Talk of the Town Dupage

DuPage County zoning officials Thursday evening heard about proposed zoning changes aimed at the arrival of non-traditional occupants in traditional neighborhoods.

The public hearing before the county Zoning Board of Appeals drew about 70 people, including numerous speakers who criticized the proposal, saying it would be unfair to religious groups.

The County Board’s Development Committee worked with staff to draw up the draft revisions, which define places of assembly and add detail to the separately identified religious institutions that seek to locate in unincorporated DuPage. The proposed changes would allow places of assembly in all business, office/retail and industrial zoning districts and forbid them in areas zoned for residential use. A grandfathering clause would place existing churches, mosques, ashrams, lodges and other gathering places in a special overlay district.

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Rod Blagojevich has been the main event in the corruption sweep known as Operation Board Games — but he’s not the only one with a stake in Tuesday’s partial verdict.

There’s still another major player who must stand trial, and at least 10 others await sentencing — some who have waited five years for the conclusion of Blagojevich’s trial so their own cases can come to an end.

Full story: Chicago Sun-Times

Longtime Oakbrook Terrace City Manager Martin Bourke has resigned.

Bourke has been with the city since 2000 and submitted his letter of resignation late last month. He used remaining vacation days to finish his tenure with the city, officials said.

The city council accepted Bourke’s resignation and approved an undisclosed severance package at its July 27 meeting.

Full story: Daily Herald

Citing low interest rates and a federal program that partially covers interest costs, DuPage County Board Chairman Robert Schillerstrom issued a proposal Wednesday to borrow $70 million to pay for 22 capital improvement projects.

The projects cover a wide range on the county’s wish list, including five road improvements, a new backup power source at the county complex, upgrades for the convalescent center’s kitchen and $2 million for flood issues.

Full_Story@Daily_Herald