Politics & Government

Does the Glen Ellyn Civic Center Meet The Needs of All Its Occupants?

Village board approves $23,500 study to analyze better ways to utilize the property on Duane Street in downtown Glen Ellyn.

Village of Glen Ellyn Trustees approved a $23,500 space needs study, which will determine if the meets the needs of all its occupants.

According to Glen Ellyn Police Chief Phil Norton, his crew of police officers have done the best they can operating out of the first floor of the historic building but Norton said the space is becoming antiquated.

"It needs to be done, we're outdated here," Norton said of the study during Monday's village board meeting.  

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Dewberry, a consulting firm for architectural services, will conduct the study. According to Norton, the firm could come back to the village with proposals to change the use of certain areas in the building like the gym. Norton suggested the firm may even recommend an entirely new facility to house the police station. 

The building used to be a junior high school and was purchased by the village in the 1970s, so Norton said it's time to have a third-party come in and see if it's being used to the best of its ability, and if additions need to be made. 

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The pricetag of the study concerned Trustee Diane McGinley. Before voting yes, she wanted to be assured by staff that this was a necessity. 

"Is this something you consider a high priority?" McGinley asked Village Manager Mark Franz. 

Franz said this is where his staff wanted to spend the money, and to him hiring a professional group is the appropriate method for this study. 

For Trustee Robert Friedberg, it's more about looking ahead to the future, to make sure the proper capital investments are put aside to accomodate for the long-term vision of the Civic Center and police Station. Friedberg said if a long-term plan is neglected than it's likely that short-term changes will be made and ultimately re-done. 


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