With the CRM plan gone, tomorrow is another day...

Imagine if Margaret Mitchell, author of “Gone With the Wind,” was a member of the Buffalo Grove Village Board.  After 2½ years of debate and discussions, many of which were contentious, regarding the now vanished “downtown project”, old Meg might have just rolled her eyes and uttered, “well, tomorrow is another day.”

                And she would be right.

                The instant downtown, proposed by Deerfield-based CRM Properties, is now a  memory. And while the acrimonious debate is seemingly lingering over concerns about the process and the fate of the Buffalo Grove Golf Course, the fact remains that the plan is gone and the village needs to face another day.

                The last several months have been a whirlwind of activity surrounding the CRM project and the end, much like Jay Cutler’s role as the Bears’ starting quarterback, came suddenly, with an unclear future lying ahead. 

                The village, however, is taking steps to enhance, develop and redevelop its retail business climate.  It’s going to be an arduous task for the village staff and the fathers and mother that make up the Village Board.

                There are a lot of questions.  In regard to the CRM project, I had hoped to get some answers from CRM President Chuck Malik, but scheduling conflicts and then a trip out of town led to his suggestion that I “check with (Village Manager) Dane Bragg for details.”  And before you know it, the petition was withdrawn.  Questions, however, remain.

                Up until a couple of weeks ago, questions centered on what Malk was going to do with his mega plan for a “downtown Buffalo Grove”.  His decision to withdraw his petition surprised residents, village staff and officials for a variety of reasons.

                For the cynical residents, it was a surprise because they assumed the project was a done deal.  For others, it was a surprise because there were so many unanswered questions that it was not clear which direction the plan was going.

                What may have been at the root of the withdrawal was that fact that Malk was eyeing in excess of $100 million from the village, a figure that was not met with open arms.

                “I was more surprised by Malk’s recent financial pro forma that was presented to the Board,” Village Board member Steve Trilling told me in an email response. “It was inconsistent with an earlier representation as to the amount of public funding, if any, that might be necessary.”

                The quick kill to the project may have been Malk’s request for financial support from the village.

                Board member Lester Ottenheimer said what surprised him was the change in financing because in what he called “preliminary discussions”, the village was led to believe that “financing would be different.”  Ottenheimer added that Malk’s decision could have been “because he couldn’t get what he wanted in financing elsewhere.”

Ottenheimer noted that the proposed cost to the village “were so high up it was out of control; He wanted us to finance $100 million. We can’t tie up the village with that kind of debt”.

                Was Trustee Jeff Berman surprised by the decision? “No, not in light of the financial figures CRM recently provided to the Village,” he told me in an email. He noted that “those figures were developed for the current version of the plan, which was created in response to the engineering study that was completed earlier this fall. Mr. Malk told staff that in order to make the project work from his perspective, he required a firm commitment for public financing for the “gap” shown on his spreadsheet of roughly $102 million.”

Berman noted that “just a few months ago, by contrast, he was still touting the possibility that the project could be completed without any TIF, or one of insignificant size.”  Berman said changes in circumstances the plan and numbers and Malk’s perspective led to Berman changing his own perspective.  “Based on the financial forecasts provided by CRM, it is clear to me that the project is financially infeasible. The nature and amount of TIF debt required to make the project “work” is far beyond any rational contemplation.”

                Board member Andrew Stein said he too was “surprised by the amount requested by Mr. Malk.” Stein noted in an email response that in previous discussions with the Board, Malk indicated that “he would try to structure it so that we would not need a TIF. When he did talk about a commitment from the Village, it was closer to the $20 million range.”

                Stein added that he was not was “not surprised that he (Malk) walked away when we told him that we were not interested in a $100 million contribution from the village.”

                The apparent move by Malk, along with the surprise and ensuing concern by the Board, should bring to light that this was not a “done deal” and that village staff and officials kept an eye open on the long-term impact on village finances.  Still, there were some apparent mixed reactions.

                “I don't know if I was so much surprised as I was disappointed,” Trustee Mike Terson told me in an email. “I was looking forward to going through the entire process and seeing how that evolved, as well as how the community would react as they learned more and more about the project.”

                Terson added that he is “not surprised by his decision because it became clear that the entire Board was not on the same page; and, that is a lot of time and money to invest in a process that you don't feel is likely to garnish the needed support to make happen.”

                Beverly Sussman said in an email that she was surprised by Malk’s decision because it happened “so abruptly”, especially given the fact that Malk “worked on this project for approximately 2-1/2 years and presenting two different concept designs plus his original design”.  Sussman noted that what added to her surprise was that fact that Malk “had a great deal vested in this downtown project.”

She added that he could have “tried to scale down the project or negotiate the amount or at least had some meetings with the Village to see if there was anything possible to work on. It's hard to believe that a developer of this size and magnitude would not have come back to the Village with some new proposal or concept.”

                Hard to believe or not, the proposal for a “downtown Buffalo Grove” is gone and when it comes to retail development or redevelopment in the village, tomorrow is another day.

                And frankly my dear, hopefully there will be developers who actually give a damn.

(This is the first in a series focusing on retail development and redevelopment in Buffalo Grove)

In between calls, first responders keep busy -- especially during the holidays

I once heard a comment, from someone who should know better, that fire fighters seemed to have it easy because “they only work, what, an hour a day”.

            Right.

            That’s like saying all police officers do is drive around all day or that all lifeguards do during the summer is sit outside and get tanned.

            Right.

            First responders, including those in the village, do a lot when they’re not responding to calls.  In addition to professional development and usual maintenance of skills and equipment, police officers and fire fighters spend a lot of time providing community education.

            An obvious busy time of the year is the holiday season.

            The Fire Department’s “Keep the Wreath Red” program, which reminds residents who celebrate Christmas to follow some of the basic safety tips.

• ·                     Needles on fresh trees should be green and hard to pull back from the branches, and the needles should not break if the tree has been freshly cut. The trunk should be sticky to the touch.
• ·                     Do not place your tree close to a heat source, including a fireplace or heat vent. The heat will dry out the tree, causing it to be more easily ignited by heat, flame or sparks.
• ·                     Never put tree branches or needles in a fireplace or wood-burning stove. When the tree becomes dry, discard it promptly.
• ·                     Inspect holiday lights each year for frayed wires, bare spots, gaps in the insulation, broken or cracked sockets, and excessive kinking or wear before putting them up. Use only lighting listed by an approved testing laboratory.
• ·                     Do not link more than three light strands, unless the directions indicate it is safe. Connect strings of lights to an extension cord before plugging the cord into the outlet
• ·                     All decorations should be nonflammable or flame-retardant and placed away from heat vents.
• ·                     Ensure that trees and other holiday decorations do not block an exit way. In the event of a fire, time is of the essence. A blocked entry/exit way puts you and your family at risk
• ·                     Wrapping paper in the fireplace can result in a very large fire, throwing off dangerous sparks and embers that may result in a chimney fire.
• ·                     If you do use lit candles, make sure they are in stable holders and place them where they cannot be easily knocked down. Never leave the house with candles burning.

            Now if you’re not among the residents who celebrate Christmas, don’t get your holiday spirit in a snit or put Rob Sherman in your speed dial.

            Some of these tips, especially those that relate to candles can apply to you.

            Remember, the fire and police departments serve all residents all of the time.

            And it takes a lot more than an hour a day.

It's official -- Downtown plan is down and out

Unknowingly, T.S. Eliot summed up the saga of CRM Properties’ dream to create a downtown for Buffalo Grove when he wrote ““This is the way the world ends; Not with a bang but a whimper.”

                The announcement today that the Deerfield-based developer is withdrawing is plan to develop the Buffalo Grove Golf Course into a downtown that encompassed retail, residential, dining and entertainment venues combined with a municipal campus should not come as a total surprise.

                The grandiose plan with all its seashells and balloons lacked one major thing for residents and apparently, village officials.  Answers.

                In the release, the village said “In discussions with staff, CRM Properties Group President Charles Malk cited higher costs than initially projected for the proposed plan, and an inability to resolve related financial hurdles. The most recent cost estimates forecasted a significant funding gap; Mr. Malk indicated that without a Village commitment for public financing, the project would not be financially feasible. The nature and magnitude of the newly requested financial contributions were neither expected nor contemplated by the Village.”

                So what’s it all mean?  Apparently Malk wanted the village to bankroll a major portion of the project and the village said, “no thanks.”

                If nothing else, this should dispel some of the accusations that the Board was full-steam ahead, storm the Bastille and let’s build one for the Gipper.

                It wasn’t.

                Nor is it a “victory” for any neighborhood or group.

                In a carefully worded statement, Village President Jeff Braiman pointed out that “The Village has reviewed the latest financial parameters, and while we appreciate Mr. Malk’s interest in Buffalo Grove and the time he and his team took to explore such a large investment in our community, the current concept does not make financial sense for Buffalo Grove. As I have said from the beginning, this would be a long and important process with a number of decision points along the way. I want to thank all of those who participated.”

                It’s the obligatory “thanks, but surely you can’t be serious” statement.  It’s like every new Cubs manager saying they’re here to win.

                While numbers have not been released, it apparently was a concern for Village Manager Dane Bragg, with whom I met Monday to discuss economic development in the village.  When discussing the now faded downtown, Bragg said “the preliminary financial gap would be difficult to overcome” and that he was not sure the project Malk perceived it was “feasible."  Again, no exact figures were discussed.

                However, in a follow-up exchange with Bragg, he indicated the cost front loaded by the village would be prohibitive.  Bragg noted that “His (Malk’s) conception of the project, for example, the office product is a major issue – Malk anticipates(d)  that this element alone could create a gap of some $40 million in the project pro forma – mainly because the market rents don’t appear to support the equity raise required for new office building construction.”

                Bragg noted that there were some amenities that may be “nice to have” versus “need to have,” or may not be required upfront., but by adding in the office gap, plus basic site prep for pad ready property and the replacement of Village facilities, he said the financing could have exceeded $75 million, with a great deal of that amount front-loaded by the Village.”

                In an email to me, Bragg noted that “while the Village is willing to consider options, that sort of front-loaded debt creates risk and opportunity cost that the Village is not likely to accept.”

                And that is not what Malk wanted to hear, so the project is a thing of the past.

                What is not a thing of the past, however, is the need for continued economic growth in the village.  This will entail more presentations by more developers, and it’s possible that they won’t please all of the people in all of the neighborhoods.

                But nothing is a done deal -- and if nothing else, like it or not, the system works.

What does the future hold for "the project"?

Last Monday’s Village Board meeting helped fire up the “way-back machine” thanks to the proposed business development by CRM Properties.

         You know the project -- The downtown.  To some people, the destruction of the golf course, which will, as the late George Carlin would say, “infect your mind, curve your spine and lose the war for the allies.”  There were more than seven words said about the project.

         In fact, there were a lot of comments made about the project, the developer, the golf course, village officials, and village staff.

         You just can’t beat fun at the old Village Board meeting.

         Emotions, needless to say, can run high.  Very high.

         The keyword here is emotions.  The project, as presented to the village, is massive and seemingly “uncharacteristic” for the village.  It is, however, just a proposal and while many people may want the village to unilaterally scrap it, this, like any proposal, needs scrutiny by the village before a final decision is rendered.

           So what have I taken away from not only Monday’s Board meeting, but previous ones where the proposal has been discussed? A few things.

• It seems as though every person who addressed the Board started “My name is (name) and I have lived in Buffalo Grove for (number) years.  I get it.  Longtime residents take stock and pride in the community, especially the way it was when they moved in.  The reality is that things change and the nature of Buffalo Grove has changed.  That does not mean, however, that a development the nature of what is being proposed fits the village.  Radical change is not always the best change, but at least a starting point for discussion.

• The Few Good Men syndrome.  Much of what is being said at meetings is based on the proverbial fear factor.  Like the exchange between Tom Cruise and Jack Nicholson in the move “A Few Good Men,” people want answers, they want the truth and sometimes they can’t handle the truth.

• The truth is the village can’t rent stores out.  Nor can it dictate what store opens where.  While it’s no secret that Town Center is little more than a collection of large “for lease” signs, the village cannot just bulldoze the property.  The village can market itself to prospective tenants, but it cannot, as noted, become a landlord.

• If the village wants to enhance business occupancies, it needs to look at every opportunity – no matter how absurd it may seem – that comes along.  Both the village staff and the Village Board owe it, I think, to the entire community to look at any possibilities that may enhance the business climate in Buffalo Grove.

• What we’re ending up here is a Buffalo Grove version of the aforementioned “A Few Good Men” during which Col. Nathan Jessep and Lt. Daniel Kaffee have a fiery exchange about wanting answers and being entitled to the truth.  While we don’t know where they lived, or for how long, what they want, even in a military court room, is what everyone does – answers and the truth – which is why the village people are going through the process. Many of the answers need to come from CRM.  I have been working to arrange a meeting with them to discuss their plans and the sources of information that CRM thinks makes the plan workable for Buffalo Grove.

• Location, location, location.  To no surprise, most of the opposition comes from residents whose homes have strong proximity to the proposed “downtown”.  Who can blame them? Whenever a proposal impacts nearby neighborhoods, those residents are the most vocal.  For example, during the 1980s, the most vocal people against the conversion of what was then Palwaukee Airport from a privately owned airport to a publicly owned airport were the nearby residents.  The misinformation about the project was rampant.  The difference is most of the people who complained purchased homes in or near a flight path of the busiest general aviation airport in the state unlike residents of Manchester Green and nearby areas who purchased their homes adjacent to open space.

• The Jim Croce syndrome.  The late singer, in his song “Recently” noted that “… the future is tomorrow 'cause the past is gone…” -- which is a factor to be strongly considered.  The village is not the same as it was five, 10, 15, 20, 30 or 40 years ago.  Conversely, the village will not be the same five, 10, 15, 20, 30 or 40 years from now – that’s the reality of it.  Change for the village will impact everyone in one way, shape or form. 

         The challenge will be to facilitate change while working within the parameters traditionally associated with the village.  The entire village.

                

Seriously, what do some people want the police to do?

It’s  amazing, as I have written before, just why some people call the police.  Seriously.  Not only does it seem as though some residents need to think twice, others just seem to lack, with all due respect, some common sense.

A sampling:

Let’s be careful out there. It seems like a week slips by without someone calling the police about someone calling from the IRS about back taxes, penalties, or a tax official coming to their house.  Granted, it’s a scam, but ask yourself – when did the government, let alone the IRS—be that vigilant?

You can’t win if you don’t play.  A resident called out of concern that she had been scammed about being a lottery winner -- in the Dominican Republic.  Odds are it was not Linda Kollmeyer.

Seriously?  A resident reported to police that his doorbell rang at 3 a.m.  He opted not to answer the door, which is a probably a good idea.  He reported to police that at around 9:30, he noticed what police are calling a "large lawn lion" on his doorstep. Seriously. They took it to the police department where it was placed in the evidence holding area.

Short by inches. A resident reports that someone stole 26-inch wheel off their bike and replaced it with 24-inch.  Really.

Another reason why cats are not good pets.  A woman called police because she was bitten by a cat -- her own --  and it turned red the next day. Seems to me she should have just gone to see her doctor.  No charges were filed against the cat.

First day jitters.  A new teller at a local bank moved a money pack that activated alarm.  This of course prompted a response by the police. Imagine her performance review.

Next time, get it delivered.  The manager of a local Dominos called.  Seems as though a promotion went array and there were 30-40 angry, upset, and hungry people outside.  The reason?  The firm was offering $1 pizzas (limit five, thank you). So to avoid overcrowding, the manager, with 20-30 people in the store, locked the door for fear of being harassed by people outside.  Not a good idea.  But rest assured, he issued rain checks.

This just in. A resident called to report a seat on a teeter-tooter was broken off due to rust and metal fatigue.  And the police are supposed to do what?

Waiting doesn’t pay off.  Staff at local restaurant called – Some customers left without paying because it took too long to get their food.  Look for a help wanted sign soon.

With friends like this. Follow this one closely.   A man called police after buying a car from a friend and offered to make payments.  He didn't, car was repossessed.  The purchaser tried to locate the car.  No luck. The seller removed the plates.  The purchaser contends the seller hid the vehicle from him.  The purchaser maintained that he has had the vehicle several times and then gives it back to seller after he threatens him.  Remember, these are friends.  Police told both parties it was a civil matter and not much they can do.

This just in No. 2:  A resident reported that their garbage cart was stolen. Must have been the result of trash talking between neighbors.

Hello, Federal?  Someone from the post office called police after irate customer did not want to pay for tape she used.  The customer, according to police reports, left without mailing package.

Smoked fish?  Police and fire officials responded to a home where the second floor was filled with smoke.  The cause was a burnt out motor on a salt water fish tank.

Probably a valid complaint.  Police responded to a complaint about loud music.  How loud was it? The resident in question did not hear the police officer knocking until there was a break in the guitar solo.

Suspicious?  Police received a complaint of a suspicious person – distributing campaign material prior to the Nov. 4 election. No word if the candidate was suspicious.

On a serious note.  As the saying goes, if you see something, say something.  A late-night cyclist noticed a suspicious person and contacted police.  They investigated and their efforts led to the arrest of a Buffalo Grove man who allegedly slashed 71 tires.

Imagine the next meeting of the condo board. Police called in response to a disturbance.  It turns out that two men were arguing about homeowners association.  One wanted the other to resign. One said another made an "aggressive body gesture" toward him.  Stay tuned.

No love here.  Police were summoned by residents who became distraught when tennis balls were blown into their court.

This just in No. 3.  A gas meter worth $2000 value was reported stolen.  This prompts these questions.  1.) Why   2.) What does one do with a gas meter?

Seriously? Police received a complaint about from a resident who, they say, was closing their sliding patio door too loudly.  It was the fourth time they had filed a complaint.

What happens in Vegas.  Sensing a scam, a resident called police to report that he received a package from a jewelry store in Las Vegas. The package contained “8 to 10 red bird mints.”  Police checked out the store and found out that it’s legitimate.  But wait, there’s more.  It seems as though the package, remember, we’re talking mints from a jewelry store in Vegas, was sent by the man’s sister-in-law to the resident as a reminder for him to call his brother. The man said he would call his brother.  Seriously, I am not making this up.  There’s no way I could.

Like this will do any good.  Police received a report of people yelling obscenities at a construction worker on Deerfield Parkway.  Not sure if it helped traffic, but I bet the motorist felt better.

Fore! Police reported a man damaged a golf cart. He didn't realize cart was in reverse.

And the hits just keep on coming. Police received a complaint of a dog bite.  But wait, there’s more. Work with me on this.  Police report a friend was giving a friend’s dog a treat when the dog jumped up, bit her, and would not let go of her.  Police report the dog was a 97-pound pit bull-mastiff mix.  Police reports say the dog was taken in by the resident for her former boyfriend who was unable to properly care for the dog. The report says that the resident is terrified of the dog and was told that her former boyfriend tried to “rehabilitate” the dog.  Is it any wonder it’s her former boyfriend?

Are you telling me the mink stole?  Maybe it is a good time to listen to your spouse.  Case in point.  A man told police he took his wife to the hospital after she was bitten by a wild mink – as opposed to a domesticated mink.  But wait, there’s more. It seems as though the residents have a pond in their front yard which has a Koi fish in it.  They observed what they thought was a squirrel trying to eat the fish.  It wasn’t, it was a mink, and despite the husband's warning to his wife not to try and free it from a trap they had set -- she tried and was bitten.  The mink was not charged.

Even after 11 years, it was still a tacky move by Topinka

As a rule, I don’t blog about state or national elections.

And as a rule, I don’t carry a grudge.

But there’s always an exception.

It used to be the race for Illinois Treasurer, but when Judy Barr Topinka decided to be the state’s comptroller, that became the exception.

As I said, I don’t carry a grudge, but there are some things that kind of stick with you for a long time.

Like politicians who capitalize on someone’s grief.  At the taxpayers’ expense.

As Topinka did.

The story unfolded 11 years ago next month when my mother died.  My dad had died years before, so my sister and I were now parentless, not something anyone wants to look forward to, but it is part of the lifecycle landscape.

For the sake of argument, my mother died on a Monday, was buried on Wednesday.  The following Tuesday, less than a week after the funeral, I received a formal resolution expressing condolences on the death of Jean Zoller.  At state expense.  In a state envelope.

Really? This from the public official who is now bemoaning the state of Illinois’ coffers?

I contacted Topinka’s office and talked with some flack who told me that it’s not unusual for Topinka to do this.

So how does she select the families to barge in on during a time of grief?

No answer.

My guess is that, because of my mother’s longtime career, the Chicago Sun-Times ran an exceptional obituary.  And yes, they quoted me.

So let’s work through this.  A seemingly successful business woman from the northern suburbs dies, with a child among the survivors who lives in the northwestern burbs – that could mean votes – or better yet – campaign donations.

Just a theory.  Whether it’s accurate or not, the mere fact that a public servant sees fit to barge in on a constituent’s grief is, to quote Brandon Marshall, unacceptable.

I can’t help but wonder one thing.  I wonder if she sends condolence resolutions to children in Englewood or Pilsen when their parents die?  How about East St. Louis? Or Rockford.

I doubt it.

If you’re going to serve the people, you need to serve all of the people.

All of the time.  

Transparency by politicians needs to start during the campaign

Last Tuesday was National News Engagement Day, a day dedicated to promoting newspaper readership by Americans, especially young people who seem to be oblivious to the need to be informed.

                In fact, according to a 2012 study by the Pew Research Center found that 29% of those younger than 25 say they got no news the day before they were questioned either from digital news platforms, including cell phones and social networks, or traditional news platforms. In essence, they were news free. While that number has dropped somewhat since 2010, the concern remains that a substantial number of young people may not prepared to make civic decisions.

                Which should be alarming.

                Sponsored by the Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication, a focus of National Newspaper Engagement Day was not to have people become ‘news consumers’ for the sake of reading, but to become informed citizens so they can make strong civic decisions.  Like voting.

                A key part of an educated citizenry is giving them viable, independent and transparent information.  Proponents of News Literacy, such as me, realize that news consumers today just don’t take the time to critically think about what they’re reading.

                If voters, let along young voters, rely solely on campaign material, there’s more than a slight chance they’ll be making a one-sided decision.  That, however, is the nature of campaign material, because, after all, that’s the nature of campaign.

                What is concerning is the lack of transparency by candidates who seemingly accept the support from anyone who tosses a check their way.

                Take for example, the race for state representative in the 59th District, which pits incumbent Democrat Carol Sente against newcomer, Republican Leslie Munger.  The campaign has been brutal – which seems to be the norm these days – funded mostly by each candidate’s party; Sente by the democrats, Munger by the republicans.

                For the most part.

                Much of Munger’s campaign material is paid for by the “Liberty Principles PAC” (Political Action Committee). The what?  Good question.

                Information about the Liberty Principles PAC is limited through internet searches.  While some financial information appears to be available, there does not appear to be a mission statement or other statement of purpose available.

                Interestingly enough, if you check out the return address, you find that it’s listed to Dan Proft, who is described at various internet sites as a morning talk show host, entrepreneur, and 2010 Republican candidate for governor.  It’s also interesting that while the campaign material on Munger’s behalf is listed as coming from “Liberty Principles PAC”, the statement of organization filed with the state of Illinois in 2011 list the organization as “Illinois Liberty PAC” – but still, no indication as to what the organization believes in and why it is helping with the bankrolling of Munger.

                The House Majority PAC supports democrats and notes on its mailings that it does so without the authorization of any candidate or candidate’s committee.  Liberty Principles PAC makes no such disclosure.

                It would make sense, I suppose, if political candidates who vow to be transparent public officials, did so during their campaigns so voters knew what, or who, was behind the money that flows like water into an election, especially a local or regional election.

                Voters should be subject to transparency by those, as noted, who say they are.  If candidates accept cash from PACs, they should explain not only reveal who gave it to them, but should provide information behind the PAC’s motives.

                The late Will Rogers once said that “all I know is what I read in the papers.”

                Some people think that’s scary.

                What’s scary is if people claim “all I know is what I read in the campaign flyers.” 

Fire fighters keep the tradition going...

     Traditions, traditions, traditions.

                Tevye aside, we’re loaded with traditions.  And while the sparrows return to Capistrano, the buzzards to Hinckley and Chicago baseball hits the skids, the fire fighters of Buffalo Grove hit the streets.

                However, unlike Chicago’s Major League baseball teams, they’re successful.

                And it’s not a flash in the pan.

                For nearly two decades members of the Buffalo Grove Fire Department have given up their time to raise money for the MDA – the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

                To no surprise, the tradition will continue when fire fighters will flock the Lake Cook / Arlington Heights road intersection on Friday to hold its “Fill the Boot for MDA” campaign.  They’ll be collecting from 7 a.m., to 7 p.m.

Look for Buffalo Grove Fire Fighters on Aug. 22 as they try to
"Fill the Boot" for the MDA

                This year’s effort has a twist as fire fighters will be on the street only one day and only at the one intersection.  Firefighter/paramedic Brian Steen, who is coordinating the effort, said fire fighters opted to concentrate on one intersection this year rather than have thinner numbers at two.  In the past, the event has been two days; one at Lake Cook and Arlington Heights roads, the other at Dundee and Buffalo Grove roads.  Steen said the selected Lake Cook / Arlington Heights because it’s a busier intersection, which hopefully will be a good collection point.

                Last year fire fighters raised nearly $20,000 for MDA even though the cut a second day short because of intense heat.

                Their efforts are not limited to collecting on the road.  Members of the Department will be looking to fil the boot during the concert by Parachute, which starts at 9 p.m. on Saturday. Fire fighters will also collect during the BG Day parade which starts at 1 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 31 (A complete schedule for Buffalo Grove Days can be found at www.bgdays.com.), and throughout BG Days where they’ll be in a tent.  Steen says not only residents have a chance to donate, but also to chat with members of the BG Fire Department.

                The goal?  Steen hopes to once again approach the $20,000 mark which has traditionally been the fruit of their efforts.

                It’s a good tradition to keep going

.

                Besides, it’s a lot more rewarding than watching Chicago baseball.

                

Marshalls' commitment a welcome addition to village's retail community

It’s just one store, but it’s likely a welcome addition to Buffalo Grove’s retail landscape.

A sign announces the pending arrival of Marshalls at Woodland Commons

                Marshalls, a national retailer of, according to its website, “fashionable, brand name family apparel, home fashions and other merchandise,” is planning to open in late Spring or early summer of 2015.

                The 27,100 square foot store, located in Woodland Commons at Buffalo Grove and Half Day roads, is one of the few, if not the only national retailer in the village.  The occupancy was confirmed by the Inland Real Estate Corporation, which manages Woodland Commons.  Calls to Marshalls were not returned.

                The commitment by Marshalls to move to Buffalo Grove is an indication that there is an interest by major retailers in the village.  It does not, however, mean that a major development will be an overwhelming success. 

                Barring any changes in the coming year, Woodland Commons will have a 100 percent occupancy rate, a rarity in large suburban strip centers. Woodland Commons has more than 170,000 square feet of retail space.  Whatever Inland’s strategies are, they seem to be working.  The company manages a number of nearby strip centers including Rivertree Court and Hawthorn Village Commons, both in Vernon Hills and the Red Top Plaza in Libertyville.

                If the arrival Marshalls is an indication of a turn in the retail economy, the village could see some of the vacancies in strip centers, especially those along Dundee Road, become occupancies.

                But don’t, however, sit back and say “it’s about time the village did something” because the village is not a rental agent, nor does it develop business plans for businesses.  The village has offered incentives to developers, as it did to the interested developers of Cambridge Commons at Dundee and Buffalo Grove roads, only to find that 14 Dundee Road LLC had more excuses than actions for making the eyesore a viable retail center.  You’d think incentives totaling $1.1 million would be a kick in the butt for the developer to get things going. There's only so much the village can do.

                The challenge for the village is to find ways, besides offering financial incentives, to attract retailers.

                Again, that’s a challenge.  The village is not a shopping destination and establishing it as one will not happen overnight or by building a new downtown.

                This isn’t Dyersville, Iowa.  It’s going to take more than building it to make them come.

                That’s why the discussion of an Economic Development Commission at the July 28 Committee of the Whole meeting (OK, it’s a workshop meeting) was an encouraging sign.

                In the meantime, Marshalls is a welcome addition.

                But it’s just one store.

This is the first of a series examining economic development in Buffalo Grove.

2, 4, 6, 8 -- politicians find it's time to communicate

It’s August, right?

Finally.

Recently people have asked me if I was still blogging about things in Big Animal Grove.

But of course.

Sometimes, however, things get chaotic and not everything gets done.  Like a blog.

For the past six weeks I have been traveling around the country for either vacation or journalism workshops (mostly the latter) and since July 7 I have been in the town of the Bison for maybe seven days.  It has been a busy time.

So it was a welcome relief when I had a chance to start getting some personal stuff done, like doctor’s appointments.  But I’m not going to take up time about inane personal stuff; I’ll leave that for soccer mommies who like to take up time and space writing about that.

I had the opportunity for some badly needed R & R, which was, unfortunately interrupted by Cong. Brad Schneider (D-10) – not once, not twice, but three times in the course of 24 hours; twice by robo calls and once by an seemingly ill-trained volunteer equipped with a bad cell connection asking me if I was going to support him.

No.  I’m not.  Not yet anyway.  It’s three months to the election and I prefer to weigh my decision on how well our lawmakers (why do I cringe when I write that) handle key issues.  In the month I have been on the road (with apologies to Charles Kuralt) a passenger jet has been shot down, the immigration of children from central America has escalated and the mid East has become a hotbed of conflict.  Again.  So it seems likely that unless the world does a group hug in the next 90 days, there will be lots of opportunities for politicos to show us what they’re made of.

How exciting.

It appears that Schneider is going through a phase of low esteem because at some point this summer I was approached by another volunteer asking me if I was going to support Schneider.  I haven’t thought about it now and I certainly had not thought about it then.

But I decided to play along.  “He’s running against (Robert) Dold, right?” I asked.  His answer?

“Yeah, his family owns a bug company.”  Really?  They’re refugees from the Nixon administration? (In actuality his family owns Northfield-based Rose Exterminators.)

But he’s not alone. It’s that time when lawmakers, many whom resemble the White Sox bullpen – they exist but are in effective -- begin waging campaigns in which the vow to change the world. 

It’s likely that this campaign will bring out the worse of both parties.  Schneider’s gang of henchmen have done little to address issues and even less to boost our image around the world, while the party that Dold hangs his hat on is more interested in suing or impeaching President Obama.  Really?  That’s good use of our tax dollars?

This summer version of hi-how-are-you-will-you-vote-for-me has spilled over to state races as well.  I’m waiting for a news story that Bruce Rauner was hospitalized after he cut himself shaving and bled green while Gov. Quinn will make news when he announces he’s undergoing a personality transplant.  Yawn.

State Rep. Carol Sente has jumped on the bandwagon as well.  In addition to an assortment of leaves, weeds and other growth in my yard, I found a soggy Sente flyer, which goes along with the ones I’ve gotten in the mail.  But at least she’s communicating.  Her opponent, Leslie Munger, according to her web site, will be attending a series of barbecues and meet-and-greets at Metra station.  How nice. Issues please?

But now it’s the dawn of the campaign season – robo calls, grip and grin flyers, etc.

How about addressing issues – something that would be a novel idea to be sure.

As time going on, however, candidates will push the panic button and let you think the sky is falling.

Wait…sky falling?

There is one candidate who may be able to help.

And with medical marijuana looming, he’ll give new meaning to the term potted chicken.

In the meantime, brace yourself for an onslaught of robo calls, flyers and social media messages from folks who otherwise have had limited communication with their constituencies.

Stay tuned; the excitement continues to build.

Happy birthday to my favorite uncle

Dear Uncle Sam,

I was in a card shop the other day looking for a birthday card for you.

I saw cards for kids, 20-year-olds, 30-year-olds, and 60-year-olds.

But none for a 238-year-old.

That’s too bad.  I don’t think there’s a person who has an uncle who has done what you, or endured what you have. Even though your image didn’t permeate America until 1916, your message, which is your heart and soul, is 238 years today.

So Happy Birthday Uncle Sam.

I imagine with each birthday you look back on your nieces and nephews that make up this great country and you laugh, cry, worry, and beam with excitement at what lies ahead.

What a family you have.

A family that has loved, hated, fought and made up. 

This has been a heck of year for you.  Just last week you celebrated the 50^th anniversary of the signing of the civil rights act.  Sure, there is still hatred among some people, but at least we recognize the rights of all people.

Last month you beamed with mixed emotions as the allies recognized the 70^th anniversary of D-Day.  You beamed with pride because the America-led coalition stormed Normandy in the name of freedom and peace.  However, you wept as you recall the many nieces and nephews who perished on those distant shores.

You continue to be filled with anguish because we’re still sacrificing our troops – the purest form of American heroes – on distant shores – whether Korean, Vietnam, Iraq or Afghanistan. You wish the rest of the world would embody some of the fundamental freedoms and principles that you have tried to instill in your American family.

You’ve been busy for 238 years making sure the welcome mat to United States is clean and the doors open for those who come here seeking a better life.  No doubt you grouse when newcomers expect us to speak their language, as they overlook the fact they came here to experience freedoms and opportunities they’ve never had before.  But still, you do what you can to accommodate them.

And while you clean the welcome mat, you make sure the door is kept open for persons who may have been our enemies at one time.  But you try not to live in the past, you are quick to forgive and quick to welcome, perhaps, some may say, to a fault.

As you look at the family album for the past 238 years, you probably beam with how the family has overcome obstacles.  You recall with bittersweet tears how we overcame the Civil War to be united.  You smile with amazement at how during the depths of the Great Depression men were selling apples on the streets to survive, but yet in what seems to be a short few decades, men and women were selling Apples because they were a pinnacle of American technological know-how.

Long before you turned 200 you looked on with horror as JFK and MLK, two voices of hope were gunned down because of what they believed.  You probably panicked in 1968 as the major cities erupted in violence, adding to the turbulence that was rocking America.

But, dear Uncle Sam, you beam with pride at the resilience of your nieces and nephews.  With a heavy heart, you point to Sept. 11, 2001 when more than 3,500 family members died because insurgents resented our freedom and success -- Freedom and success for everyone regardless of their race, religion, creed, sexual orientation.

And while the sense of ensuing unity brought insatiable pride to you, the opening of the 9-1-1 Memorial made everyone realize just how lucky we are.

You’re a great teacher, Uncle Sam.  You teach by example.

I wonder how many people spend part of your birthday cheering for their favorite baseball team with little thought the traditional American pastime is truly American – the rosters of Major League Baseball teams are filled with players from more than 10 different countries.  It’s hard to believe that it seems like only yesterday that Major League Baseball teams were limited to white players only.  It’s also hard to believe that you were only 132 when the Cubs last won the World Series.

It’s fitting, in some ways that your birthday this year is on a Friday because it’s the start of the weekend when your nieces and nephews will take time to worship in synagogues, churches, temples and mosques – a guaranteed freedom missing in many countries.

But not here.  Through it all, the pride and independence that you represent resonates across America for better or worse.  We’re not perfect, but we’re light years ahead of most countries thanks to you and your unwavering support and guidance.

So to my favorite uncle – Happy Birthday.  And thank you.

Because of what you stand for, it’s easy to say “God Bless America.”

Signed,

A grateful nephew

They continue to serve and....

Well it has been a while since we checked in on Buffalo Grove’s finest and the calls they respond to. Here's a sampling of the calls police respond to.  Seriously.

·         Yeah, right, the renewal is in the mail.  A motorist involved in an accident was cited for driving with an expired driver’s license.  The license expired in 2009 -- five years ago.

·         The wheels on the bus?  A Pace rider was asked to leave the bus for using foul language. Police told him to wait for next bus -- or find another way home.  Sounds like a good idea.

·         Seriously?  A resident called police because her neighbor cut part of her grass too short.  Police report that “she was upset” Police told her it would grow back.

·         Seriously, Part 2 -- Police report that a cell phone was stolen from a church. Is nothing sacred?

·         Guess it wasn’t happy hour.  Police report an intoxicated male did not take kindly to being processed at the police station.  According to police reports, he took fighting stand and swung at a police officer.  While being processed, took fighting stance and spit at camera.   Talk about a Kodak moment.

·         Speaking of spitting.  Police report that a man spit on car next to his because he didn't like the way it was parked.  Said he was making a statement.  Seriously.

·         Why does this not surprise me?  Police report several incidents of dog bites at the Happy Tails dog park -- really?

·         Talk about recycling.  A resident reported their mail box missing.  It was located, post and all, found in a mulch pile.

·         Seriously, Part 3.  Police reported they stopped a motorist for texting while driving.  Now that’s bad enough, but the motorist also lacked a driver’s license. 

·         The itsy, bitsy spider.  Folks, I can’t make this up.  Police responded to a case of road rage brought on by a spider.  Seriously.  The female motorists reported seeing spider on an envelope in her car.  Panicking, she three it out the window of her car.   Another motorist approached her car and lectured her about littering and then allegedly verbally abused her and took pictures of her license plate.  The spider was not charged.

·         If you decide to drive after drinking, take into consideration the following:

A woman got stopped for speeding – doing 51 in 35 mph zone.  Big deal, right?  But wait, she decided to, ahem, help the officer.  Since she could not find her insurance card, she told the officer to give her a ticket for not having an insurance card.  But wait, there’s more.  When the officer asked her if she saw police car, -she said yes, but was on cell phone and was also texting.  Being cooperative, she told the officer to give her a ticket for both.

But wait, there’s more.  She told the officer that she wasn’t drinking, but then admitted to having Bud Lights / Coors Light.

Surprise – she did not pass field sobriety test, after which she was taken to station, where, according to police, she started "making odd statements".  Like what, you ask?

"I pay your salary” Even though she’s from Schaumburg.  She then told the officer that he should “rebel against the government".  This was followed by a “heil Obama” comment and a declaration that and she was not drunk because "I'm a 120 pound woman and had three beers".   Must have been a full moon.

·         Draw your own conclusion.  A resident complained to police that she heard “juvenile noise” the night before.  The next morning she reported finding used condoms the next morning.  She discarded them before her children saw them. 

·         If you decide to drive after drinking – Part 2. When a police officer goes to administer a field sobriety test, do not say “no, F^&* you.” 

·         Talk about distracted driving – A resident called about a vehicle traveling at a moderate pace as the driver was on the cell phone. He was driving on a village bike path.

·         Read the fine print – Police were called to a restaurant because a customer did not want to pay bill. The resident brought in two coupons from restaurant.com – Even though the offer said customers could use = only one...he wanted to use two.... was not going to pay due to confusion on web site.  Seriously.

·         And you want the police to do what?  -- A resident called police because he upset because landscaper stuff blew into his yard.  The landscaper agreed to use lawn trimmer next time.

·         Getting forked over – A resident reported that his lawn had been vandalized by numerous white plastic forks.  Seriously.

·         A political statement? -- Someone vandalized a bike path by spray painting the word "devil" on the bike path -- it was on the Elliott Hartstein Trail.

·         Check it out.  – A resident reported to police about a Craig’s list purchase – He purchased a car which needed work.  But there was a reason for it – he found out later it had been salvaged and rebuilt.  Oops.

·         Seriously? Part 4 – Police noticed a home with its doors open late.  It turns out the owner had been out watching storms and left doors open,

·         Write your own conclusion -- A business operator noticed kids with a “large bulge in the pocket of his cargo pants and suspected an attempt to shoplift alcohol.

·         And finally --- A new meaning to suspicious person.  Responding to a report of a suspicious person, police found a man sitting in his car playing video games.  But why?  He told police his wife does not like him playing video games at home, so he pretends to go to the health club and then parks and plays video games.  Seriously.