As a resident deeply concerned about our community's future, I am alarmed by the proposed plans to allow developers to repurchase the donated property from a deal put together a few years ago, only to then rezone it from R1 to R5 and R6. This area's transformation into multi-family residential units would mean the loss of critical natural green spaces that define our neighborhood and enhance our community's quality of life.

We also need to call to the end of any future development at  the Copper Ridge subdivision. Copper Ridge has already displaced wildlife adjacent to the Lemont Township nature area.

The move to rezone these lands threatens to disrupt the delicate balance between development and preservation. Green spaces play a fundamental role in supporting local biodiversity, offering habitats for various species, and providing the community with essential recreational areas to unwind and rejuvenate. They are integral for our mental and physical wellness, a fact backed by research from environmental organizations worldwide that show increased green areas lead to healthier community living.

Allowing this rezoning undermines the promises made by our city to prioritize sustainable development and environmental conservation. If we continue to allow the encroachment of urban sprawl into our green areas, we jeopardize not only the natural beauty of our hometown but also the future environmental health of our community and its residents.

Furthermore, the change from R1 to a higher density of R5 and R6 raises concerns about increased traffic, strain on local infrastructure, and a significant shift in community dynamics. The introduction of high-density housing can lead to congestion, noise pollution, and an overwhelming demand on already stretched local resources such as schools, parks, and emergency services.

Let us stand together to oppose this unsustainable development plan and urge our city officials to reject the rezoning proposal. Preserving our green spaces is crucial not only for current residents but for future generations who will inherit the environment we shape today.

Please sign this petition to protect our community's natural heritage and ensure a sustainable future for all.

Please try to attend the meeting, June 15th at 7:00PM we need to flood the meeting with citizens.

During the previous meeting of the Lemont Planning and Zoning commission Beechen and Dill requested 14 local zoning variances to develop the Copper Ridge West development.

The commission did insist that Beechen and Dill conform to a few codes but then wanted to get engineering reports and discuss their requests a little further.

Also when I directly asked a commission member whether or not the donated land would be ever returned to Dill in the future no positive answer was given to me.

Supposedly Dill requested to repurchase some acreage back but Lemont refused the request for the time being..