Little Friends Sale Terminated
The sale of the Little Friends property to North Central College has been cancelled. The nonprofit, which provides services for people with autism, terminated the agreement after Naperville City Council amended its historic preservation ordinance to require a third party analysis before any building is removed in the historic district where Little Friends resides. That includes the Kroehler house, the historic significance of which was advocated for by several speakers at the June council meeting. Little Friends CEO Mike Briggs said the organization will pursue the demolition of its buildings and sale of its property prior to moving to a newer facility in Warrenville next year.
5th Avenue Moves Forward
Naperville City Council voted at a workshop last night to direct Ryan Companies to prepare a baseline concept for the 5th Avenue Redevelopment Project. After an initial motion by Councilman Patrick Kelly to put the project back out for proposal from developers failed 4-5, the dais voted to proceed with the project and allow Ryan to create one working concept. However, several councilmembers expressed concern that the two concepts created by Ryan in August 2018 lacked a “wow factor.” Ryan Companies will return in 90 days with its baseline concept.
New 203 Principal
Kennedy Junior High has a new principal. At last night’s District 203 board meeting, the group approved Dr. Anthony Murray to head the school. Dr. Murray brings his leadership experiences from three other middle schools to this position. He begins at Kennedy today, replacing Principal Brian Valek.
Water Polo All-Americans
The National Interscholastic Swimming Coaches Association recently released the All-American Water Polo lists and several local athletes received national honors. Naperville North senior Taylor Wessel was named a third team All-American after leading the Huskies to a state runner-up trophy. The two time boys state champions from Naperville Central had two selections. Senior Luke Klein-Collins was an honorable mention while fellow senior Bender Russo was named a first team All-American. Russo was also named the Illinois Player of the Year for 2019.