Story posted Friday, January 22, 2010
Moylan: Projects Will Spur Economy
By TODD WESSELL Journal & Topics Editor
Three major building-related developments will set Des Plaines apart from most communities in the region in 2010, with one---the new casino---likely spurring other development, an estimated 130 local business leaders were told yesterday (Thursday).
The three projects: downtown beautification, a doubling of the Nippon Express freight forwarding operation on Touhy Avenue, and the $400 million first phase construction of the new casino, were hailed by Mayor Marty Moylan as significant stimulants to Des Plaines' economy at a time when layoffs and cost cuttings have dominated the attention of the nation. Moylan, elected last April, gave his first "State of the City" address to members of the Des Plaines Chamber of Commerce yesterday morning at Manzo's Restaurant. Five local businesses and institutions: Fifth Third Bank, Bridge Community Church, Party Time Palace, Immanuel Lutheran Church and Pontarelli Center, were also presented Community Enhancement Awards by the chamber.
Moylan told business leaders that in four days, the public hearing process on the new casino begins when members of the Plan Commission meet in city hall to discuss the massive project. The mayor said that plans at this time also call for city council approval of a Planned Unit Development (PUD) of the casino project with demolition of at least three or four buildings on the River Road site to begin around Mar. 1.
"We believe the casino will create an economic engine for Des Plaines and spur on new development," said Moylan. Once construction of the casino and adjacent 1,200-car parking garage begins around June, owners Midwest Gaming and Entertainment, LLC has 16 months to begin serving customers. Final state gaming board approval on the suitability of Midwest has yet to be given, although expected.
As for downtown beautification, Moylan said the city has set aside $1.5 million to pay for new street lights, landscaping, furniture and other items that will enhance the appearance and image of the city's central business district.
On the Nippon Express expansion, recently revealed plans call for a new 140,000 sq. ft. building to be constructed immediately east of its existing 150,000 sq. ft. facility that's located on the south side of Touhy Avenue west of Mt. Prospect Road. According to Conlan, Nippon is relocating a similar freight forwarding operation to the new facility where construction will begin as early as April.
The mayor's address yesterday was different than talks presented by his predecessor Tony Arredia in that Moylan called on three of his department heads to present certain specific information. Finance Director Dorothy Wisniewski outlined the city's financial picture explaining that 2009 marked a year of major change and cost cutting. She said further declines in revenue, such as sales and property taxes, are expected in 2010. Tim Oakley, director of the city's engineering and public works department, outlined a long list of infrastructure projects the city will be working on in 2010 that include several flood control projects along with alley, street, traffic control, sidewalk and street lighting improvements. Preliminary work on a possible railroad overpass on Algonquin Road west of Wolf Road will continue, said Oakley.
Long-term, he said, the city will continue to monitor progress on the Elgin-O'Hare West Bypass project that calls for a complete new interchange at I-90 and Elmhurst Road. That entire project, he said, has a total pricetag of $30 billion and it ties in with expansion of O'Hare Airport.
Conlan, meanwhile, told of efforts by the city to plan for future economic development at the River-Rand roads 5 Corners areas as well as along Oakton Street and Elmhurst Road.
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