Less than four months after opening its doors at a store four times the size of its original Morton Grove location, Abt is planning to expand its parking lot at 1200 Milwaukee Avenue. A spokesman for the appliance and electronics store told the Plan Commission that it needs 200 more spaces. "Since we’ve come to Glenview, our sales have been up 20-30 percent," said Robert Taylor, Abt operations manager. He said the store has added about 30 trucks and hired an additional 200 employees, putting its total workforce at 1,000.

"At weekends and shift changes, we’re basically double parking all over the place," he explained. Making matters worse, Abt hauls away old appliances after delivering new ones and must keep five semis on the premises to store that "junk." He added that Abt also takes back cardboard packaging after making deliveries. "We bail it and do good things for the environment," Taylor said.

The extra pavement would be within view of Milwaukee Avenue – not an ideal location – and one member of the commission wondered why employees could not be made to park farther from the building. "We have over 250 women that work at Abt," Taylor replied. "You’re forcing them to go out to a far remote parking lot, and they leave the store anywhere from 9 p.m. to midnight. Abt doesn’t feel comfortable with having the females go out to this remote parking lot."

The commissioners also proposed construction of a new building to house used appliances now sitting in trucks. Taylor said Abt might consider that when it expands the store. He predicted that might happen in the next two to three years with an additional 100,000 square feet added.

The commission eventually gave Abt unanimous approval to add parking.

Editor’s note: For a commission that paid lip service to the concept of permeable parking, an important opportunity was missed Tuesday. Given Abt’s proximity to a wetland and the serious flooding problems experienced in that area last fall, the company should have been encouraged to consider pavers that allow storm water to filter through the ground rather than running off. Abt would not be legally bound to install them, but given the firm’s stated concern for the environment and Mr. Abt’s personal interest in the appearance of his property, a nudge from the plan commission might have made the difference. Unlike our park district, which pleaded poverty in rejecting the idea of a more expensive but environmentally friendly parking option, Abt – which enjoys a generous tax break from the village – appears to be flush with cash.

During the course of discussion, plan commissioners were surprised to learn that one part of Abt’s property was off limits for parking because gas pumps were located there. "This gas station, was that on the original site plan?" asked Commissioner Joseph DiMattina.

"It was on the site plans in the Village Hall," said Development Director Mary Bak. "I can’t honestly tell you why it wasn’t on the plan commission site plan for consideration."

"In the six months we were going through this whole procedure with Abt, I don’t recall any conversation at all about this," said DiMattina.

"Oh well," said Chairman Silver.

A Chicago developer returned Tuesday to again ask for permission to construct a couple of condo buildings between the new Glenview State Bank building and Lake Glenview at The Glen. One building would face Chestnut. The other would have a view of the lake. During his last appearance, several members of the commission urged John Heimbaugh to consider building just three stories instead of four. Heimbaugh said that was not financially feasible – that he needed to sell a certain number of condos to make the deal work, and with Glenview’s zoning ordinance requiring retail space on the first floor, a 3-story building would not produce sufficient profits.

Chairman Silver thought maybe Heimbaugh could ask for approval to do a planned development – a designation that would allow him to evade the zoning requirement and eliminate first-floor retail in the lakefront building. That would mean more first-floor condo units, an idea that appealed to the developer, but Development Director Bak didn’t know if it was legal. She said she’d check it out, but two weeks later Heimbaugh’s drawings still showed four stories. Chairman Silver was not pleased. "I’ve got real concerns that you’ve come back with no reduction in height at all," he said.

Heimbaugh began to explain, but Bak jumped in. "Let me apologize on behalf of the staff," she said. "We did not send a memo to Mr. Heimbaugh [informing him that elimination of retail space would be possible so he] could even make a decision as to whether to respond with a lower building. We did not unfortunately get that to him."

Heimbaugh said he meant no disrespect but had been waiting to hear from the village, and wasn’t sure all of the commissioners favored a lower building.

"I’d like to apologize for being late in addressing the zoning issue for Mr. Heimbaugh and this commission," said village planner Dave Sliktas. "I thought there was clear direction from the commission to redevelop the drawings to reduce the height of the building, and I didn’t feel there was any hurry to check the ordinance." Sliktas said he might have misunderstood, but no minutes were available for review, and he didn’t study a tape of the meeting because, "We’re all busy."

Commissioner Peter Brinckerhoff proposed that Heimbaugh’s western building be placed further from the lake and be "stepped back" or terraced "so that your edge on the lake is considerably lower." He also proposed a 30-foot setback from Chestnut Street.

Commissioner Linda Witt asked if Heimbaugh had seen design guidelines written for The Glen. She acknowledged that his proposed site is not technically a part of The Glen, but at its gateway she felt the architectural style of his building should be more compatible. "I don’t think this building is harmonious with its neighborhood," she said of the contemporary condo and retail complex.

Commissioner Gary Wendt said the plan commission had no legal authority to mandate a particular architectural style or a 30-foot setback from the lake, adding that architectural uniformity wasn’t necessary if the building was a nice one. He cited the old Navy chapel as an example of a pleasing structure that is not like its neighbors.

Chairman Silver expressed concern about having retail, and particularly restaurants, in a largely residential neighborhood. He worried about the "in your face, lit-up at night impact that retail’s going to have here. I think the whole building should be condo," he concluded.

Heimbaugh pointed out that Glenview’s comprehensive plan calls for mixed uses in the area – shops and homes.

"The comprehensive plan hasn’t even been adopted," said Silver – referring to a new plan now in the works.

"Yes," said Development Director Bak. "The village board modified the [current] comprehensive plan to reflect B-1 zoning. B-1 retail is a very low-intensity retail – small, neighborhood type service retail which might very well serve the neighbors. They could walk across the street to a Starbucks. It is not fast food carry-out that would be open until one in the morning. That was the discussion that the board and the plan commission had when the [Glenview State Bank] building was approved."

Kevin Mudd, who has purchased a home across from the proposed development, said he thought the building was "overwhelming. I didn’t bargain for something like this." He agreed with Witt that the architectural style was not compatible, adding that a smaller contemporary building might fit better. He objected to allowing retail at the site, raising the specter of a pawn shop going in and thought it might hurt property values across the street. "I don’t think this is going to be a great retail spot to begin with, and if it gets depressed then something else goes in there that we weren’t anticipating."

Mike Duncan, who owns the property, tried to reassure the prospective neighbor and the commissioners. "Let me tell you the people who have approached us," he said. "Homer’s Ice Cream, Lou Malnati’s, Timmy McGivern’s, Zengeler Cleaners. We’re talking low impact. We’re talking park-friendly places."

Chairman Silver then asked the commissioners to give the developer some direction. Commissioner Jim Patterson thought the development might be better if it were all residential. Commissioner Joseph DiMattina was fine with retail and thought too much was being made about proximity to Lake Glenview. "To me it’s just a large detention pond," he said.

Commissioner Gary Wendt said the development should be at least 30 feet from Chestnut and the building no more than three stories with residential units permitted on the first floor of the western most building.

Chairman Silver and Commissioner Witt complained again about the architecture. Silver conceded the commission was giving "all kinds of mixed direction"and proposed that the matter be continued, but Commission Wendt wanted to press ahead. "I think we’re pretty close," he said. "You could boil down the elements and see if there’s any agreement."

"Good idea," said the chairman.

After determining that a majority favored no more than three floors, a 30-foot setback from Chestnut Street, a 20-foot setback from the lakeside boundary with terracing and some retail on Chestnut, Silver asked about architectural style.

Bak, who has clashed frequently with Silver on matters of procedure, jumped in. "This is an appearance commission issue," she scolded.

"I think we should give direction," said Silver.

"I think you can give an opinion," said Bak, "but this is purely an appearance commission issue."

Silver pressed ahead: "I’m going to ask the question, okay?" he said. "Sorry," whispered Bak. "I’m glad you apologized," said Silver.

Commissioner and architect Wendt did not quibble with the contemporary style noting a variety of architectural styles in the area. Witt wanted something more traditional. DiMattina was ambivalent, saying the variety might create an interesting contrast for the area, and Commissioner Jim Patterson conceded he didn’t like the building but was not savvy enough about architecture to take a stand. Architect Peter Brinckerhoff thought the developer could do more to connect with the neighborhood without changing its general style.

Heimbaugh said he hoped to be back at the next plan commission meeting on September 24.

Editor’s note: Last week’s meeting of the plan commission was disturbing because of the obvious communication problems and failures of village staff. How was it that gas pumps did not appear on Abt site drawings reviewed by the commission appointed to advise our trustees on critical planning issues? Did the fuel pumps appear on plans submitted to the trustees?

Why wasn’t Sliktas instructed to advise developer Heimbaugh in a timely manner so a critical decision could be made? Why must Sliktas and others wait weeks to review meeting minutes? We recognize that Bak and her team work hard and suspect they are overwhelmed by so many projects at The Glen and in other parts of town, but if they can’t effectively communicate with the commissioners and with developers, then it’s incumbent on Bak to ask Village Manager Paul McCarthy for more people and for McCarthy to request additional funding from the village board.

Of course Village President Larry "Later" Carlson would probably put off any decision based on his performance to date. He’s taking years instead of months to wrap up a new comprehensive plan for the village and seems in no hurry to review the need for boards and commissions that date back decades.

– At this week’s meeting of the Glenview Village Board, the trustees will discuss installation of 768 strands of holiday lights in the downtown area at a cost of $14,976.

– A request for approval of Children’s Land Day Care center will be reconsidered.

– At 7 p.m., Thursday, September 26 residents of Lizette (2 blocks north of Glenbrook South High School) will meet at Village Hall to discuss a possible parking ban on their street. Already, students struggling to find a spot for their cars have been banned from neighboring LaFontaine and Glenlake Estates.

– Youth Services of Glenview/Northbrook is looking for a few good volunteers after suffering substantial state budget cuts. If you have some free time to work with a child or some spare cash to help with various programs or provide holiday gifts, call Leah or Nancy at 847-724-2620. The organization provides all necessary training for Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Study Buddies, Parent Partners and a special adventure program.

-- United Way of Glenview-Golf will kick off its 2002 campaign on September 18 and hold a conference on the 20th to present findings from a recent community assessment.  For details, call Sue Nebel at 847-998-6510.

– LifeSource Blood Services has put out the call for donors, citing a serious shortage. Spokesman Don Skiba told the Pioneer Press that people were so generous after 9/11 that many had to be turned away. That is not the case in 2002. For an appointment to donate at the Milwaukee Avenue offices, call 847-298-9660.

– As part of Character Counts week at District 34 and 30, Maple Middle School students released 150 red, white and blue balloons while kids at Springman Middle School created a human flag. Wearing red, white and blue shirts, they stood side-by-side to create an aerial view of the flag which can be seen at www.ncook.k12.il.us. American Character Week kicks off a year-long effort at the schools to focus on individual acts of kindness. Among other things, students presented a tribute to local police and firemen. "We are teaching students what it means to be a good citizen through an altruistic approach," said Springman Principal Heather Hopkins.

– The District 34 caucus will meet at Springman to choose a delegates at 7 p.m. Tuesday, September 17. Those individuals will endorse candidates for school board. Anyone who lives in the district and is at least 18 can apply. For more information, call Michele at 847-724-4102.

– A workman has been charged with illegal dumping after pouring painting products into a Glenview sewer at Shermer and Dewes. Mehmed Ciric told police he did not know that was illegal.

– Glenview’s park district continues to battle with local artists who covered a new skateboard ramp at West Park with graffiti one night and hit the north field house the next.

– An 84-year-old resident of Depot Street reported theft by deception after getting a call from someone who claimed she had won $1.3 million. She was told the prize money would arrive once she sent $2,640 in taxes to a Canadian address. The woman complied but received no money.

– And a Lilac Road resident reports the theft of a bicycle from her home – a pink Huffy.

– The League of Women Voters will be at the Glenview Farmer’s Market near Jackman Park on September 28 and October 5, 8:30 - 10:30 a.m. to sign up any U.S. citizen 18 or older who is not yet registered to vote, or has changed their name or address. Bring two forms of identification – at least one with a current address. If you want to vote on November 5, there will be one more chance to register October 7, 3-9 p.m. at Glenview’s public library.

– State Rep. Susan Garrett, a Democrat from the 59^th district who is running against Republican Kathy Parker in the new 19^th district, will host an open house for senior citizens Tuesday, September 17, from 2-3:30 p.m. at Northbrook’s public library. Garrett is a member of the House Aging Committee. She will talk about property taxes, affordable housing and prescription drugs. On Thursday, September 19 from 10 a.m. to noon she’ll be at the Deerfield Public Library on Waukegan Road, hosting a debate on government ethics. Panelists include Professors John Gardiners (UIC), Jeff Milyo (University of Chicago) and Paul Maurer (Trinity University).

Glenview residents Biff Thiele and Debby Rubenstein, cofounders of the Wagner Farm Rescue Fund, will appear on cable Channel 35 at 7:30 p.m. Thursdays, September 19 and 26, in a program about how our park district should deal with unwanted animals at Wagner Farm. Rather than sell them for slaughter, the two advocate sending them to an animal sanctuary.

On a related note, Bart the Bull is said to be doing well at his new home in Trego, Wisconsin and should be seeing three cows from Wagner Farm again in the next 3-6 weeks. Milkshake, Moodonna and Pumpkin are staying at a farm in Peotone until a new pasture area is ready for them in Trego. Thiele hopes to charter a bus so Glenview residents can visit when the gals are reunited with Bart.

Mary Anne Taylor writes about mosquitoes: "We read in your last newsletter about the crows all dying and how horrible these mosquitoes are. We wonder, why aren’t they spraying? If they are, we sure don't see any crews. We are concerned, as both my husband and I have been bitten, and we hope we do not get sick or anything. Are they spraying enough? We also have a dog and are concerned about her health. What do you know about how often and where they are spraying?"

The Watch replies: We have not independently verified his claim, but Marlon Henry, operations manager for the North Shore Mosquito Abatement District, says crews are spraying in Glenview between10 p.m. and 2 a.m. at least one day every week weather permitting. They were last in Glenview on September 6 and expect to be back one day this week. Those crews go only as far west as Pfingsten Road with the Northwest Mosquito Abatement District handling areas west of Pfingsten. Unincorporated areas are not being sprayed at all. As for your dog, we know of no cases of canine West Nile, and among humans the odds of getting West Nile are considered low unless your immune system is compromised. All of the deaths in Illinois have involved people over the age of 60, some of them already ill with other diseases. Statistics aside, experts continue to advise that you use an insect repellant that contains DEET, wear long sleeves, socks and trousers, especially when you’re outside around dawn and dusk.

Dave Carr is concerned about area birds: "A very interesting comment by Biff Thiele. Anyone you talk to in Glenview can tell you they have recently found dead birds – crows, bluejays,

cardinals, woodpeckers, finches. I don't think the West Nile virus discriminates by species of bird as much as it was first thought. Crows just happen to be the biggest and most obvious birds that are (were) in abundance in Glenview. It’s more than the crows that are dying, It would be very interesting to know what other people are seeing in their local bird populations. I think they

are being devastated by the virus. Biff and other readers may be interested in this site http://cindi.usgs.gov/hazard/event/west_nile/illinois."

The Watch replies: The Audubon - Chicago Region office heard from Biff Thiele and decided to undertake its own survey. After 11 hours of observation over a four-day period by 35 experienced bird watchers, the group concluded that crows are "almost completely absent from our northern suburbs and far north and northwestern Chicago." Monitors also reported an absence of other bird species, according to Judy Pollock, Audubon’s Bird Conservation Projects Manager. "Crows are noisy and visible birds whose absence is easily noted," she said. "It is harder to measure the impact on the songbirds and the rare and endangered birds we have in the area." One hundred eleven species are known to be affected by the West Nile virus, and no birds have yet been found that are immune. Monitors reported unusual numbers of dead or ill birds of many species seen in recent weeks. These include American kestrels, great horned owls, red-tailed hawks, blue jays, chickadees, house sparrows, house finches and even pigeons. Audubon also said some bird deaths may not be due to West Nile disease. In New York last year, a majority of bird deaths presumed to be from West Nile virus were found, upon closer investigation, to be due to pesticides applied to fields. Audubon urged groups like NSMAD to do more toward eliminating mosquito breeding grounds and use alternatives to compounds such as Anvil – a spray toxic to fish and to insects which are an important food source for birds. NSMAD says Anvil is a pesticide which only kills mosquitoes.

In addition, the Pioneer Press reports that eagles and ducks may have been killed by the virus, but members of the Corvid family, such as crows and jays are most susceptible. If you see a sick bird, experts say, leave it alone.

GW has great news for Biff Thiele, Glenview’s crow crusader who feared the birds had been wiped out by a plague of West Nile. A survey by the Audubon Society confirmed most if not all of the crows in this area had disappeared, but GW writes: "If anyone wants to see crows check out the 1100 block of Glenview Road. I'd be more than happy and so would my neighbor to have them come over and get the crows to fly over to their house. They are a pain in the neck." Regarding the proposed Waukegan Road day care center nixed by Glenview’s village board, GW adds: "Our trustees pay too much attention to the wrong things. Let the day care in. Are the trustees who oppose the day care looking for three or four more dry cleaners? They devote too much attention to the nightmare they have created at The Glen and then expect other people who have supported Glenview for 50 years to put up with all the traffic and congestion."

BB writes about Jeff Lerner’s attempt to fine fellow trustees $500 for publicly discussing topics reviewed in executive sessions: "Trustee Lerner advocated a fine for talking out of executive session on the ground that the law didn't have a penalty, so it needed one. As noted by The Watch, lots of laws carry no specific penalty. Does Mr. Lerner intend to go through all those and add fines where none exist? Or was his reason just a rationalization?"

CEO can’t believe the new middle school at The Glen: "While coming from a business lunch at The Glen Club last week, I noticed the new structure going up next to Park Center. As a CEO, I envied the business that will enjoy the rounded and sunlit atrium, the three-story elevator

building, its luxurious quality of design and construction and the tranquil suburban open space. I could easily envision my corner office in this brand new Corporate HQ. Much to my surprise, however, my partner identified that structure as the new District 34 middle school! ‘Surely you are mistaken,’ I said, but, no, he assured me that was the result of the District 34 school board thinking big. Real big. And lavish. Real lavish with Glenview property taxpayer's money -- building it with full knowledge that Glenview taxpayers refused a tax rate increase to operate it! Hello!"

"Apparently concepts, such as frugal, sufficient, adequate, meeting needs, etc. are passe with District 34 people. Their lexicon seems to be focused on plush, luxurious, spare-no-expense or space, etc. and is based upon their conviction that there is a bottomless pit of tax dollars available for them to luxuriate in and spend – taxpayers and common sense be damned. Fellow Glenview taxpayers, I urge you to vote down, once again, any tax rate increase to operate this "Corporate HQ" as a Glenview Middle School. Then District 34 can lease or sell this structure to a profit-making business for its Corporate HQ and we taxpayers will get our money back"

And TS is appalled by the tale of the floating police car: "How can I pass this one up? The day of the big rainstorm an officer investigating rapidly rising water near Shermer and Old Willow drives into water high enough to go over the roof of his car. What did he do next, get on the roof and say ‘Yep, it's flooding alright!’ This has got to be the ultimate test."

Bill Turgeon, who now lives in Maryland, recently discovered Glenview Watch online: "I grew up in Glenview. We moved from Evanston in 1958 to one of the cul-de-sacs on Arbor Lane (parallel to Harms Road). My parents moved us in 1965 to Glenayre Park off of Glenview Road, living there from 1965 to 1969, when, unfortunately, my father was transferred to New York with National Geographic. My younger brothers, sister, and I attended O.L.P.H. To keep this brief, I just wish to emphasize pointedly what a positive and wholesome and constructive and wonderful childhood Glenview provided to all of us. We look back to these days very fondly indeed. There is not one negative, and I do remember back frequently to the aura of warmth and positivity that enveloped the experience of growing up there in the 1960's.

"I've been working my way chronologically through your back issues. My great experience growing up in Glenview can never be dampened, but I am in strong sympathy with the concerns expressed in 2000 about teardowns and monster-rebuilds. When, in the summer of 1997, I visited my old childhood street of Arbor Lane for the first time since 1991, I parked my car on Glenview Road and decided upon a leisurely walking approach up Arbor Lane. As I strolled along the street, and came so unexpectedly upon one, then a second, then another and another gargantuan monstrosity sitting upon such relatively small-sized lots, a sense of real disconcertment and absurdity came upon me. These huge homes were built to within inches of the side lot edges. I felt something had been truly wrecked, and somebody had been asleep at the wheel. If it hadn't been so absurd to the point of laughter, I would have cried.

"I appreciated the following from your July 16, 2000 edition: [Resident Richard] ‘Feit argued that monster homes destroy the character and charm of existing neighborhoods and cause property values to plateau or fall. "Nobody wants to buy a house to live in that's next door, across from or down the street from a monster size house. So the only buyers are the teardown hunters who will pay for land value, not the house value," he said. [Architect Tom] Lindsay thought we should lower the "side yard setback" -- the distance between a house and its property line -- from seven and a half to four feet -- leaving just eight feet between houses. The suggestion prompted a sarcastic quip from long-time Village resident Norma Morrison: "You mean I could lean out the window and borrow a cup of sugar?" she said.’"

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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