Glendale Hts. park land plan vetoed.(News)

Glendale Heights Village President Ben Fajardo vetoed trustees' decision to buy park land. Fajardo said he nixed the purchase of more than one acre along Water's Edge Drive because no one is sure how much money will be needed to make it a viable park. The land, on the northwest side of town, was to be the site of six condominium buildings. But only two were built. All that remains of the others is unfinished foundations.

The purchase price of $540,000 is supposed to include removal of all the debris. A state grant will cover half of the cost.
But there are other problems with the land that might end up costing the village money, Fajardo said. "Open space is very important," Fajardo said. "But you also must consider how effective it will be as a park."

One issue is the retention pond on the park land, which is about 10 feet away from a building. Fajardo said he's worried the village will end up taking ownership of the pond from the condominium association. Then the village will have to pay for maintenance and worry about liability if someone falls into the water, he said.
"I've seen small children playing near the pond without supervision," Fajardo said.
Fajardo also said he is concerned because the only road that allows access to the park is owned by the condominium association. "It's vital that be part of the park," Fajardo said. If the village doesn't own the road, officials can't provide parking for park visitors, Fajardo said.

Trustees have the right to override Fajardo's veto. They need four votes to override. And that is possible considering four trustees voted to buy the land.
Trustee Larry Giampa was one of those trustees who voted for the land purchase.
It is difficult to say if trustees will decide to reverse Fajardo's decision, Giampa said. "There's great arguments on both sides of the issue," Giampa said. "I think every trustee is thinking it over."
Mawhorr, S.A.