Summary of Presentation Related to Bethany Lutheran Church's Sale of Lots 1-6 (property that backs up to Sawmill) – Homeowners’ Meeting July 15, 2008

A.              Meeting with Church and Builder on July 9, 2008

Dr. Pam Monday’s presentation regarding this meeting is summarized elsewhere on this website (Click to read).

B.              History of How the 2008 Ordinance Exempting Bethany Lutheran and Developers from current law.

Marilyn Simpson’s presentation regarding history is summarized elsewhere on this website (Click to read).

C.              Why Preserve Brodie Wild?

Dr. Ruth Andersen’s presentation regarding Brodie Wild and including her meeting with city staffers is summarized elsewhere on this website (Click to read).

      D.         Impact on Oak Parke Property Values

Amy McDonald, an Oak Parke property owner and also a realtor, gave a report on the impact of this apartment project on home values.  She stated that it could make property values go down as much as 30%.  The main impact will be on the properties on Sawmill since they will back up to the apartment complex. However, she stated that this will affect all properties in the Oak Parke community as all property values are impacted by "comps" within the neighborhood.  She reminded everyone how hard we've worked to maintain property values in our community.

Ms. McDonald also suggested that we find an alternative to the apartment complex. For instance, commercial property that would not interfere with our quality of life and that would not impact our home values. Suggestions of this type of property would be doctor's offices such as those built on Wm Cannon near Westgate.

       E.         Apology from Bethany Lutheran Church Member

Scott Koczman, Oak Parke resident and also a member of Bethany Lutheran Church, apologized for Bethany Lutheran Church. He wanted the Oak Parke residents to know that most of the church members were not aware of the sale to Walters Southwest until they received a letter from their pastor.  He asked that Oak Parke residents remember that Bethany Lutheran's decisions were not being made by the church's members as a whole but by only a few that govern the church.