For seven years, I called the Norway community my home and continue to live just five miles away in Sheridan. It's a small and tight-knit community, and the thought of losing a historic landmark like the old Thousand Trail Resort — later known as Silver Leaf Resort, Fox River Resort and most recently Holiday Inn Resorts — to commercial sale is deeply concerning.

Having an iconic place like this change hands can profoundly impact not just the landscape, but the very fabric of our town, a community of just 89 people. This property has been part and parcel of our community’s identity and history, offering a place where families gather, nature’s beauty is cherished, and memories are forged.

This property is home to endangered species. Indian burial grounds and so much more. 

The sale threatens to mar our community by potentially turning this cherished piece of property into something more commercial, which may not align with the values and needs of our small town. We fear it could usher in changes that could disrupt the peace, tranquility, and simplicity that we've come to cherish in Norway.

Here's why this matters:

1. **Community Identity and Heritage**: For decades, this property has served residents and visitors alike, contributing to the cultural and communal heritage of Norway, IL. Having it sold to an entity looking for commercial gain could erode the communal spirit and historic importance of this landmark.

2. **Environmental Concerns**: The resort is encompassed by natural beauty. Large-scale commercial development could harm local flora and fauna, disrupt natural ecosystems, and decrease the overall environmental quality we currently cherish and protect.  EPA has already paid many visits and cited the previous owners many times for violations, we fear there was never a fix put into place. 

3. **Economic Impact**: While new developments might bring in revenue, they could also redirect it away from small, local businesses that serve as the lifeblood of our community. Instead of external commercial interests, we urge investment in preserving and enhancing local businesses that reflect Norway's history and values.

4. **Community Cohesion**: Norway thrives on its strong community ties. Transforming a significant local landmark into a potentially out-of-place commercial zone may strain these bonds and alter the demographics in unsettling ways.

What we want is a chance to preserve the essence of our home. We propose that instead of selling, stakeholders and the community unite to explore options that cater to the town’s historical and environmental ethos, while still meeting financial requirements.

We urgently need your support to halt this sale and to explore alternative paths that respect both the past and the future of Norway, IL.

Please sign this petition to help us protect the distinctive character and rich heritage of our heartfelt community.