UPDATE:

The Fix Was In: Resident Voices Ignored Again

Thank you to everyone who signed the petition, spoke out, and tried to protect our neighborhood.
Last night, September 8th, it became entirely clear that it didn't matter what residents said or did—this decision was already set from the get-go.
Despite hundreds of signatures, overwhelming community opposition, and undeniable proof of the traffic congestion and safety risks this drive-thru poses near Herrick Middle School and Downers Grove North High School, our voices were completely ignored, again. The entire process made it obvious that the approval was a done deal long before the public ever had a chance. Local families were dismissed so a corporate drive-thru could be pushed through.
The council chose to look past the safety of our kids and the concerns of the taxpayers they are supposed to represent. Fortunately, it is an election year coming up for some of these council members, and residents have very long memories.

Thank you again for everyone's support!

 WE DID IT! Huge News from the July 6th Meeting! 5 to 1 recommendation for DENIAL; but it's still not over!! The proposal  and denial recommendation from the zoning and planning commission will now move forward to the Village Council for the final vote.

How You Can Continue to Help Right Now

** Email the Council: mayorcouncil@downers.us and ask them to uphold the Zoning and planning commission’s DENIAL recommendation.  ( I am writing to urge the Village Council to uphold the Zoning and Planning Commission's recommendation to DENY the Dutch Bros proposal )

** Keep Sharing: If you have neighbors who haven’t signed yet, please send them this petition. Let’s keep growing our numbers.

** Stay Tuned: I will keep a close eye on the Village Council's calendar and let you know the exact date they put this on the agenda.

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.