(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — The Wilmette Village Board has given the final OK for Loyola Academy to play home football games under the lights at Hoerster Field for the first time.
The board approved the installation of 62-foot-tall light poles, as well as a new public address system, with a number of restrictions, including how many nights the lights can be used and what they can be used for.
“Lights may only be used by Loyola, no third-party purposes are permitted, and only athletic events or contests when Loyola is or may be a participant,” said Village Manager Michael Braiman. “Alcohol is not allowed to be sold.”
The lights will also not be allowed on certain religious holidays that fall on Fridays.
The village board’s decision was not without controversy. The area surrounding Loyola Academy is residential.
Dr. Joshua Wexler lives nearby, and he was among those who spoke up with concerns about traffic. Wexler warned the village board that the decision to host night events will increase the possibility of physical injuries to people walking their dogs late night or residents riding their bikes back home.
“If there are parkers on my street, I can expect that late at night — after 9 o’clock, after 10 o’clock, after one of these games — people will be driving home in the dark on my street, which is poorly lit,” he said.
Loyola Academy will be allowed to host three Friday night games in 2024, with four Friday night games approved for 2025.
The village board said there will be limits on decibel levels, with fines possible for breaking the rules.
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