Liar, liar pants on fire. – Unknown
As is often the case when breaking a story, insiders rush in with yet more damning information. And that’s exactly what’s happened here.
When we last left off last Tuesday, The First Ward had reported that Geneva Mayor Kevin Burns had routinely lied about speaking with the Burton Foundation, but we ran a March 2024 Burns’ letter that proved it clearly wasn’t the case. And you know the Burton Foundation! They’re the folks responsible for the Emma’s Landing low-income debacle.
But it would seem that our mendacious mayor has lied about much more than that.
Prior to Tuesday, had you asked our least favorite narcissist whether anyone had inquired about the former Duke & Lee’s property at Route 31 and Third Street, he’d swiftly reply “Nope! We have no serious suitors.” And he ‘d convey that bold-faced lie knowing damn well the land had been sold to the slimy Tracey Manning and the Foundation.
You see, the Mayor was counting on the reality that the average resident wouldn’t check the public records that so clearly documented the sale. And he was generally correct until the most effective citizens group I’ve ever encountered uncovered the truth.
So, here’s the low-income housing on Third Street reality.
Since that property is already zoned for 35-unit multi-use, neither the Geneva mayor, the city council, nor the citizenry can legally stop it. The only obstacle preventing the Burton Foundation from breaking ground today is their project ratings have sunk so low the State won’t grant them the necessary subsidies to begin construction.
Oh! And Manning’s husband’s construction firm will do the building, of course. And the Foundation is submitting a new application to the State on March 6.
So, if you think the Route 38 and Third Street business district is suffering now, just wait until they’re besieged by another 120 or so low-income residents.
And I say 120 residents because, when a local politician recently walked through Emma’s Landing, despite the rules prohibiting it, all those tenants have permanent “guests” to help pay the rent. That’s why we’re seeing so many felons in Emma’s Landing. And if the Foundation gets their way, Third Street will experience the very same phenomenon.
At least it will keep those merchants on their toes and it’ll be a lot closer to the police station. And speaking of the police, the entire GPD showed up at Emma’s Landing – sirens blazing – on Monday evening. That FOIA will go in the hopper shortly.
The only action that could possibly stave off this second Geneva low-income nightmare is to send the following email to Christine Moran (cmoran@ihda.org) at the Illinois Housing Development Authority:
I am asking the IHDA to reject any subsidies, grants, or financing applications from The Burton Foundation or any group tied to Tracey Manning. Their plan to build affordable housing at the entrance to Geneva’s historic business district is wrong, requiring a Geneva landmark be torn down. That has not been fully communicated or vetted by our community, either, leaving us in the dark about a truly major change.
The Burton Foundation’s management of Emma’s Landing – where two recent brutal murders occurred and numerous felons have been arrested – shows they can’t handle their properties responsibly or stick to their mission. I also urge the State to audit the Foundation’s finances and policies to safeguard our neighborhoods from the chaos and neglect of their poorly run projects. No community should have to suffer from their mismanagement.
The sad truth is, even if you vote for Karsten Pawlik as I will, if the Foundation wins approval, nothing short of an asteroid strike can stop them from proceeding. Emailing Ms. Moran is our only shot.
This is just more proof of Mayor Burns’ capacity to lie with the ease that most of us breathe. And I’m convinced he’s willing to take this risk because Ms. Manning has promised him some sort of kickback or plum job possibility down the line. Remember, Mayor Burns has never been able to hold down a real job for all of the obvious reasons. No one wants to hire a drunk. You can clearly see his bloodshot eyes in the attached photo.
And while you’re at it, if you have the option, please vote against progressive Aldermen Martha Paschke, Anais Bowring, and Amy Mayer, who blindly support the Mayor in these underhanded endeavors.
Author’s Note 1:
It’s already happening – Mayor Burns is mobilizing the entire city workface to aid his campaign effort. I’m already seeing a slew of city trucks suddenly slowly driving through my cul-de-sac and all of the other Fisher Farms neighborhoods. Why? Because they’re either installing Burns signs or looking for Pawlik signs so they can report back to our eminently vindictive mayor.
And they’re willing accomplices in this regard because they know the contract negotiating gravy train will end if the Mayor loses. If you keep an eye out, you’ll see exactly what I’m saying.
Author’s Note 2:
How is that fake reporter Brenda Schory and the Kane County Chronicle haven’t begun to cover this story. Why? Because Brenda’s lips so far up Kevin Burns’ ass that she can no longer effectively use a keyboard. If you’re one of the three people that still has a subscription to that rag, please do us all a favor and cancel it today.
I am a bit surprised that this has gotten as far as it has without being aware of it. Don’t misunderstand me, I am a fan of subsidized housing. My family member lived in various ones while working as a teacher and raising her son, because she could not afford other housing. But her complexes were well run, clearly family oriented. I never heard her complain about safety and the neighbors I met were quite nice. It is vital that the residents be well vetted to gain access to this housing. It does appear that the Burton Foundation is not able to do this. I would welcome folks who need a helping hand up, but to put felons, criminals in the middle of our town, and by Third Street is a huge mistake. There has to be appropriate vetting to make it a good addition to the community. I think that the Burton Foundation put people in Emma’s Landing with the view of filling it up rather than looking for good candidates. I suspect they felt pressure to fill it up to full occupancy but this isn’t how it should be done