Wheaton mayor: City is 'trending the right way'

Almost everything is trending the right way in Wheaton, Mayor Michael Gresk says.

In the past year, he said, roads have been improved, flooding has been reduced, economic development has surged and city finances have remained healthy.

During his annual State of the City speech at Arrowhead Golf Club Thursday, Gresk said a lot of exciting developments are in store in 2015, too.

That includes new technology to modernize how the city assists residents, a redesigned website, updated streetlights and new businesses, including a gym, three restaurants and a gas station.

“I look forward to a year sure to bring new businesses and growth to the city,” Gresk said.

The event was hosted by the Wheaton Chamber of Commerce and sponsored by Clare Woods Academy, where Gresk works as development director.

After his speech, Gresk said just because the city is doing a lot of things right doesn't mean it can turn away from the things that still need improvement.

“It's not all lollipops and roses,” he said.

A survey completed by more than 650 households last year showed residents rated the city at or above the national average in 54 of 66 areas.

While the results were excellent — 90 percent of residents, for example, had positive ratings for the quality of life in Wheaton — Gresk said the focus now has to be on the 12 areas that didn't score above the national average.

“You always want to do better,” he said.

Some areas residents cited concerns with included the quality of the city's streets and sidewalks and stormwater management.

The company that conducted the survey suggested the city also work on better communicating its strong financial well-being, because some residents may associate Illinois' financial problems with Wheaton's financial health.

“For that reason, I reiterate Wheaton's status as a top bond-rated city,” Gresk said, adding that the city lowered the property tax levy for the fifth consecutive year in 2014.

Another highlight from last year was a 29 percent increase in the number of permits issued for new single-family homes, which resulted in a total of 63 new houses.

“These numbers continue a steady trend of growth in our local economy, where businesses and homeowners are choosing to invest in Wheaton,” Gresk said.

A few new businesses that opened include Armand's Pizzeria, Dry City Brew Works, Kilwin's, Mile Long Records, Moore Toys & Gadgets, Prairie Path Books and River City Roasters.

One new business in the works is a Bucky's convenience store and gas station on Roosevelt Road.

In the Danada shopping area, the former IHOP will be turned into two eateries — Italio and Moe's Southwest Grill — and the former MC Sports store will be converted to a Charter Fitness.

Gresk said there are no definitive plans for the Dominick's property in Danada East, although it will likely not house another grocery store in the future.

Additionally, a downtown space formerly occupied by Genghis Grill will soon become Gia Mia Pizzeria.

Looking ahead, Gresk said residents can certainly expect to hear discussions about a newly approved $65 million downtown plan during village board meetings this year.

The next steps, he said, are to determine where the revenue for the plan will come from and what parts should be completed first.

“It's not (all) going to get done now. It's a 20-, 30-year plan,” he said. “There are certain things that can be done easier than others — signage, lighting.”