A group of neighbors and renters told the DuPage County Board on Aug. 12 that a planned sale of a wooded DuPage Water Commission parcel in District 3 should be halted or offered to the Forest Preserve, saying the land contains wetlands, mature trees and connects to the East Branch DuPage River watershed.

Vida Triones, speaking for nearby homeowners and renters, said the property "is thick with trees, contains multiple wetlands and ponds, and connects to the east branch of the DuPage River watershed." Triones asked why the Forest Preserve was not notified and whether the property could instead be donated to the preserve.

Member Zay, who described himself as chairman of the DuPage Water Commission, responded at the meeting with a detailed account of the commission's process. Zay said the commission determined the parcel was surplus as it reviewed facilities during planning for a Lake Michigan water supply expansion and that commissioners passed resolutions in January and February 2025 establishing sale procedures and declaring the land surplus. He said the commission solicited offers in March 2025, received multiple bids, and in June 2025 approved a sale to Pulte Homes for $14,000,000. Zay added the property was appraised at $10,800,000 and that the commission is retaining about 4.5 acres that include two large standpipes that together hold about 7,000,000 gallons.

"We were actually keeping 4 and a half acres because we have 2 large standpipes there that hold about 7,000,000 gallons of water and a large wetland on that property," Zay said. He said the sale proceeds will go into the commission's long‑term capital and that any municipal zoning and planning review of future development will occur through the usual local processes. Zay also said the Forest Preserve had an opportunity to bid.

Triones and other speakers told the board the parcel has been wooded since at least 1939 and that the sale to a home builder will erase green space and wildlife habitat. She cited news coverage naming a Water Commission representative who is a home builder by trade and said the apparent lack of coordination among local boards and agencies was concerning.

Board members and staff did not take a separate formal vote on the Water Commission sale during the Aug. 12 meeting; Zay's remarks were offered as an explanation of the Water Commission's prior actions. Members and residents were directed to Water Commission meetings and the standard municipal zoning process for further comment and review.

The transcript record shows the exchange during the public comment period and a later floor discussion; the board did not adopt new policy or reverse the previously announced sale at the Aug. 12 session.