At this meeting stormwater management was discussed and, more specifically, the future of the Edward-Elmhurst Healthcare Berteau property. The discussions were wide ranging and productive and touched on a multitude of ideas concerning the possibility of the Berteau property being used as part of a public/community opportunity to jointly address stormwater, open space, schooling and private development. Ideas concerning funding, potential exchanges of property, timing and approaching the hospital were also explored. Park representatives reiterated that the Park Board is interested and willing to be a contributing partner to the ideas expressed as long as all options are considered.
This meeting included discussion of a draft position paper the Park District penned on a possibility for the Elmhurst Hospital Berteau property. The position paper put forth the following ideas as a solution for stormwater retention in this area and a longer term solution that may benefit the community: Part of the Hospital site could be exchanged with the City of Elmhurst for Golden Meadows Park, which could then be utilized in its entirety by the City of Elmhurst for stormwater detention. The Park District would utilize this park space until District #205 was prepared to replace Field School. At that point, District 205 could use the site for the new larger school and the Park District would move the park land to the existing Field School site. All parties agreed to move forward with the idea recognizing that the Berteau property was close to being sold and the purchasing developer held the key to its potential.
