On Nov. 15, a West Chicago administrative law judge charged the Bovey family, owners of a backyard greenhouse at the center of a lawsuit, a $20,000 fine for failing to maintain an updated permit and deviating from permit plans.

The city fined Dan and Jody Bovey $10,000 for not having an updated permit for the greenhouse project, and another $10,000 for deviation from permit plans. There is currently a demolition notice for the greenhouse, and if the structure is not torn down by December 20, the Boveys could be charged for violating the demolition notice.

“They fined us 10,000 for failing to obtain a permit. Now, that permit extension, we requested three times and each time we submitted all the documents they asked for, they changed and asked for more [documents],” Dan Bovey said via text message.

The family is left with few options now, but still hopes to save their greenhouse. The Boveys can continue to submit to the City’s most recent documentation requests, but there is no guarantee that the demolition notice will be lifted even if proper documents are provided.

Another option is circuit court. The family can move toward another hearing in the hopes that the judge will rule in their favor; however, according to Dan Bovey, this endeavor could potentially cost the family $10,000-20,000 in legal fees.

“This is why people rarely challenge the city. The city has grown accustomed to operating in the dark with no accountability,” Dan Bovey said.

The Bovey family is not alone in this process. Many friends, neighbors and community members have been speaking out supporting the family.

“I would urge you [Mayor Pineda], or anyone in your city government, to sit down with him [Dan Bovey], as a friend, as a fellow West Chicago citizen, and be willing to hear his case and to look at his side of the story in a cordial and open minded manner,” community member Steve Strong said.

This story was originally posted on Nov. 16, but was updated to included additional input from community members.