Journal Reporter

Epco Paint Wallpaper and Blinds, 1900 Glenview Rd., could see the brunt end of a bulldozer. During their Dec. 2 meeting, Glenview trustees voted five to one to authorize the condemnation of Epco. Officials want the site for additional short-term parking that will service the Glenview Public Library and the U.S. Post Office.

Trustee Mary Beth Denefe was the board's sole dissenter on the matter, which did not appear on the meeting's agenda. Board members saw no dispute from residents or concerned citizens when the measure was called for discussion Dec. 2.

The village's Communication Director Janet Spector Bishop stressed that this does not give Glenview the right to condemn Epco, but to seek condemnation in a court of law through the municipality's right of eminent domain.

Village President Larry Carlson said the village has been negotiating with Epco owner Mark Pulse for the last six months about the property's price. It's been reported that Pulse does not want to leave the 13,000 sq. ft. lot. Last week Pulse told the Journal he was unwilling to comment on the situation at this time.

A manager at the Glenview Epco store was unaware of this development when the Journal contacted the store Dec. 3. "I knew they were up to something," she said.

According to the employee's reports, Glenview officials sent a surveyor to the property Dec. 2 to check that the Epco building did not intrude onto the village's library property. The employee said the surveyor found Epco was within its property lines, but returned the following day to double-check taking measurements from all four sides of the property.

Carlson indicated 17 of Epco's parking spaces are in the village right-of-way. A finding that could make it more difficult for Epco to remain at the Glenview Road site.

The Epco manager noted that employees recently discovered the grass and trees near Epco belong to the village, which the store has historically cared for and decorated during the holidays -- out of pocket.

Pulse's family has reportedly owned the property since 1951.

Officials indicated the site would provide 35 additional short-term parking spaces.