Letter to the Editor: Save Money and Vote Against 95th Street Extension

Dear Editor, 

On Thursday, the Will County Board will be asked for vote on the historic nature of the fork in the DuPage river. (11-260)

Previously, the historic committee voted YES - it is historic (4-3) and the land use committee voted NO.. we want a road instead (0-5-1) 

I attended the Land Use committee meeting and can say 5 out of 6 people didn't vote regarding "Historic or Not".. they voted "We want the Road or not". 

They were even warned by the State's Attorney on "Please remember what you are voting on and you must keep your opinions of Future 95th as they are different issues". One member responded that a "historic designation" could hurt the road's chances, right? He (State's Attorney) replied YES... and then they all voted NO.   It was a shame to watch and an embarrassment to Will County elected officials. 

I ask you PLEASE to help spread the word: 

• Future 95th at the DuPage fork is beautiful.  
• Future 95th Property is historic and was proven in the 1995 survey to have Prehistoric, Native American, and 1930's significance (Boughton Family) 
• Future 95th has significant wetlands that will be destroyed.  
• Future 95th is not needed and is a waste of money. 

I think the DuPage fork was best summarized by a Historian on the Will County Historic Committee, who said:

"With all I know about the Potawatomi Indians, how they lived, and where they settled, I have to vote in favor of Preservation because I KNOW it was important". 

Additional comments  "The finding do show that for 1000's of years settlers of all kinds landed at this EXACT same spot at the fork in the DuPage river" 

The Historic committee voted 4-3 in favor of preservation.. and they are the experts. 

I've spoken to over 200 homeowners in the area and almost everyone in the area believes the road can be done different to not distroy the "fork" and its beauty. Many others believe this road is simply not needed anymore because of the great job that was done on Plainfield/Naperville x Boughton enhancements over the past two years.  There is no longer a back up anywhere in the area and traffic is light in all areas in Northern Will County, with perhaps the exception of 59/95th - 3 miles away.  Will County never needed "both projects" and one of them is a waste of money is what I heard tonight at the "public hearing" at the 95th Street Library. 

At a time where money is tight in this country and beauty is even more limited, many of us tonight respectfully suggested that the confluence be marked historical, the bike paths put in for all to see and use, and road to be done differently to not destroy the fork or even better - don't build the road at all.   The added bonus is not spending approaximately $33M of tax payer dollars, but maybe $1-3M to put the bike paths, parking lots, and the Historic monuments necessary to honor its history from native american ancestors to the Boughton family themselves. 

Geno Valente

Naperville Resident

Will County Resident