Protect Our Downers Grove Neighborhood from Unnecessary Congestion and Safety Hazards

Sign the petition, and please email planning@downers.us right now.
Subject: Deny Dutch Bros Special Use Permit
Body: Ask the Planning Commission to VOTE NO to protect our neighborhood, community, and the children of Herrick and DGN!

I am a resident of the Downers Grove neighborhood, a community that prides itself on safety, efficiency, and tranquility. A proposal to build a Dutch Bros Coffee shop at the corner of Saratoga and Ogden Avenue poses a significant threat to our community's well-being and quality of life. This is not just a coffee shop; it introduces a series of challenges that we cannot ignore.

### **Traffic Congestion and Safety Risks**

The proposed site is in close proximity to two schools and nestled within a neighborhood, an area already densely populated with traffic lights and pedestrian activities. Introducing a high-traffic business such as Dutch Bros Coffee will dramatically increase traffic congestion, creating potential safety hazards for our children walking to and from school, as well as for pedestrians. In Naperville, a similar proposal was wisely denied due to these very concerns.

### **Evidence of Impact**

The '7 Brew' effect is a term used to describe the long lines and subsequent congestion caused by such drive-thru establishments. Similar businesses have proven to strain traffic patterns and compromise pedestrian safety in similar setups. For example, in other municipalities where Dutch Bros has been introduced, there are clear records of increased traffic violations and accidents near their locations.

### **Preserve Our Community Values**

Our community has worked diligently to maintain a peaceful environment that supports local businesses without compromising our values. We have a say in what our neighborhood looks like and how it functions. This proposal does not align with our community's vision for a harmonious living environment.

By standing together, we can express our legitimate concerns to our local planners and decision-makers. Our request is simple: let's prioritize the safety and tranquility of Downers Grove over potential commercial gain. Please join me in preventing the development of this unnecessary establishment by signing this petition today. Your support makes a difference in preserving the integrity and safety of our beloved neighborhood.