trustees.