York High School Stadium Light Debate Postponed Until March 10

Elmhurst Zoning and Planning Commission will begin its deliberations regarding York High School stadium lighting and sound issues on March 10, not Feb. 24 as originally scheduled.

The Zoning and Planning Commission completed the public hearing portion of the process on Jan. 27 and will begin examining reams of public comment it has received.

Elmhurst Unit District 205 Superintendent Lynn Krizic and school representatives have asked the Zoning and Planning Commission to change a 25-year-old ordinance to allow the lights at York stadium to stay on longer so student athletes and other student groups can get greater use out of the stadium. The request has brought to light of neighbors, including those who say the lights shine directly into their homes late into the night and questionable song lyrics have blasted over the sound system.

The district already has addressed many of the complaints, and a committee has been working for months to come up with a compromise for a new ordinance residents can agree with. District officials also are considering installing new lights and modifying the sound system to make them less intrusive to neighbors.

Upon completing its deliberations, the commission will put forth a recommendation to a subcommittee of the City Council.

Because a resolution cannot be reached in time for the spring sports season, the city granted District 205 temporary use permits for the stadium from March 16 through May 27.