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This two-story stone Colonial Revival residence was completed in 1936 as
part of a federal WPA project. Its original occupant was Robert McKee, the
county park district’s first superintendent. Earlier this year, the DuPage
County Forest Preserve District Board of Commissioners voted to demolish the underutilized
building. After much community protest, the forest park district board agreed in August to
give the local advocacy group, Citizens for Glen Ellyn Preservation, one
month to find a government party willing to purchase the Churchill
buildings, which also include the original park headquarters and a well
house. Two weeks later, the President of the DuPage Housing Authority
approached Citizens for Glen Ellyn Preservation with a plan to reuse the
building as veterans’ housing, which they presented to the DuPage County
Forest Preserve District Board of Commissioners on September 19th.
Negotiations are under way that
would enable the DuPage Housing Authority to lease all three buildings for
two years. This would give the DuPage Housing Authority time to obtain
estimates on renovation costs, obtain zoning approval, and secure funds to
renovate the buildings and negotiate the purchase of the property. The
DuPage Housing Authority board has approved an expenditure of $25,000 to
help with preliminary expenses. Objections to the plan have been voiced,
citing funding competition with a homeless veterans’ shelter in Wheaton.
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What Can I Do?
Urge the DuPage County Forest Preserve Board to vote in favor of a two year
lease agreement with the DuPage Housing Authority to explore the building’s
possible re-use for veterans’ housing. Contact Mr. D. "Dewey" Pierotti, Jr.,
Forest Preserve District President, P.O. Box 5000, Wheaton, IL 60189, (630)
933-7225 dpierotti@dupageforest.com.
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