Meet Glen Ellyn residents of 30+ years, Donna and Mark Rhodes of 538 Hillside Ave. They have a story of Developers strong-arming their way into their backyard that you should hear.  We urge you to read this, because, although this may not concern you directly, this series of events could be thrust upon anyone in Glen Ellyn. 

The Rhodes have built a wonderfully private backyard which they enjoy with their grandkids, family and neighbors.  The Village is in the process of approving a special variance to the Property Developer at 413 Main Street which will eliminate all the Rhodes' backyard privacy. 

The 413 Main St property that butts up to the Rhodes backyard (on the East side) is currently zoned Commercial, but the owner is now proposing to change that zoning to Residential in order to build 12 new apartment units. Here's the kicker: the proposal includes ground level 12-foot (HUGE) windows intrusively overlooking the Rhodes' private backyard. They will be able to stand against the windows and be body-to-body with the first-floor tenant(s) with only glass separating them. In addition, the plan is to build 5 patios and 6 balconies on the North side of the building, significantly amplifying all sound directed to the East impacting the Rhodes and the Hillside neighbors.

Despite this being a clear hardship on the Rhodes, the Village Planning Commission has already approved this!  So we need your help influencing the final decision by the Trustees at the Village Board meeting on 2/28. We want them to vote "NO" to the variance request. 

This is a classic David and Goliath story, and the Rhodes' need our help. Our voices as Glen Ellyn homeowners and residents need to matter to the Village Board. We would hope that they wouldn't grant these types of variances to property developers at the expense of the residents who love this town so dearly.  You may not be the Rhodes Family, but this situation could happen to anyone.  Your voice matters!  Your voice is a vote! If you live in Glen Ellyn, please sign this petition today. 

Click here to READ PETITION TO TRUSTEES. 

Click here to READ LETTER from Donna and Mark to all neighbors. 

Click here to SEE BEFORE and AFTER mock-up photo. 

Click here to SEE FULL PROPOSAL from Developer. 

[ If you would like more information, please go to the Village of Glen Ellyn website at https://www.glenellyn.org, Agendas & Minutes, Most Recent Events, Plan Commission Meeting 1/27.  There you will find all the details of the proposed project. ]