Rt. 53 plans need to go beyond Rt. 53

The recent revelation by the Obama Administration that gas prices are rising is gratifying because now it realizes that many Americans are getting gouged at the pump.

It is likely to force people to stop driving as much and opt for public transportation or spend more time at home watching public access TV – which includes such things as replays of Village Board meetings. The crisis is worse than you think.

If, however, folks drive less, that means there will be fewer cars on the road, less congestion and therefore less of a need for major road projects – like the extension of Rt. 53.

That’s probably not going to happen, so plans for the extension of Rt. 53 will continue. Unfortunately.

The battle over the extension of Rt. 53 will be to area politicians what the proposed cross town expressway was to Richard J. Daley – yes Richard J. Daley. It was an idea that was supposed to eradicate what ailed city traffic. Now, years later, there is still traffic in the city and no cross-town expressway.

Rt. 53 could be on the same course. There’s no doubt that congestion along north/south corridors in Lake County, especially along routes 12 and 14 is horrific because of the development in the county. That should not come as a surprise, however, because the Northeastern Illinois Planning Commission saw the growth patterns in Lake County.

The problems, as I see it, with the planned extension of Rt. 53 are two-fold. First, and in my mind, foremost, while the extension will ease backups, especially at Lake-Cook Road, it appears that backups will just be moved north to Rt. 120. Granted, the project calls for massive improvements to

Rt. 120 that appears to be the only east-west corridor that be improved. Traffic on east-west roads in Lake County, with few exceptions, is extremely congested, which means by extending Rt. 53, there will likely be greater traffic on those roadways. A comprehensive plan for Rt. 53 should include improvements to those roads that will provide access to what will become a major roadway.
Routes 22, 45/ 60, 176 and 137 need improvements. All of those roads deal with heavy traffic, and if the economy ever improves, will likely see a continuation of the suburban sprawl to the north and northwest.

Another needed aspect of the proposed Rt. 53 extension is accommodations for car pools and public transportation. High occupancy lanes, for cars with two or more passengers and bus-only lanes would reduce dependency on natural resources and possibly maintain an environmental balance with Lake County. In a perfect world, a light rail system could be included, one which would link the outlying suburbs with commuter rail or buses.

The size of the extension is also a point of debate. Given the nature of Lake County, a four-lane project (two lanes in each direction) augmented by a landscaped median is often seen as a possibility – picture Lake Shore Drive. A standard six-lane highway would probably draw the most ire of folks in Lake County, not only from an aesthetic standpoint, but cost as well.

If the county continues to grow as it has, six lanes may, at some point, become necessary. Until then, however, the cost difference between a four- and six-lane road should be earmarked for improvements of the access roads to and from an extended Rt. 53.

The last thing anyone wants is to replace a headache with an upset stomach.

OMG -- say it ain't so!

The turmoil that surrounded the crackdown (yes, I know, bad choice of words) on cell phones and their apparent connection drug dealing at Stevenson High School has seemingly ebbed.  The key word here is seemingly.

Students, parents, administrators and folks who just want to hone in on a ruckus at the Mecca on 22, have all had their say in one way or another.

But not as much as you would think.  According to a report in the Daily Herald, the Feb. 13 meeting of the District 125 was void of any public comments about the situation.  Board President Bruce Lubin gave his statement explaining the district’s position, but you kind of expected that.

So as this latest saga regarding Stevenson seemed to fade into the archives of board minutes, the Countryside arrived.  Yes, the meeting was covered.  No surprise.

No doubt there was considerable grousing Stevenson students and parents, and probably by some faculty members – that all comes with the territory.

The question may be this – just how big is the territory.  Included in the Feb. 16 Countryside is a letter by Myra Newman-Foley.  My guess is Myra must have a connection to Stevenson, the community, or have mental telepathy that is beyond belief.

See, Myra lives in Palm Springs.  Yes, that Palm Springs – as in California.

She doesn’t say why she’s so interested Stevenson from her garden of wheat germ on the west coast, nor does she offer solutions.  Just barbs that Stevenson students had it coming.

As she wrote “between the permissive parents and the school officials who turned their heads (probably to keep Stevenson ranked high the State of Illinois, etc) it’s finally time that this took place.”

All for a police state -- raise your hand.   Thank you Myra, that will do.

There’s no doubt that Stevenson is not a perfect high school.   But neither is Woodstock, New Trier, Glenbrook South, Maine East, Thornton Fractional or Fenger.  By reading Miz N-F’s letter to the Countryside (http://buffalogrove.suntimes.com/opinions/letters/10473029-474/letter-about-time-for-stevenson-drug-bust.html) you’d think the school was under siege and there was a need for Marshall Law. 

It’s not.  It is, fortunately, or unfortunately, depending on your point of view, a typical high school.  

Granted, the demographics of the surrounding communities may not be typical, but teens have been finding ways to usurp the law since laws were made.

So who’s to blame?  Myra wants to blame the school, and there may be some blame there, and the parents.  Myra knows best, because she’s “heard” -- just ask her “I heard that in years past parents supposedly called their kids on their cell phones to let them know the police were on campus and to stash whatever they had. True or not? I say probably true.”

True, some parents may have done that -- but how about the parents who guided their students toward academic excellence?  How about the parents who volunteer in schools?  How about parents who thank teachers for calling home when their student goes astray?

Hello, Myra?  You say you’ve “heard”, but you claim that it needs to be run like a “private school” and that “This school needs to have stricter rules, a better dress code and tighten up on security.”

Nothing’s perfect, including Stevenson High School – but don’t think because a seemingly handful of kids screw up that the entire school is out of control.  It’s not and there are a lot of outstanding students at Stevenson.

But you wouldn’t know that from reading Myra’s letter.

Myra is quick to propose solutions to what she has heard while basking in Palm Springs.

It’s easy being an arm-chair quarterback on Monday morning.  No muss, no fuss – just an “I told you so attitude.”

Myra, like Monday morning quarterbacks, just needs two simple things:  A game plan and a play book.

Oh, and maybe a life.

And hey, let's be careful out there...

Yes, Virginia, these are real -- actual items taken from the Buffalo Grove Police report...

 Can you hear me now?

A Buffalo Grove resident reported that he found a cell phone on a walking trail near Green Lake Park, along Thompson Blvd on 01/24. The resident tried to turn the phone on, but would not work. Upon examining the phone to obtain the serial number, the battery of the device was wet. A representative of Sprint was contacted to try and obtain owner information with negative results. A property control form was completed and the phone was placed into evidence. 

Glad we have a vicious dog ordinance…

A resident reported a stray Chihuahua running lose in the area. Officers responded and were able to locate the dog and placed it in a cage. The dog became aggressive, so it was immediately transported to Kings Kennel. The owner of the dog arrived on station where three citations were issued. 

Can’t you just hear Neal Sedaka? Breaking up is hard to do,..

Complainant reported breaking up with his girlfriend and she threatened to destroy his personal property. The complainant wanted this documented and did not want the ex contacted. 

Check the Chihuahua

Resident reported foot prints leading to a window and around the home. Officer determined the prints to be that of an animal. 

Samurai night fever?

Resident turned in for destruction three swords that she no longer wanted but did not feel comfortable to place the items in the garbage. 

But she has a nice personality…sometimes

Resident reported her son’s girlfriend, who is staying with her, has not been taking her medications and has become uncontrollable.

Check the Chihuahua – Part II

Resident found a Boxer/Rottweiler puppy running loose in the area of Deerfield Road and Milwaukee Avenue. The twenty five pound puppy with BIG (sic)paws, did not have a collar or tags and did not have a chip. She was taken to Kings Kennel. 

Try a Facebook page…

Resident reported someone ringing all of the door bells in the building in an effort to gain entry. Officer located two subjects who are Jehovah Witnesses wanting to pass their message on to residents. Officer suggested they leave a notice with a call back number for anyone in the building that may be interested in speaking with them. 

Smart thinking…

Resident received a phone call from American Cash Awards, telling her that she won 2.5 million dollars. She was advised that she needed to send $400.00 via Western Union for fees and taxes. The resident hung up. 

Talk about a lack of interest…

Resident reported receiving phone calls from someone offering to lower her interest rates. The calls continue even though the caller was asked to stop. The resident was advised of the do not call list procedure.

Must be the caffeine…

Center employee reported that a patient threatened to throw coffee on him if the employee did not clean a wound. Officer spoke to the patient who denied the threat. The patient’s wife stated she would discuss the issue with the employee’s supervisor. 

Let’s go out and win one for the Zipper…

Customer stated that he had his jacket zipper replaced less than a year ago and the zipper broke again. The tailor refused to fix the zipper stating that the customer did not have a receipt and the he did not replace that zipper, stating that it is not the type of zipper he would sew in. The customer departed.

A real snow job, Part 1…

Resident reported that his neighbor blew snow onto the resident’s driveway. Officer spoke with the neighbor who apologized and stated he would be more careful in the future.

A real snow job, Part 2…

Resident reported that his neighbor’s snow plow driver deposited snow onto the parkway across the street and in doing so, damaged the parkway grass. 

A real snow job, Part 3

Resident reported that the snow plow driver for his neighbor left a large quantity of snow in the roadway. Officer attempted to contact the neighbor but no one was at home.

Such a deal…right mon?

Resident received a phone call advising her that she won $1,000,000.00 with Publisher’s Clearing House and that she needed to send a Western Union money gram in the amount of $400.00 to cover fees and expenses. The resident told the caller she did not have $400.00 so she was told to send only $100.00. The resident sent the money gram to a subject in Rockville, MD as instructed. Officer checked and found that the caller’s number come back to Jamaica. 

Online encounter…this is news?

Resident reported that her son was online and had an encounter with a female subject that told the son she was going to get him and displayed his address. Officer discussed internet issues with the son and has placed an extra watch on the residence. 

Love in the digital age, Part 1

Resident reported receiving threatening text messages from his ex girlfriend. Officer contacted the ex who stated that it was the resident that was contacting her, thirty times in just one day.

Love in the digital age, Part 2

Resident reported that her ex boyfriend is sending out messages on twitter calling her vulgar names and making other disturbing comments. Officer contacted the ex who apologized and stated that he would cease all contact and messaging. 

Well, at least they’re not texting…

Complainant stated that while he was walking, his ex wife’s husband approached him and threatened bodily harm. Officer attempted to contact the offender without success. The officer will follow up. 

No parent left behind?

Official reported that during a parent conference, the parent became upset, threw papers, and slammed the door on his way out. The official is concerned if she needs to address issues with the parent about the child in the future. The official was advised to call 911 if the parent returns and has anger issues. 

You’re kidding, right?

Resident engaged in an internet relationship with a subject who, after sometime, requested for her to accept a package he was sending from England. A short time later the subject requested the resident to send some money to release the package from customs. The package did not arrive. She was again asked to send money via Western Union, for additional fees, which she did. The subject then asked the resident to send money so that he could come home from England, which she also did. The resident has discussed this with an internet attorney site and was advised to contact the police. 

You’re kidding, right?  Part 2

Citizen reported a package in front of the bank. The package appeared to have batteries attached. It was determined that the item was a holiday decoration.

Maybe he needs to get a bucket of chicken…

Employee stated that a man called numerous times ordering food and then not being happy with the quoted price. The caller would then request extra food items for the same price. The employee told the caller that no food order would be accepted from him. Officer called the subject who apologized and stated that he would make no further calls. 

And this is why they call it “social media”?

The complainant reported being harassed by a former friend/employee on Facebook. The complainant related that there were no threats made, but harassing messages were being left

.

Shake, rattle and roll…

Resident stated that he was listening to music while putting his daughter to bed. The upstairs neighbor was jumping or pounding on the floor. While the officer was present, the upstairs neighbor was pounding on the floor so hard that he ceiling shook and the chandelier was shaking. Officer spoke with the neighbor who had the officer go to the bedroom to listen to the loud music, none was heard.

Shake, rattle and roll…Part 2

The complainant advised a loud drumming noise coming from the listed location. Officers responded and spoke with the resident who was practicing with his DJ equipment. The resident understood he was disturbing his neighbors and agreed to stop his practicing for the night.