Nov. 11--Several lawn signs along Maple Avenue went missing recently in what may reflect ongoing conflict and animosity among neighbors over the possible forming of a historic district.
Police reports state that seven lawn signs were stolen from the lawns in the 600, 700 and 800 blocks of Maple Avenue on Nov. 4 or Nov. 5.
The resident who contacted police said he thought the thefts were politically motivated because all of the stolen signs opposed the historic district in the area while lawn signs advocating appeared untouched, the report states.
The signs pertain to recent efforts by a group of residents to turn Maple Avenue into a historic district within Downers Grove. The district was one of the latest efforts to save the home at 942 Maple Avenue from demolition. A developer recently received preliminary approval from the village to tear down that home and the neighboring one, and build a five-story, 55-unit condo building in their place.
Residents have petitioned the neighborhood for support of the district over the past few weeks. According to local ordinance, at least half of all property owners must endorse an application for a historic district before it can be considered by the village.
Several residents who spoke out against the condos at a recent hearing said the effort has caused rifts among neighbors debating the historic preservation versus individual property rights. One resident called the dispute a "turf war." Village officials said no application to establish a historic district has been filed, which could indicate that supporters were unable to gather the required number of signatures.
