In a recent government meeting, a representative provided an update on the petition for a referendum regarding a proposed parking lot for the Wheaton Park District, set to be voted on during the November 5, 2024 general election. The parking lot is planned to be located across from the Cozzley Zoo, as part of a larger $49.4 million expansion plan aimed at accommodating over 300,000 visitors annually.

The petition, which has already garnered 2,666 signatures—well above the required 1,917—will be submitted to the city clerk by the end of the week, ahead of the August 5 deadline. The speaker expressed confidence in a favorable outcome for the referendum, urging the city council to delay any action on the park district's petition until after the vote.

Concerns raised by residents include safety issues related to the proposed parking lot's location, particularly for families with small children and individuals with disabilities. Many residents believe that the current parking facilities are sufficient and have criticized the park district's tax rate, which is reportedly the highest among DuPage County park districts. Additionally, there is a sentiment that the park district has not adequately considered community feedback in its planning processes.

The speaker outlined three legal grounds for rejecting the park district's application: the potential safety risks of crossing a busy road without adequate measures, the lack of demonstrated need for additional parking, and zoning violations regarding the proposed location's residential designation.

The meeting highlighted significant community opposition to the parking lot and the zoo expansion, with residents advocating for the zoo to remain a small, local attraction. The outcome of the upcoming referendum will be pivotal in determining the future of the proposed project.