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Giesche project: What Glen Ellyn officials, residents are saying

Here's what people are saying about a $39 million project to redevelop the former Giesche Shoe store site into a five-story apartment complex with space for retailers in downtown Glen Ellyn.

"There will be a mixed-use development here. However, what we're talking about ... is balancing tradition with progress. We do not need the bulk right there." - Trustee Gary Fasules, who voted no

"We're building for the future, not to put us on the map, but to keep us on the map ... . This development fills a number of needs: living, retail, primarily a need for living units in the central business district as identified by the downtown plan." - Trustee Pete Ladesic, who voted yes

"The big issue is the height, and unfortunately we've investigated virtually every option out there for us now, underground (parking), getting rid of the public parking. None of those seemed to work for one reason or another." - Larry Debb, developer

"History will never absolve us from the disregard we have shown for village ordinances, the work of the people who sat in these chairs and came before us ... and most importantly, the pleas of the overwhelming majority of our residents." - Trustee Mark Senak, who resigned in protest

"Each of you will long be remembered by the citizens of Glen Ellyn on how you vote on this development, which will leave an indelible mark on our community. However, before you vote, I ask you to think carefully about your answers to these questions: Was my vote responsible for changing the charm, appeal and personality of our community? Did I have a duty to treat everyone, citizens and commercial developers, the same or am I guilty of making an exception for one and not the others?" - Mike Formento, former village president

"Even the village's own appearance guidelines note the unique identity and the historic charm of Glen Ellyn. ... If these guidelines are important enough to publish on the village's website, why are we turning a blind eye to them now?" - village board candidate Kelli Christiansen

"There is a need in our community to bring in additional renters. They become tomorrow's buyers. They become the next generation of Glen Ellyn buyers." - Trustee Craig Pryde, who voted yes

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Glen Ellyn apartment project takes step forward; trustee quits in protest

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