THE JOURNAL & TOPICS NEWSPAPERS | FRIDAY, MAY 9, 2008
Neighbors Still Have Issues With Proposal
A steady stream of residents and village board members chimed in with their views and opinions about the proposed re-development of the village's downtown triangle Tuesday night.
A couple residents were pleased, but most were upset and concerned about their property and ways of living in the future.
Chairman of the Economic Development Commission (EDC) David Lindgren, a resident of Mt. Prospect for over 20 years, spoke in favor of the proposed plans.
"The EDC supports the Towne Center proposal and believes it will provide the needed redevelopment of the small triangle and further improve our downtown," said Lindgren. "We believe this proposal is a good fit to continue the redevelopment of our downtown."
Other residents were not as pleased.
Gloria Flores, a resident in Mt. Prospect for the past 48 years and who resides at the Village Center, near the "triangle", said she has an issue with delivery trucks that visit Blues Bar and other nearby businesses. She said she has problems getting in and out of her building because of delivery trucks and the new development will just increase the problem.
Bob Scotese said this development would make Mt. Prospect look like downtown Arlington Heights.
"Busse Avenue needs to remain open," said Scotese. "People want to park in front of stores and not walk from a garage or across Northwest Hwy."
Scotese asked the board numerous questions including, what did the village get back on other investments over the years; and who would own and maintain the proposed parking garage?
Heimbaugh said the village would own the garage.
Director of Community Development Bill Cooney said the village would own approximately 120 spaces and residents who own the new condos would privately own the other spaces. Cooney said maintaining the garage would be evenly split between residents and the village in a shared-cost agreement.
According to nearby resident Linda Thill, the village needs to consider if the condos would sell in a depleting housing market.
"I have tried to sell my condo for three years and have actually lost potential buyers because of the parking issues we are faced with," said Thill.
Another resident, Timothy Scott, who is also a village planner, also spoke to the board.
"Simply stated, the proposed development scenario is over-scaled, both in terms of the number of structures on the site and the height and massing of these structures," said Scott.
Scott suggested two buildings be constructed, one on the existing triangular site, and one on the rectangular property running west of the Blues Bar.
"My sense is that a building for the triangular site should not exceed the scale established by The Lofts, a four story building. The building along Busse should be approximately five stories," Scott feels.
Once residents voiced their concerns, discussion was brought back to the village trustees.
"So far, Heimbaugh's proposal is the most developed and completed compared to anyone else," said Trustee Arlene Juracek. "Many residents have identified the main issues and I would like to see Heimbaugh and his team further address these issues before coming to us again."
"This is not a done deal, despite what people think," said Trustee John Korn.
Trustee Paul Hoefert, who has voiced his concerns with the project since the beginning, stated his opinion once again Tuesday night.
"Three years ago, a private property, Dr. Oztekin, began to purchase property in the 'small triangle' on his own nickel," said Hoefert. "Over time, he paid far in excess of the real value for these properties and realized that he financially could not make his entertainment district development dream a reality. He then searched out a developer to come in and look at the site. This developer, Mr. Heimbaugh, decided to buy out Dr. Oztekin's interest in the small triangle property making Dr. Oztekin whole."
Hoefert went on to say that Heimbaugh "freely overpaid" Oztekin for his interest.
"It is not up to the people of Mt. Prospect to accept his proposal driven by his own self-imposed financial dynamic," said Hoefert. "Going to RFP might actually produce alternate designs superior to the overstuffed Heimbaugh design plan and actually compensate the citizens of Mt. Prospect for their property interests in the small triangle rather than just giving our public owned property to the developer. There is nothing illegal nor unethical about not employing the RFP process. There is no law or policy that states that this board or any board must entertain the RFP process."
Hoefert believes that if Heimbaugh fails to find financing for the second phase, the village will have a difficult time finding another developer who can find financing and finish the project. He also said the internal mall and parking garage development combo concept is "old school," because it lacks necessary site lines as well as convenient and abundant parking which is needed today.
"If we move forward with this developer and his development, this behemoth of a development, will be a 'scar on the face' of our downtown, a proverbial 'sore thumb' sticking 88-ft. into the air in the pinnacle site of our downtown," Hoefert said.
"Now is not the time to make the easy, expedient decision. Now it's time to make the 'wise' decision," he added.
Trustee Michael Zadel acknowledged there is a parking issue in the downtown area. He also said he was going to gather more information and state his opinions at the May 20 meeting.
In lieu of Hoefert's comments, Blues Bar owner Errol Oztekin said Hoefert is "not speaking the truth."
"I paid for what the property was worth at the time. I did not overpay and I have copies of the appraisal to state otherwise," said Oztekin.
Oztekin said he has had numerous residents in the village contact him and support the proposed development.
"I truly believe the board will pass this project in a couple weeks, despite what Trustee Hoefert has said," said Oztekin.
Oztekin added that this development will allow for more restaurants, which the downtown area is in need of.