A standoff brewed Tuesday night before community members were even allowed into the Thornton Township board meeting.

“I just don’t see why it has to be a struggle,” said Chris Gonzalez, one of Thornton Township’s trustees.

Gonzalez insisted on holding the meeting in a downstairs room that he said has more exits and can accommodate more people. Safety was his top worry amid escalating tensions that have developed at the township’s board meetings.

He and Carmen Carlisle didn’t attend the last board of trustees meeting over those same concerns, effectively cancelling the meeting.