RON & MARTY'S TO GET A MAKEOVER

The Glenview Road shopping strip anchored by Ron & Marty's Hardware near the corner of Glenview and Greenwood roads may get an extensive makeover. Family Video, a Springfield company and the nation's largest privately-owned video rental chain with more than 200 stores in seven Midwest states, is building its new headquarters at The Glen and wants a snazzy new store nearby. It plans a 2,200-square-foot addition to Ron & Marty's space and will erect its trademark glass block tower – a 20-foot structure that looks something like a skinny rocket ship – out front.  The company also pledges extensive cosmetic improvements to the retail strips now housing the hardware store and Baskin Robbins.

"The mall is rundown.  It's neglected, and can be – at times – an eyesore to this community," said Tim Reynolds, a Family Video executive. "We can transform it into something that will be vibrant, attractive and reflect well on our company."   

Family Video and the commission discussed technical concerns such as storm water detention, parking and landscaping at length before agreeing that the company would come back with revised plans when the board meets on August 27. All of the businesses now at the site are expected to stay except Ron and Marty who plan to close.

PROFESSIONAL ADVICE FOR GLENVIEW'S FUTURE

A professional planning consultant who took part in seven public hearings, 11 meetings of the Comprehensive Plan Commission and tallied more than 3,000 surveys from residents has released preliminary recommendations for the future of the village. Larry Witzling says Glenview must play an active role in the redevelopment of downtown, using tax dollars if necessary to acquire land or encourage development, since the free market alone will not give the community what it wants.

He said regulations requiring retail activity on the first floor of buildings along Glenview Road should be retained, but ground floor spaces on side streets like Dewes could serve as offices.  Witzling praised the village for undertaking a market study to determine what kind of businesses might be located downtown and repeated his claim that the area around Glenview and Waukegan roads will not compete with The Glen.  He contends the amount of retail space downtown is relatively small and best-suited to the kinds of stores and restaurants that would probably not go in at The Glen.

A number of downtown sites might work for a new library, but Witzling said land on Church Street – the site of the Patio Shops and Colonial Court – was his first choice. He recommended a small, intimate plaza be built in front of the library and suggested public art be displayed around downtown.  Redevelopment of the current library site would be "a major opportunity," he added.  "We think  there should be very active involvement by the village.  Don't just let it happen.  Be active participants in trying to figure out what should happen there."

Witzling urged the community to think more about pavement. "If you have beautiful buildings with great architectural character, try to do something with the pavement. Use brick pavers, use stamped concrete, try to recognize that the floor of the city is as important as the walls."  He urged Glenview to preserve some of its older buildings, predicted that homes close to the train station would appreciate and proposed the village allow them to be used as small offices to protect the character of the area.

The consultant felt residential density downtown could be increased to support retail activity, but it's important that we consider the character of construction.  "Worry a little bit less about the number of residential units and more about some detailed architectural guidelines for new buildings," he advised.  Witzling also suggested putting new buildings close to the sidewalk and  said three stories on Glenview Road would be fine.

WHAT ABOUT WAUKEGAN?

The large number of places where traffic enters and exits Waukegan Road is a major problem, according to the professional planner.  All those cars and trucks making left turns contributes to congestion on Glenview's main north-south street.  Witzling said he understood our frustration with traffic in the village. "It took us two hours to get here from Milwaukee," he said.  "The first hour got us to Willow Road."

From Chestnut to Dewes – the central part of Waukegan Road – Witzling proposed a landscaped median strip to restrict the number of turns being made, and over time he suggested businesses be encouraged to share parking lots so there could be fewer driveways entering Waukegan. He       admitted that might not be popular with business people but argued that congestion discourages shoppers.  By streamlining the flow of cars and trucks on Waukegan, he thought business could be improved.

The consultant said Glenview's role in the redevelopment of Waukegan Road could be minimal, but the village should make every effort to keep a grocery store at the current Dominick's location. 

He praised Saturn of Glenview for its attractive landscaping and encouraged the village to pass a new sign ordinance.  "You have to let businesses have signs," he explained, "but you can regulate them so that they look good."

THE PUBLIC REPLIES

Only a handful of residents chose to respond. Bob Sacoff challenged Witzling's assertion that more high density housing could be built downtown. "The residents of Glenview want lower density," he said.  "The August issue of the American Planning Association's magazine quotes a top proponent of smart growth who considers 14 units per acre to be high density.  The Optima [West] development at Glenview and Waukegan roads has a density of 48.6 dwelling units per acre. I think you should recommend lowering the maximum density allowed downtown."

Witzling said density was a tricky topic since units per acre does not reflect people per acre, but he said the comprehensive plan would include more analysis of the subject.

Tony Mariola, a resident of Optima West, said he hoped downtown development would proceed quickly since residents of his building were led to believe a renaissance would soon take place.

Richard Feit urged the planner to speak with library boards in Wilmette, Niles and Mt. Prospect before making further recommendations on the location of Glenview's library.  Those communities chose to expand at their current locations, and Feit argued that a majority of Glenview residents surveyed in 2000 preferred the library to stay put. At the time of that poll, the post office was still planning to move.

Finally, long-time resident Norma Morrison spoke, proposing that buildings in the 1800-block of Glenview Road be preserved and improved, not torn down.  She suggested narrowing the sidewalk so stores like the Cat's Meow and Hauff Hobby would be closer to shoppers and adding angled parking in front.  Morrison also looked at the big picture, asking the consultant, "What kind of community will Glenview become upon the implementation of this plan? Will Glenview be a quasi-urban town with small lots, high-density, three-story commercial buildings, or will it be a homey, residential town with a retail district in harmony with that concept?"

Witzling said his team was still working on its vision statement but had found general public satisfaction with residential areas.  "Part of the future of the community is preserving that."

Morrison replied, "I don't think any of us want to see an urban aspect overtake this town."

NEW LUXURY TOWN HOMES ON DEWES

A developer called Honey Locust, Inc. won speedy approval to construct 10 townhomes at 1723-1733 Dewes – the parking lot of the former Glenview State Bank building just west of Waukegan Road.  The developer plans to mirror the development next door with two-story, three-bedroom units retailing for $550,000-650,000. A spokesman for the neighbors at Brookwood Court expressed support for the project but rejected a proposal by Commissioner Peter Brinckerhoff and Chairman Howard Silver that the two developments share a driveway to create more green space at the site.  The developer and the commission agreed on a change in the arrangement of parking that will mean more open space.

MORE CONDOS COMING TO THE GLEN

A modern, high-density development could soon sit at the eastern gateway to The Glen.  Chicago developer John Heimbaugh specializes in mixed use redevelopment – building stores, restaurants and multi-family housing in places that have been used for something else.  He's behind a 32-acre south Loop project, Chinatown Square, that occupies former railroad property, a 25-unit condo in Evanston and Homewood's Prairie Lakes development at the site of a racetrack that burned down.

Now, Heimbaugh hopes to put up two buildings on less than two acres just west of the Glenview State Bank building, along the eastern edge of Gallery Park at The Glen.  One of the structures would face Chestnut, while the other would face the park.  Each would have stores on the ground floor with a total of 31 condos on the second, third and fourth floors.

Several commissioners and a neighbor objected to the proposed density and height, but the developer said he would walk away from the project if he could not built at least 31 condos.

Commissioner Peter Brinckerhoff thought a compromise could be struck.  B-1 zoning mandates stores on the ground floor, but if the property were considered a planned development, Brinckerhoff said stores could be replaced by residential units. That would enable the developer to build a three-story structure and still sell as many condos.  Heimbaugh lent his immediate and enthusiastic support to the idea.

The panel did not agree on the architecture.  Commissioners Joseph DiMattina and Steve Bucklin wanted a more traditional look and sloped roofs, but architects Brinckerhoff and Gary Wendt liked the contemporary design with flat roofs that Heimbaugh submitted, and President Silver favored keeping the building low to protect views of Lake Glenview.  He noted the buildings' extensive use of glass and described the architecture as "a light, California concept that won't look as bulky next to the lake."

The project is expected to come in for more discussion at the commission's August 27 meeting.

PREVIEWS OF COMING ATTRACTIONS

On Wednesday, August 21 The Glen Redevelopment Commission meets in the board room of Village Hall to talk about the movie theater set to be built at the mixed use retail center.  Also, back for another round of discussion, the Creme de la Creme daycare center.

PLAYGROUND IS NOT CHILD'S PLAY

A new Waukegan Road day care facility ran into heavy traffic at the Glenview Plan Commission Tuesday – its operators learning that building a simple playground in the village can be a complex matter.  A woman from Children's Land Daycare Center explained how five parking spots in the rear lot would be covered with a relatively soft paving material and playground equipment would be installed.  She had cleared her plans with DCFS and village staff, but the commissioners worried about stormwater drainage and the location of the play area.  

Brinckerhoff was "very concerned" about the Burger King next door, the Glenview Car Wash out back and the fumes generated by cars in their drive through lines.  He also noted a lack of landscaping and said there were dumpsters nearby. "This doesn't seem like a great area for kids," he concluded.

The day care operator, Ola, said DCFS did not allow landscaping on playgrounds and assured the commission that a wood fence would surround the area, separating children from the trash and the cars at neighboring businesses.

Village Development Director Mary Bak added that areas zoned for day care centers were also zoned for commercial activities, so car fumes and garbage were likely to be in the area, and Chairman Silver conceded those issues were not a plan commission problem.

Still, Commissioner Steve Bucklin wanted to get those kids away from the garbage, and the entire panel wanted to see professional drawings to assure that parking and drainage would be adequate.  The day care operator worried.  A construction crew was already at work inside the building, and parents were signing up for the fall session.  DCFS would not allow her to open without the playground, but the commissioners wouldn't bend and informed her that even if they approve the plan at their next meeting, the village board would have to approve her playground, and it would also have to go to the zoning board of appeals if parking is below code.

ROADWORK AHEAD

– Northbrook's Safety Commission is asking the county for a study to determine whether Sanders Road should add turn lanes.  The commission is evenly divided on that question, although residents have expressed strong opposition, arguing – among other things – that the extra lanes will mean faster traffic and more dangerous conditions for kids.

– The commission also agreed to post signs along Techny Road where bike paths are planned.  Members were concerned that bicyclists could face danger in riding under the Metra overpass where the roadway narrows.  The signs will warn drivers to "share the road."

– Howard Street is in for a makeover between Niles Center Road and Crawford Avenue.  There will be no widening of the right-of-way.  Instead, crews will use the gravel shoulders to create paved parking, a bike lane, curbs and gutters.  Howard will remain one lane in each direction, but the lanes will go to 12 feet, and turn lanes will be added at Kostner and Crawford.

DISTRICT 31 GETS NEW CLASSROOMS

A new wing is nearly ready to open at Winkelman School, providing 15 more classrooms for a crowded School District 31. The board of education had hoped to build a new school, but after three unsuccessful efforts to pass a bond issue, members agreed to construct more space at Winkelman – a plan that won voter approval in November 2000.

WEST NILE WOES

With the population of dead birds growing, the North Shore Mosquito Abatement District has begun spraying daily from 10 a.m. until noon in Glenview and other suburbs to reduce the number of insects that carry West Nile virus. The Northwest Abatement District also claims to have fogged most of Maine, Wheeling and Northfield townships.

The odds of getting the disease are low, and only 1 percent of infected people get really sick.  Still, public health officials advise you to wear insect repellant, long-sleeved shirts and pants if you're out around dawn and dusk when mosquitoes feed.  They also remind homeowners to eliminate standing water in their yards.

SAVE THE DATE

Drop-in Chess Club meets once more this summer from 7-8:30 p.m. Wednesday, August 21 at the Glenview Public Library. Bring your own chess set if possible. Steve Levenson will be there with instruction and advice for kids in grades 4 and up.

The library hosts a special preview performance of "Women Talk" with pianist/singer Ester Hana at 2 p.m. Tuesday, August 27.  "Women Talk" is a musical about four women who call into a talk show. The preview is free and open to the public.  Sign-up now at the Information Desk or call 847-729-7500 ext. 112.  The show opens at the Royal George Theater on August 28.

GLENVIEW MISSES THE GREEN

Glenview's park district could have installed an environmentally-friendly parking lot next to the Chicago River, across the street from Wagner Farm.  Instead, officials rushed to lay down asphalt – a building material that contributes to global warming and will send dirty water into the river at a temperature that could be deadly to fish and other wildlife.  Parks executive Bob Quill argued, among other things, that asphalt would be cheaper.

Now comes word that the Morton Arboretum will be using environmentally-friendly materials for its new lot – pavers that allow rain water and snow melt  to seep through the ground into the water table in a relatively cool, clean state.  What's more, the Chicago Tribune reports the arboretum will pay nothing for the lot:

"The Morton Arboretum in Lisle has been awarded more than $1.2 million in federal funds to be used for a demonstration project on reducing water pollution caused by runoff from urban parking lots and other paved surfaces. As part of ongoing expansion plans, the arboretum will replace its current 160-car parking lot with a 700-car lot that will incorporate innovative features designed to better control environmental damage caused by pavement runoff from storm water or melting snow. Such runoff often includes toxins from motor oils and other substances that eventually wind up in area streams and harm aquatic life.  Construction is scheduled to begin on the project in March and is expected to be completed by spring 2004."

IN OTHER ENVIRONMENTAL NEWS ...

– Northbrook played host to U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin and about two dozen local officials and environmentalists last week.  The group met to celebrate likely passage of a bill that could mean cleaner air for this region.  With help from Northbrook's village manager and president, Durbin has secured $750,000 to educate the public on ways to reduce air pollution and on alternatives to asphalt.

– Wilmette's park board has agreed to buy the 17-acre Mallinckrodt College property and will hold public hearings to decide how it will be used.  Voters in Wilmette approved a bond issue for up to $25 million to purchase and improve the land.  There's no word yet on whether the historic building at that site will be retained.

– The North Shore is a popular refueling spot for ruby-throated hummingbirds as they migrate south each autumn, and the Chalet Nursery will hold a free lecture on what to plant if you'd like to attract the frenetic little creatures.  That talk will take place at 10 a.m. Friday, September 6.  For more information or to register, call Brennan at 847-256-0561, extension 225.

FORE!

Glenview's park district goes before the village board Tuesday night to request an expansion of hours for their liquor license.  The café of the main golf course now begins serving alcohol at 10 a.m.  Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m. Sunday but would like to open the bar at 7 a.m.  Parks Executive Director Tom Richardson says many golfers start playing early and are ready for a sandwich and a beer before 10.  His staff did some research and found other courses in the area serving alcohol at 6:30 or 7.

READERS WRITE

Phil St. Aubin feels the village could do more to inform the public about West Nile: "Adding to Mr. Druzinski's comments concerning dead crows, I found a dead crow in my back yard two weeks ago and received the same direction from the police department. I asked if I should contact the village health department, and the officer said it was not necessary. His remark was that the health department had more reports than they can handle. He suggested I deposit the dead crow in my household waste. Perhaps what you don't know can hurt you, as the reports of additional cases of West Nile approach epidemic proportions."

And PJK wonders: "Where did all the people go who complained about Glenview spraying for
mosquitos?  Now that the threat of the West Nile Virus is here, did they suddenly decide to keep quiet?  I say let the village start spraying again."

JL is discouraged by the state of local government in Glenview: "It's no wonder that more people don't participate in local government.  Anyone willing to work hard to be impartial and help to create a more equitable forum for deciding village issues would go mad in short order.  Nothing is more frustrating than trying to exercise logic and calm, rational thought in a sea of special interest and good old boy relationships.  I guess the status quo will remain unless sincere volunteers much younger and more patient than I step forward to try and get this village out of its self-made muck and mire.  I doubt such a saintly group exists and, if they do, they probably don't want to risk the wrath of the establishment."

RS doesn't buy Village Hall's explanation that a prohibition on parking pick-up trucks overnight in residential areas is not being enforced because so many people have them: "I suppose you could apply that to all the laws in Glenview.  Since everybody speeds then we are not going to enforce that. Since more and more people are tinting their windows, we will not enforce that either.  And since more and more people don't like obeying the law so be it.  Amen!"   

CM disapproves of the park district's annual gold fish day: "It's time for some little pink toes to be bitten by baby hermit crabs in the Old Roosevelt Pool. Just a small reminder that our aquatic friends should be let alone."

The Burkes were sorry to hear Carson's had closed: "My husband and I were frequent patrons of Carson's because we thought they had the best Chinese.  We recently tried calling to place an order but there was no answer.  After reading the Watch, we know why.  It really is a shame that they had to leave after the pressure was put on them to keep the Carson's name.  Maybe that was the problem. They will be missed."

The Watch replies: We're not sure what happened to Carson's.  The new decor was lovely, and the new owner tried hard, but these are especially tough times for restaurants and other retail establishments.  The good news is that a Japanese restaurant plans to occupy the space in September, and perhaps you will enjoy the food at Glenview's newest Chinese eatery – Pick Up Sticks.  We also anticipate the reopening of Dragon Inn North soon.

Mary Lou Haflinger asks about the weekly farmer's market in the parking lot next to Jackman Park: "Why does the Glenview Farmer's Market open so late in the year?  Is it because it's a certified market?  It also seems that every year we lose a vendor or two and last Saturday it almost looked bleak.  I love the market and would hate to see it go the way of other great plans for the village." 

The Watch replies: The market opens when local produce begins to come out of farm fields in Illinois and Michigan. A cool, dry spring delayed this year's crops.  As for the number of vendors, Vice President of Programming for the Glenview Women of Today Cheri Sloat says there are actually more of them, but because the market has moved to a larger location, it may appear that there are fewer folks selling fruits, veggies, crafts, flowers, bread and other goodies.  The market will remain open Saturdays from 8 a.m. until noon through October 19 with a special craft show scheduled on September 14.

YOUR TURN: Write to glenviewwatch@aol.com or 3537 Maple Leaf Drive, Glenview, IL 60025. If you haven’t already done so, please consider making a contribution to support The Watch. Non-deductible checks should be payable to Glenview Watch. Thanks for your support and for reading. Dean Schott and Sandy Hausman, Co-Editors.

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