During a recent Village Board of Trustees meeting in Lombard, community members voiced strong concerns regarding a proposed development that has sparked significant debate over the past 19 months. Resident Melissa Schmitz emphasized the need for stricter regulations on dwelling unit sizes to prevent oversized homes from dominating the landscape, urging the board to prioritize community values over developer interests. "Keep Lombard the Lilac Village, not the big box McMansion Village," she stated, highlighting the importance of maintaining green spaces and parks.

Another resident, Ann Toby, raised questions about the developer's engagement with the community, claiming that only a select few neighbors were consulted about the project. She criticized the developer's claims of having sold nearly all homes in the proposed development, questioning the rationale behind recent design changes that reduced the number of homes. Toby also reminded the board of the memorial trees on the property, advocating for their preservation and urging thorough research before making any decisions.

The discussions reflect a growing sentiment among residents who are concerned about the impact of new developments on the character of Lombard. As the board considers the future of this project, community members are calling for a careful evaluation of how such developments align with Lombard's strategic goals and the desires of its residents. The meeting underscored the importance of transparency and community involvement in shaping the village's future.