Early Zoning System.

ZONING SYSTEM NOW IN EFFECT --- 100 - Foot Street, Winding Parkways and Civic Center Provided --- One of the first things that received serious consideration at the hands of the man behind Westchester was an adequate, broad-gauge zoning law. A few years ago zoning was practically unknown in cities except where some far-seeing subdivider protect the purchasers of lots by agreements that property would be used only for certain designated purposes. Then the state passed a zoning law whereby cities and villages might by ordinance control the character of development. It was not long until the new law was tested in the court and knocked out as unconstitutional. The real estate men who appreciated the need for such a law at once drafted a new bill which the following session of the legislature passed and it was given a body blow in the now famous "Aurora decision" but later the judgment was reversed and the decision upheld the present law both in principle and in detailed provisions. One of the early acts of the new village board of Westchester was to enact a zoning law that had been the subject of long and careful study of the real estate men who were interested, lawyers and zoning experts. It is not without interest to note in this connection that long before Chicago had a zoning law Mr. Zelosky was zoning his own subdivisions and putting restriction into this contracts and deeds. So carefully had he zoned these subdivisions that later on when the city experts undertook the zoning of Chicago and examined his plans they incorporated them all in the city ordinance. It was a joy to zone Westchester because there was nothing to hamper the work—the plan did not have to be made to fit buildings and streets or undesirable features that already existed. The planners could put business where they thought it should go—and no where else. Certain sections were suitable for apartment buildings and are so designated while all the more desirable locations are restricted to single residence purposes. The extension of the Chicago, Aurora and Elgin over which Chicago Rapid Transit company trains will operate is along its own right of way and space is provide so that it may ultimately be elevated or depressed in order to eliminate grade crossings when the population justifies it. The stations will be approximately half a mile and ample parking space is to be provided around each station. At the principal entrances to the village a square of plaza is laid out with business buildings. Main streets and parkways will open from the square.

The street system is made up of a series of business and traffic streets from 100 to 200 feet in width. There will be no sharp curves but a series of wide, gracefully winding parkways leading to all parts of the village. Leading off from these many arteries will e local streets which will be open for local traffic, thus making them quieter and safer.One of the most imposing features is the civic center around which will be grouped the municipal buildings—village hall, public library, auditorium, etc. Ample provisions are being made for parks, playgrounds, school sites and churches. Among other plans of the developers is to have the school activities divided among several buildings rather than centered in one or two places for this will make it easy for the little tots to reach school easily no matter in what part of the city they may live. The welfare of the children has never been lost sight of and ample playgrounds will be assured for the builders of Westchester hop to have this a "city of homes". The entire project is designed to appeal to men and women whose principal interest is their family and to this end the zoning ordinance was enacted to assure safety and protection to life and to property and attract men and women of high standards of citizenship. "IN THE BEGINNING" Less Than Year Ago Westchester Was Incorporated—First Officials Elected December 12 An election was held October 3, 1925, to incorporate the village of Westchester. It was a very quiet affair. No public announcement has been made by the men behind the new suburban development enterprise. There were comparatively few people residing in the limits of the proposed village and the election held under authority of the county judge, passed very quickly, but the village was legally incorporated. Under another order of the county judge the first municipal election was held December 12, 1925, which was likewise a quiet affair as there was no opposition to the one ticket placed in nomination. The men elected were: President--O. J. Tatterow. Police Magistrate—Clemens Puscheck. Clerk—S. E. Jackson Trustees—G. N. Britten, Wesley Pantilla, Charles R. Gardner, Ernest Farrand, Klaus Prime and Warren Owens. The newly elected officers soon afterwards met and began laying the foundation for a complete village organization. Necessary ordinances were passed and gradually the village began to function in routine ways. The first annual election was held according to state law last April at which time the following officers were elected: Clerk—Wesley Panttila Police Magistrate—Charles H. Long Trustees—G. N. Britten, A. G. Wilson, Ernest Farrand, Klaus Prime, J. A. Landall and Charles R. GardnerThe term of President continues until April of next year.