'Battle of the Bleachers' Continues Between District 155 and City of Crystal Lake

Ken Bruhn Field at Crystal Lake South High School typically is where football players battle for a win.

Currently, the field is the focus of a battle between the city of Crystal Lake and Community High School District 155.

In June, District 155 began installing new bleachers, at a cost of $1.18 million, that will seat somewhere between 3,800 to 3,900 spectators, which includes both the "Home" and "Visitor" seating areas.

The school district never presented its plans to the city, and the ominous steel structure is not sitting well with neighbors whose properties abut the field. South High School is located at 1200 S. McHenry Ave. in Crystal Lake.

On the one side, school district officials insist they don't need the city's approval to build the massive structure, which will stand 51-feet-tall once the press box is installed, is at least three times wider than the original stands and is set back only 41 feet from the property line.

"We have the proper work permit from the Regional Office of Education," said District 155 spokesman Jeff Puma. "Illinois School Code says our building and zoning authority comes from them."

"Not so" say city of Crystal Lake officials, citing a Dec. 23, 2011 decision by Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan.

"The Illinois Attorney General determined that school districts are subject to municipal and county ordinances," said Michelle Rentzsch, director of planning and economic development for the city.

The project's size, height and setback require a zoning variance, she said. The district does not have the necessary storm water permit either. And city officials have yet to analyze the parking requirements for bleachers that size. 

This is the first time in the past 25 years where District 155 has not presented plans and requested approval from the city for a zoning related matter. The city has issued 26 permits to the school district over the years, Rentzsch said.

The city issued a "stop work" order last Thursday, Aug. 1, demanding construction on the structure be halted.

Puma on Thursday said the district never received the stop work order. City staff said the order was hand delivered to District 155 Superintendent Johnnie Thomas. 

Thomas is expected to meet with neighbors from Amberwood Drive on Monday, Aug. 12, to discuss the matter. As the bleachers stand, residents are concerned the massive steel structure will negatively impact their property values and create considerable noise and safety concerns for anyone on the bleachers due to their height and proximity to the homes.

District 155 invested in the new bleachers because the original "Home" stands had openings (behind spectators feet) and created concern that small children could fall through. The bleachers also were not ADA compliant, Puma said.

Additionally, the press box structure was not safe, and local fire officials were concerned about the lack of seating regarding capacity codes, Puma said. 

The new bleachers located near the Amberwood Drive houses will serve as the Gators "Home" spectator side. Visitors will now sit on the bleachers closest to the school parking lot.