Downtown Glen Ellyn business owner Sarah Coe warns homelessness is affecting residents, businesses: ‘It is alarming’
Sarah Coe, owner of Sarah Coe Design, a multimillion-dollar luxury interior design and remodeling firm located in downtown Glen Ellyn, is raising concerns about public safety issues affecting local businesses as residents report an increase in homelessness and associated mental health-related incidents in the downtown area.
Founded and led by longtime Glen Ellyn resident Sarah Coe, Sarah Coe Design has operated in downtown Glen Ellyn since 2018 and has built its reputation over more than two decades as a high-end design and remodeling company.
“As the owner of a luxury interior design and remodeling company located in downtown Glen Ellyn since 2018, and as a longtime Glen Ellyn resident, I feel compelled to speak out about the growing concerns surrounding public safety and the increasing number of individuals exhibiting disruptive and concerning behavior in our downtown,” Coe said in a statement provided to the DuPage Policy Journal.
Coe said her decision to speak publicly stems from concerns she believes affect not only her business but the broader community.
“This is not simply a business issue—it is a community issue,” she said.
Coe’s comments come as Glen Ellyn residents report an increase in disruptive downtown encounters, including aggressive behavior, public disturbances and panhandling, raising concerns about safety and the impact on local businesses.
Reported incidents include a man repeatedly yelling “I will blow your brains out” outside a downtown restaurant before approaching and shouting at a young child, another individual pushing a grocery cart while loudly yelling profanities at pedestrians.
Residents say these incidents have made some people uncomfortable visiting downtown businesses, walking in public areas or allowing children to spend time downtown. Residents have also criticized the lack of response from local law enforcement, claiming police have not consistently intervened or made arrests following reports of disruptive behavior.
Coe said her primary concern is ensuring that residents, families, employees and visitors feel safe while spending time downtown.
“My greatest concern is public safety,” she said. “It is alarming to witness individuals who appear to be experiencing serious mental health or behavioral issues approaching families and children in our downtown. Everyone deserves to feel safe while walking through our community, shopping, or enjoying our local businesses.”
She said the issue is also affecting downtown businesses that depend on pedestrian traffic and customers feeling comfortable visiting local establishments.
“The situation is also having a direct impact on our downtown businesses,” Coe said. “I personally avoid visiting the downtown Starbucks because of the individuals who regularly sit on the sidewalks panhandling outside, and I have heard similar concerns from clients and other residents. As a business owner, I know firsthand that when people feel uncomfortable or unsafe, they choose not to come downtown. That affects every business that depends on foot traffic.”
Coe described an incident that occurred outside her design studio involving repeated disruptive behavior.
“Recently, from inside my design studio, I recorded an individual who regularly searches through public trash receptacles while loudly yelling profanities just outside our storefront,” she said. “The repeated shouting and aggressive language were clearly audible inside our business, creating an unsettling environment for both my staff and our clients. Incidents like this are disruptive, intimidating, and inconsistent with the welcoming atmosphere that Glen Ellyn has long been known for.”
Sarah Coe, owner of Sarah Coe Design in downtown Glen Ellyn, works inside her luxury interior design studio. (Facebook / Sarah Coe Design)
She said a solution must be reached.
“I recognize that homelessness and mental illness are complex issues that require compassion and thoughtful solutions,” Coe said. “At the same time, compassion should not come at the expense of public safety or the vitality of our downtown. Businesses, residents, employees, and visitors deserve an environment where they feel safe and comfortable.”
She called on village officials, law enforcement and community organizations to develop a coordinated response.
“I respectfully urge our Village leadership, Police Department, and community partners to make this issue a priority by developing and implementing effective solutions that both support individuals in need and protect the safety and economic health of our downtown,” Coe said. “Glen Ellyn is an exceptional community. We owe it to our residents, businesses, and visitors to preserve the safe, welcoming downtown that has made our village such a special place to live and work.”
Other Glen Ellyn residents have expressed similar concerns about behavior they describe as increasingly disruptive.
Nicole Lamberis, a resident of more than 20 years, said she has also noticed changes in the downtown environment.
“I’ve lived in Glen Ellyn for over 20 years and have always been proud of our safe, family-friendly downtown,” Lamberis said in a statement provided to the DuPage Policy Journal. “But the situation with homelessness has escalated to the point where it’s affecting everyone.”
Homeless man sits beside a bundled pile of belongings next to a planter in downtown Glen Ellyn, underscoring ongoing concerns among some residents about visible homelessness in public spaces. (Provided photo)
Lamberis described an incident she said she reported to police.
“The other day, I reported a man to the police who was screaming down Main Street,” she said. “He picked up one of the umbrellas at Toda Madre and started beating the tables with it until he broke it. This kind of disruptive, destructive behavior isn’t just bothersome—it’s unsafe for families, kids, and business owners trying to enjoy our community.”
She said she believes stronger action is needed.
“I’m not without compassion, but we need stronger local action,” Lamberis said. “Our police and Village leaders must prioritize public safety, because they are putting us all at risk! Glen Ellyn deserves better.”
Kristina McCloy, founder of Concerned Citizens of Illinois who lives in nearby Hinsdale, said local officials should take more action to address reported incidents.
“This situation in downtown Glen Ellyn is not only absurd, it is shameful,” McCloy told the DuPage Policy Journal. “The Village Board and local leaders should be deeply embarrassed for allowing these conditions to continue that put every resident, family, child, and business owner at risk.”
McCloy referenced a reported incident involving a verbal threat made by an individual in downtown Glen Ellyn.
“We are lucky that when a homeless man screamed ‘I will blow your brains out,’ it remained only words and has not yet turned into an innocent person’s tragedy,” she said. “How many more warnings do we need?”
She said residents have expressed concerns about repeated disturbances.
“This is a clear public safety crisis,” McCloy said. “The police have been well informed of this and have had repeated opportunities to remove and arrest these individuals for disorderly conduct, disturbing the peace, trespassing, disruption, and violent threats. Yet the problems continue to escalate.”
McCloy said the impact has particularly affected downtown businesses. “Downtown businesses can no longer maintain outdoor seating areas because the homeless individuals are urinating on them,” McCloy said. “This has gone far beyond acceptable.”
McCloy called for immediate attention from village officials.
“The Village and police must prioritize removing these individuals from public spaces now!” she said. McCloy’s call to action comes as a group of residents who have spoken out on the issue are set to meet with Glen Ellyn leaders in late July.
A homeless man sits outside the historic Glen Art Theatre in downtown Glen Ellyn located two blocks north of Coe's storefront. (Provided photo)