Crystal Lake South High School Plans To Downsize Controversial Bleachers
CHICAGO (CBS) -- A two-year dispute between Crystal Lake South High School and people who live next to the football field might be coming to an end.
Homeowners who live on the west side of the football field successfully sued Community High School District 155 after the school built 55-foot-tall bleachers in 2013. They argued the bleachers were erected without proper permits from the city, were too close to property lines, invaded their privacy by allowing strangers to see into their homes, hurt property values, and created huge amounts of noise.
The Illinois Supreme Court ruled last month the bleachers must come down, but attorney Thomas Burney said the homeowners, as taxpayers, didn't want the school to have to take the whole structure down.
"They suggested that the school district, that instead of demolishing the whole thing, that they bring it down to nine rows," he said. "After some negotiations with the school district, with some input from the city, that's what was approved last night."
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The plan would cut seating capacity on the west side of the football field from about 2,500 to about 950, but the school would build new seating on the east side of the field, which will become the home stands again. The press box also would be moved to the east side of the field.
A McHenry County judge would still have to approve the settlement.
