Last week, Itasca Mayor Jeff Pruyn released a statement to residents announcing that the Department of Justice (DOJ) is investigating the Village of Itasca for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) related to the zoning application for Haymarket DuPage.
U.S. Attorney John Lausch notified the Village of its probe in a letter dated Nov. 24, 2021, in which he stated, “the ADA prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities, including individuals with substance use disorder.” The Village released the U.S. Attorney’s letter with its statement yesterday.
In the letter, the DOJ requested information specific to the Village’s handling of our zoning application, the hearing process and requirements, and communication between the Village, its experts, consultants and other taxing bodies. The DOJ also requested information about how other nonprofit or business applications for special use permits have been handled since 2005, as well as documentation for how the Fire Protection District and School District have participated in other matters.
The Village has 30 days to respond.
We welcome this investigation. You can read more about it in the Chicago Tribune and Daily Herald, or hear about it on WBBM-780.
Thank you for your ongoing support in our effort to expand access to life-saving treatment for people with substance use disorders.