The Absurdity of the Pro Six Story Addison Parking Deck

Last night's continuation of the public hearing on the zoning variance requests for the proposed parking deck was very entertaining. In the beginning we were treated to a stroll down memory lane complete with historical pictures of buildings owned and built by one of Elmhurst's founding fathers. Apparently this Mr. Glos had to keep building bigger buildings to accomadate his needs. This was presented by someone identifying himself being from the Elmhurst City Centre. I guess this was to imply that we need to build the biggest parking deck possible because of some impending population boom the likes of which haven't been seen the 1930 census. But if you look at the historical population of Elmhurst it has actually shrunk since 1970.

Another proponent was a gentleman identifying himself as the owner of H.B Jones and Salseria. If you have eaten at both establishments I will let the reader judge if increased parking will help out his restaurants. I will say I do find it fascinating how often H.B. Jones has been listed as an in-kind contributor of local elected officials.

The one proponent of the six stories on Addison that I actually believe is using logic is Mr. Willis, owner of the movie theater. If I was a movie theater owner and Elmhurst was willing to shell out millions for additional stories of parking a popcorn's throw from my establishment I would be for it as well.

I generally found the Zoning Board professional in their questioning of the public speakers for and against the zoning variances. The Chairman, Mr. Whistler, was clearly trying to be diplomatic when asking Mr. Pezza to summarize even though he did not ask the gentleman from The City Centre to summarize even though the latter seemed to rattle on just as long, but he did so respectfully. The other commissioners seemed to ask dutiful questions and presented themselves professionally with the exception of Mr. Torcasso who seemed genuinely annoyed with Mr. Pezza's lengthy presentation and could be seen on a personal electronic device from time to time. It was my opinion that he really did not want to be there. I would suggest if this is going to be how he behaves during important city business he may want to rethink the tenure of his term on the zoning board.