Anonymous Donor Offers to Pay for New Stadium Lights at York

A donor has come forward and offered to underwrite the entire at the Clarence D. East Field at York High School. The donor is asking that the $150,000 donation remain anonymous. 

The use of sound and lights at the stadium has been a point of contention between York High School and neighbors of the stadium . A solution to reduce the sound spill in the neighborhood during athletic and other activities already is under way. The lighting fix had been put on hold due to the cost of the project.

The new lighting system would virtually eliminate “light spill” into the adjacent neighborhoods, which had been one of the major complaints of nearby residents.

An ordinance on overall stadium use has been debated in the Elmhurst Zoning and Planning Commission for many months. Last month, the commission , and it was moved on to the City Council for further consideration.

The $150,000 donation will be made to the District 205 Education Foundation. Upon the completion of the project, the foundation will release the money for distribution to the contractor.

Members of the York Community Advisory Committee have been meeting with stadium neighbors with regard to the lighting project. A report on the outcome of those meetings will be shared at tonight's meeting at 7:30 p.m. at the administration building, 162 S. York St.

In accordance with district policy, Gifts to the District: “The Board may accept gifts from individuals or organizations which it deems beneficial to the general welfare of the students. In these cases, approval in advance must be granted by the superintendent. Any gift must be in accordance with the board's policy related to conflict of interest and solicitation of prizes and gifts."

Superintendent Lynn Krizic will recommend that the Board of Education accept the donation, according to information on BoardDocs, the district's e-governance Web site.

Accepting the donation and awarding the lighting bid will ensure the project is completed before the start of the fall athletic season.