Contact Officials and Organizations

Generic Template:

[Street Address]
[City, State, ZIP Code]
[Email Address]
[Phone Number]
[Date]


Dear Friends and Supporters,

I am reaching out on behalf of concerned residents of the Pleasantdale neighborhood in unincorporated Lemont regarding the proposed construction of a gas station on Lemont Road. This development poses significant risks to public safety, health, and the environment, and our community strongly opposes it. Petitions and community support are already underway to halt this project. You can view the petitions and learn more at: https://protectpdale.com.


Key Concerns:

1. Well Water Safety
Many families near the proposed site rely on private wells for clean drinking water. Gas stations carry the risk of underground storage tank leaks, fuel spills, and contaminated runoff. Once groundwater is polluted, restoration is difficult, costly, and sometimes incomplete.

2. Traffic & Pedestrian Safety
The intersection of Lemont Road and 97th Street is already heavily congested, especially with traffic to Argonne National Laboratory and nearby commercial areas. A high-volume gas station would increase turning movements, delivery truck traffic, and congestion, creating heightened risks for drivers, pedestrians, and school buses.

3. Public Health & Quality of Life
Gas stations produce additional emissions, light, and noise. These impacts are more than minor inconveniences—they directly affect the health and well-being of families living nearby, particularly children and sensitive populations.

4. Policing & Public Safety
The proposed location is on the far edge of Lemont, away from the police department and main patrol routes. Gas stations are linked to increased service calls, including traffic accidents, theft, and loitering. A remote site would stretch local law enforcement resources and delay emergency response times.

5. Environmental Protection
The site is directly across from Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve, home to threatened and endangered species. Fuel spills, runoff, and habitat disruption could undermine decades of restoration work and public investment in protecting this unique preserve.

How You Can Help:
Please help our community advocate against the construction of this development. Your support, awareness, and voice are vital to protecting Pleasantdale’s homes, health, and environment.
Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,
[Your Full Name]
[Your Contact Information]