GLENVIEW'S NEW DOWNTOWN -- BIG BUILDINGS, BIG BUCKS?

 

Glenview's downtown consultants are poised to make recommendations, and advocates of low-density, low-rise construction and minimal use of tax dollars are likely to be disappointed.  In a May 6 memo entitled "Preliminary Preferred Concepts and Implementation Planning," Steve Friedman suggests:

 

-- Relaxation of height and density requirements

-- Direct public financial incentives such as tax increment financing

-- Public improvements such as construction of shared parking

 

In addition, Friedman says his team has recently learned of a real estate sale downtown that is "likely to impact key assumptions in our economic model. We are currently reviewing this information in order to determine its implications on economic feasibility," he says.

 

The consultants will make a full presentation at 7 p.m. Thursday, May 12 at Village Hall.

FAMILY OF BOY KILLED AT GLENVIEW RAILROAD CROSSING FILES SUIT

 The Chicago Tribune reports that the family of 11-year-old victor Olivera, killed by a Metra train last year as he rode his bicycle across the railroad tracks on Glenview Road filed a lawsuit Monday, alleging that officials knew the crossing was dangerous and should have made safety improvements sooner. The suit names Metra, the Village of Glenview and Canadian Pacific Railway, which dispatches trains on the tracks. The crossing had no pedestrian gates at the time of the accident, nearly a year ago, but they were quickly installed at village expense.

"We want to make sure that people realize that there's a responsibility not just in Glenview but all the surrounding communities," the boy's father said at a Chicago news conference. "No lawsuit will ever bring back our son, but we hope and pray that our efforts today and in the future will save the lives of other pedestrians and bicyclists by causing railroads and municipalities to take responsibility for improving pedestrian safety at railroad crossings."

Metra has historically argued that physical barriers are not the answer, because people  find ways around them. Attorneys for the Olivera family provided letters Monday from Glenview officials to the Illinois Commerce Commission dating back to the late 1960s that discussed the village's desire for pedestrian gates near the station and mentioned reports of near-misses involving children walking and biking at the crossing.

"As early as 1969, this was acknowledged to be a dangerous pedestrian crossing for children using the area," said Kevin Durkin, an attorney for the family. Glenview Village Manager Todd Hileman said the letters were "simply inquiries on behalf of our residents," not "empirical evidence" that the crossing was dangerous.

MOSQUE RUMOR BECOMES REALITY

 

For years, residents have been speculating about the future of land just north of Belmont Village near the northwest corner of Shermer and Golf roads. Rumor had it a local Muslim group had purchased the property to build a mosque. Last week, a legal notice appeared in the Glenview Announcements confirming that scenario.

 

A  group called the Ismaili House of Worship will appear before the plan commission in June, represented by Mike Downing, an attorney who frequently speaks for developers in Glenview.  Downing will ask the commission to consider rezoning the land from light industrial to residential, making it legally possible to build a church, synagogue or mosque.  The project would still require approval from the zoning board of appeals and the trustees.

 

CARLSON GETS THE CHAIR

 

Glenview’s new board held its first meeting Tuesday after bidding a fond farewell to former President Larry Carlson.  Three former presidents – Jim Smirles, Nancy Firfer and Paul Thomas – presented Carlson with the traditional going away gift: a rocking chair.

 

CUMMINGS GETS THE NOD

 

Standing awkwardly during the presentation, the newly-elected president moved toward her seat.  “Don’t sit down yet,” said Smirles, a key player in Kerry Cummings’ political party.  “You haven’t been [sworn in] yet,” he told her.  “I want you to know that you’re not obligated to me, but I cast the [tie-breaking] vote [to nominate you].”  

 

Smirles then congratulated Carlson at length.  “Larry, you can sit back, have [your wife] Sally sit on your lap and have a nice, cool Coke – a nice cool drink while you’re sitting there watching GVTV every other Tuesday.  Congratulations Buddy!”

 

Editor’s note:  Editor’s note:  Who invited Smirles to emcee this event – and why?  He’s an old-fashioned politician who once squeezed developers for contributions to Glenview’s centennial celebration during a village board meeting.  Smirles no doubt fancies himself a kingmaker, but Cummings – who was elected on her own merits two years ago – should have told him to sit down while she did the honors.  The guy is history, and a new generation of leaders must assert itself to dispel the notion that Glenview is a backward community still run by a political machine.  While Smirles’ party ran unopposed this time around, they were forced to put a liberal Democrat on their ticket, and they might well have lost the race had Mike Guinane or Chris Warren been willing to seek the presidency. 

 

SKOKIE WOMAN SAYS SHE’S GOING AFTER COULSON

 

Incumbent State Representative Beth Coulson may again face aggressive competition from Illinois Democrats.  A Skokie woman says she wants the job and is starting her campaign early.  Judith-Rae Ross is a former Niles Township trustee and a history instructor at DePaul University.  She’s been active in county efforts to promote economic development and worked to open a child care center in Niles Township.  Ross says she knows Coulson will be a “formidable opponent.  “On the other hand,” she told the Pioneer Press, “do I look like sliced bread?”

 

Illinois Democrats have been gunning for Coulson since her district was redrawn in 2000.  With West Wilmette, West Evanston, Northeast Morton Grove and the north half of Skokie in the mix, pundits say the 17^th House district could go to a Democrat. 

 

NEW TRUSTEES APPROVE PLANS FOR INTERSECTION IMPROVEMENTS

 

Glenview trustees have approved installation of pedestrian gates at the W. Lake Avenue railroad crossing and adjustments to gates on Glenview Road.  The board also okayed money to plan changes to two troublesome intersections: Glenview/Greenwood and Waukegan/Chestnut. Those locations are especially slow during rush hour and especially risky based on the numbers of accidents that occur there.

 

VILLAGE CLAIMS LAWN CARE CHEMICALS POSE NO THREAT

 

Last week, a reader wrote to ask about signs placed on lawns around Gallery Park.  They read “RD-2,” and she thought she’d heard that chemical was dangerous.  In fact, the village administrator who oversees park maintenance says, “There is no chemical called ‘RD-2.’ It’s a term used by ChemLawn that stands for ‘round two,’ or a second application of weed killer.” Amy Ahner says lawns in Gallery Park were fertilized and treated with a broadleaf herbicide in late April. She assured the public that visitors to the park have nothing to fear, noting safety for park users, wildlife and water sources “determines the type of fertilizer and herbicide used in the park’s maintenance program.”

 

At the department of public works, Chris Clark added that weed treatment at Gallery Park is “not toxic to humans, wildlife or water.  The chemical used is the same as what’s used on residential property.  It’s not industrial strength or anything, and we’re confident that it’s safe for the public.”

Our reader may have confused ‘RD-2’ with the herbicide ‘2,4-D.’ It was introduced in 1946, and is now the most widely used weed killer in the world.  Farmers and homeowners rely on 2,4-D, its toxicity is low, and most experts believe it’s safe for humans and wildlife.

Still, there are critics and studies that suggest a possible link to cancer – especially if directions for use are not followed carefully.  Residents who want to avoid the stuff on their own property can learn more about cultivating organic lawns by going to http://www.nrdc.org/thisgreenlife/ .

 

RANDALL RACKS ‘EM UP

 

Village attorney Jeff Randall wants his day before the Illinois’ Supreme Court.  He’s hoping to save an ordinance that allows the village to collect its legal fees from anyone who files suit against Glenview and loses. 

 

An appeals court recently struck that law down. “Glenview's fee-shifting ordinance discourages residents and non residents of Glenview who receive a citation, from challenging that citation for fear that a loss in court will require not only a payment of the citation, and any fees associated with the challenge of the citation, but also the payment of Glenview's attorney fees,” said the judge. “We also note that Glenview's fee-shifting ordinance is one sided.  If Glenview successfully prosecutes a violator of its ordinance, it is entitled to recover attorney fees and the violator must pay the fine imposed as well as Glenview's attorney fees.  Conversely, if Glenview is unsuccessful in prosecuting a violator of its ordinance, it in essence wants the American Rule to apply and each party to pay its own attorney fees.”

Glenview had argued that it should be allowed to collect legal fees from losing plaintiffs since, “One of the most important things a governmental unit can do . . . is to protect public funds.”

 

So far, Village Attorney Randall has billed $83,700 for his work on the case, and one legal expert says the Supreme Court foray could cost Glenview another $60,000.

 

RANDALL MAKES THE CASE -- MEIER’S IS OFF THE HOOK

 

After dragging its feet for nearly a year – failing to install parking lot lights and storm water detention as promised and forcing Glenview to take owner Gus Pappas to court, Meier’s Tavern is off the hook.  Village attorney Jeff Randall urged the trustees to approve an agreement to let Meier’s expand without the usual two-week delay to allow a second vote.

 

“Meier’s has been working diligently to complete the project.  Meier’s attorney has gone above and beyond the call of duty,” said Randall.  “They have substantially complied.  It is not done yet, but it will be.  They have a lot of money invested in this, and we respectfully request that the board waive the administrative rules and adopt the ordinance on the first reading, [allowing Meier’s to expand its facility].”

 

Trustee Kim Woodrow wondered how the village could assure completion if the board signed off now.  “There’s nothing to indicate that the landscaping will not be completed,” said Randall. “The landscaping has already been paid for. It’s my opinion that there has been more than substantial compliance. . .The lights have also been paid for,” Randall added, but they could not legally be installed until the board agreed to give Meier’s a green light.

 

Repeating Randall’s assertion that the landscaping had been paid for and that Meier’s “has been known to do business in this community,” Board President Kerry Cummings suggested the trustees go along, and they did.

 

Editor’s note:  We’re frankly puzzled by Randall’s passionate plea on Meier’s behalf.  After all, he works for the taxpayers – not the tavern.  On the other hand, a court did order Pappas to pay legal fees to settle Glenview’s suit against him.  Maybe that confused the village attorney.

 

BEST WISHES FROM BART

 

On May 15, friends of Bart the Bull will mark the third anniversary of his departure from Wagner Farm.  Bart, six other cattle and dozens of chickens were purchased by the Wagner Farm Rescue Fund, then sent to a farm sanctuary in Wisconsin.  When that facility closed, its owners transferred the animals to a sanctuary near San Antonio, Texas where Wagner Farm Rescue Fund continues to pay for their care. Bart has just turned nine, and fund co-founder Debby Rubenstein predicts “many more good years.”  (Bulls can live to the ripe old age of 20.) “After spending years in a stall at Wagner Farm, Bart now roams a pasture freely,” she says.  Rubenstein invites readers to visit her group’s website for a look at pictures of the bull and his buddies:  www.wagnerfarmrescuefund.org . 

 

PARK PERKS – A CORRECTION

 

In an early edition of last week’s Watch, we reported that Mike Downing had stepped down as president of the Park District Foundation – a group of volunteers established to raise money for Glenview parks.  We noted that Downing would remain on the foundation board and that former commissioners Steve Schulte and Tom Pontarelli would join the foundation board – assuring that they, along with Downing, would continue to enjoy free golfing privileges and access to all other recreational facilities at no charge.  We said serving on the foundation entitled volunteers to those perks while working with groups like the Grove Heritage Association and the Friends of Wagner Farm did not. 

 

On several counts, we were mistaken.

 

First, the park district provides free access to its facilities to current park board members, their families, the treasurer and attorney.  Former commissioners and one family member continue to enjoy the perk for a period of time equal to their years of service if they play some role in supporting the parks. In other words, former park board members, like Schulte and Pontarelli, could qualify for the benefit by joining the Grove Heritage Association, Friends of Wagner Farm or the foundation. 

 

Second, Mike Downing’s benefit actually expired two years ago, so he has been paying to play since 2003. 

 

Finally, service on the park foundation does not provide any perks. “Since Mike Downing began the Glenview Park Foundation, the organization has raised in excess of $750,000 to benefit the Glenview Park District and its residents,” wrote Executive Director Tom Richardson. “Glenview Park Foundation board members receive no remuneration -- not even a free pass into our fundraisers.”

 

Editor’s note:  It’s swell that Downing and other members of the foundation have brought-in extra revenue for the district, but we presume they and members of the park board wanted to serve their community when they signed on.  If there’s extra cash floating around Prairie Street, we’d rather see freebies going to low-income families than to the well heeled park board alums who continue to enjoy free golf at taxpayer expense.

 

MORE PARK PATTER

 

-- Park Center is hosting a remarkable show of art work by kids from Glenbrook North and South this week – providing further impetus to change the rule barring students from exhibiting there on a longer term basis.  Clearly, there are some talented kids in town.

 

-- New pool construction is proceeding on schedule with plans to begin filling them next week.  Last week, crews completed work on a lighted cupola on the mock island that separates two tanks at Roosevelt Park.  Planners designed the structure to remind residents of an island that sat in the middle of the original Roosevelt Pool.

 

-- Want to march in the Fourth of July parade? Get a parade application for your group, business or “novelty unit” at Village Hall, the library, Park Center or the parks’ administration building on Prairie Street. All applications are due by June 15. Sign up before June 1, and the cost is $35 for non-profits, $100 for businesses.   

 

NEWS FROM THE NEIGHBORS

 

-- An anchor of Deerbrook Mall is sailing away.  The Great Indoors says it will close on July 31.  A spokesman for the company says the store was “underperforming.”  Staff will be transferred to other stores in the area.  Meanwhile, a company that sells pool and other game tables and high end furniture hopes to move into the former Barnes & Noble space at Cadwell’s Corners on the northeast corner of Waukegan and Lake-Cook roads.

 

-- Support is building for a tree ordinance in Wilmette after developers cut down about 40 mature trees in front of the Mallinckrodt building.  With condos going up at the site and parking going in underground, Pickus Companies said it had no other choice, but the removal of trees left the spot looking bare and angered many residents.

 

PLAN COMMISSION PLAYS HARDBALL FOR TREES HERE

 

A manufacturing company called Zweig came before the plan commission for approval to double the size of its building at the North Shore Corporate Park. The firm originally built in 1997 and hopes to add about 64,000 square feet and 128 parking spaces.  In reviewing past minutes, Commissioner Peter Brinckerhoff found planners had promised to transplant existing trees if the company were to expand.  Now, architect Kurt Shultz was talking about taking down 32 trees and planting saplings elsewhere.

 

The architect said there wasn’t enough room left on the site for so many transplanted trees, and going with new trees would cost $10,000-$15,000 less than digging the existing trees out and hoping they survived the transplant process. “It’s a better plan to go in and replace those,” he said.

 

“I disagree, and so [did your landscape architect in 1997],” Brinckerhoff said with a chuckle.  “He stated that they’re easily transplanted, and they have the benefit of the extra years’ growth.”

 

“During the construction, there’s going to be no place to put those trees,” the architect replied.    

 

Chairman Silver suggested they talk to a neighbor about storing the transplanted trees.

 

Shultz suddenly realized the law was on his side.  “Is there an ordinance that says you can’t remove a tree and replace it?” he asked.

 

Silver admitted Glenview’s tree ordinance would only apply if the trees in question were larger, but he wasn’t about to let the architect off the hook.

 

“This isn’t a threat or anything,” he began, “but if somebody [on the plan commission] wanted to be a stinker, they could say, ‘Okay, you’ve got this huge wall, several hundred feet long, so we want you to put trees there to break it up more.”

 

“I understand,” said Shultz, “but I’ve got to go back to my client and say, ‘Now we’ve got to spend another $15,000.”

 

Sensing the man had not yet understood the situation, Commissioner Gary Wendt remarked, “Maybe this expansion is just too large, because there’s not enough green space.  Perhaps we should look at reducing the building so we can accommodate some of these trees.  How can you cut this building back by 3,000-4,000 square feet.”

 

“The client is not interested in reducing the size of the building.  He was trying to make it as big as code would allow,” Shultz replied.

 

Silver stepped in to stop the war of words, encouraging the developer to give further thought to how transplanted trees could be kept on the site.

 

SCHOOL NEWS AND BLUES

 

-- Glenview District 34’s school board elected Sue Ellen Galligan to serve as president and Beth Primer to be vice president.  The district also hired the principal of Wilmette Junior High to become its director of human resources.  Jill Engel will succeed Marilyn Miller, who is retiring after 24 years on the job.  Engel was one of 50 applicants for the job.  She will be paid $132,000.  Superintendent Gerald Hill says “attracting, hiring, developing and retaining the best teachers is essential for success in schools.”

 

-- After 12 years in the presidency of School District 30’s board, Karen Roloff is stepping down, but members of that panel, who were clearly ready for change, are not giving Roloff the bum’s rush.  Instead, they’re letting her stay in the presidency until one week before her long-time colleague Harry Rossi retires as superintendent.  Roloff apparently wanted to fulfill her ceremonial duties – celebrating Rossi’s service at the district’s annual dinner.  Board member Lyndl Schuster objected, feeling that the new president, Barb Goldstein, should take office immediately as specified by board policy.  “I think it would help the new president to take office while the superintendent is still there,” she explained.  For her part, Roloff appeared reluctant to go, telling the Pioneer Press, “There are some board members who want to see change for the sake of change.  In my experience . . .change that is not predicated on inherent need, or with a clear prediction of positive outcomes, is not usually in the best interest of the organization.”

 

-- Donna Roe Torf has begun serving as president of the District 225 board, while Skip Shein is its vice president. 

 

-- West Northfield School District 31’s board elected Kristen Ruben as president and put David Handler in the number two post.

 

 

SAVE THE DATE FOR SOCCER AND MORE

 

-- Catch the first annual Glenview 3v3 Summer Soccer Fest at Gallery Park on June 18th. Games will be going on all day. With only three people per team on the field and no goalkeepers, it’s a fast-paced, high-scoring form of the game. Matches last 30 minutes, and the rules are simple. Details are available at http://www.glenview3v3.org/

 

-- Join the annual river clean-up from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, May 14.  Meet in the Kohl’s parking lot off Willow Road.  For more information, call Rob at 847-729-3487.

 

-- The downtown plan committee meets at 7 p.m. Thursday, May 12 in Village Hall to unveil its preliminary plan.  Public comment will be invited.  For more information, call (847) 904-4340.

 

-- Dispose of unwanted or expired medications from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday, May 11 at the Northfield Township Office, 3801 West Lake Avenue.  For more information, call (773) 869-7724.

 

-- Make the most of your computer.  Learn how to find bargains on e-Bay at 10 a.m. Wednesday, May 11. Discover online travel services at 2 p.m. Wednesday, May 18.  To sign up or learn more about these free Glenview Public Library programs, call 847-729-7500, extension 112, or stop by the information desk.

 

-- Enjoy classic and contemporary Japanese music when the Spring Valley Koto Ensemble plays at 7 p.m. Tuesday, May 10 at the library.  Register at the information desk or by phone.

 

-- Join crafty Peggy Garvin for a lesson on making great door decorations at 7 p.m. Thursday, May 26.  There’s a $12 charge for materials, and participants should bring pruning shears and a glue gun.  The class is limited to 25, so sign-up soon at the library or by calling 729-7500, extension 112.

 

-- Get free career counseling from 9 a.m. to noon Tuesday, May 10.  Call the information desk to make a reservation.  Walk-ins will be served if time permits.  And the following Tuesday, May 17 you can get free advice on investments, tax strategies and other money matters from a certified financial planner.  To make an appointment between 9  and 11 a.m., contact the information desk.

 

READERS WRITE

 

William Dose applauds the park district’s choice of a curator from the Chicago Art Institute to help draft a policy for the selection of works at Park Center:“The appointment of Martha Tedeschi to the Park Center art committee is a superb choice.As a member of the Legacy Committee of the Auxiliary Board of The Art Institute of Chicago, I have personally observed her impressive level of expertise in their spectacular department of prints and drawings. It would also have been great to include the Institute's curator Steven Little from the Department of Oriental Art – but it’s too late for that.  He recently moved from his Glenview residence to take a new post at the prestigious Honolulu Academy of Art.Glenview should be aware and proud of its big-time art world connections. Among village residents nationally exhibited at places like The Whitney Museum in New York City are Phyllis Bramson and Margaret Wharton.Glenview native Christopher Sasser's paintings were covered in a major article in ArtForum magazine, and his New York exhibitions have been mentioned in The New Yorker. His dad Tom's work hangs in North Michigan Avenue's R.H. Love Gallery and his mom Charlotte's work is
shown in Evanston at Gallery Mornea.One noted Glenview private collection of prehistoric art is virtually always on view at The Field Museum, and recently another collector couple gave an art-world bash for celebrated sculptor Richard Hunt which brought the art world cognoscenti to Glenview.”

 

RM responds to MM's letter questioning why the Glenview Announcements did not treat the Loyola hazing incident in the same way as it treated the GBS hazing incident from the year before: “I suggest that MM do three things:  1.  Review the story;  2.  Look at a map; and 3.  Become familiar with enrollment statistics and demographics.  There were 11 GBS players punished for the GBS hazing incident.  That compares to six Loyola players who were punished.  Furthermore, GBS's address is in Glenview, while Loyola's address is in Wilmette.  Lastly, GBS enrolls 2,600 students, all (or almost all) of whom live in Glenview.  Loyola, on the other hand, enrolls 2,000 students, the vast majority of whom do not live in Glenview.  Should six Loyola students, whose place of residence is unknown and from a school that is not in Glenview, receive the exact same amount of ink and front page exposure as 11 GBS/Glenview students?  I have to wonder why MM is so eager that Loyola and GBS are treated equally in the Glenview media when it comes to reporting negative news about the two schools.   What in the world would possess someone to write a letter to The Glenview Watch lamenting a lack of Glenview media coverage of an unfortunate event connected with a school located in another village, given the obvious paucity of a Glenview connection?”

 

The Watch replies:  While the story received substantial attention in the news sections of  Pioneer Press papers in three other communities, it was given little play here.  There are many powerful Loyola alums living here in Glenview, so you really can’t blame MM for wondering.

 

Diane Richards recently read that some suburban fire departments are buying oxygen masks for pets: “A set of six costs only $350.  Does Glenview currently use them?  If not, is the department planning to buy them?  I’m very sure there are many animal lovers who would like this addition made to the equipment at every Glenview fire station?”

 

The Watch replies:  This is a hot topic of discussions in fire departments nationwide.  Often the money for such masks is raised by local residents.  Perhaps you would like to do the honors.  If so, we’d be happy to publicize your efforts.