Three Elmhurst aldermen want the city to look into drafting a more vigorous policy to protect historical properties. This comes after residents campaigned against the planned demolition of a nearly century-old house, which began this week when the Parrillis, owners of the house, started the deconstruction.
Elmhurst resident Monica Cook spoke to the City Council this week about her neighbor’s excavation, which she said requires her to remove an Elm tree at a cost of $8,000. The tree was irreparably damaged by a neighbor’s excavation.
A plan to tear down a 96-year-old house in Elmhurst’s historic district has spurred some concerned residents to call on city officials to reinvigorate the city’s Historic Preservation Commission, a move they hope will lead to a more active role for the commission in saving homes of historic or architectural significance from demolition.
Residents tried–unsuccessfully–to save the house at 292 S. Arlington Ave. Neighbors oppose the demolition of the nearly century-old house.
Elmhurst resident Christie Ainge speaks Monday at the Elmhurst City Council Meeting about the need for more affordable housing in town. It was part of the debate over merging two lots to allow the demolition of a historic house to make way for a new one. The median-value house in Elmhurst is more than double the statewide median.
Trees were taken down Tuesday morning at the nearly century-old house at 292 S. Arlington Ave. This was one day after the City Council enacted a measure paving the way for the home’s demolition. Mayor Scott Levin conceded not a “whole lot was going on” with the local preservation commission.
