The Soapbox
Tough call:
An underpass near downtown Glen Ellyn would be a boon, as the grade-level railroad crossings can impede vehicle and pedestrian traffic. But the price is staggering: at least $21 million. Especially in these uncertain economic times, and with the prospect of state money to municipalities being reduced, this might be a prudent time to wait.
One way to put Rauner cuts:
The Kane County Board has decided not to take a position on Gov. Bruce Rauner cutting the share of income tax revenue going to the suburbs. Board members just want to see if the cuts can benefit everyone in the end. As Doug Scheflow put it, "Everybody's ox is going to have to be gored." Yeah, that's one way to put it.
Bitter irony for Lincoln train:
It the replica that David Kloke of Elgin is building of the funeral train car that carried President Abraham Lincoln's body from Washington to Springfield won't re-create that trip after all. The car is having a hard time getting to Springfield in any case. It might actually have to go there by ... semitrailer truck. Not exactly a new birth of freedom.
Kudos, with a reservation:
It's great to see the level of civic involvement in Maine Township, where there are six strong candidates in the April 7 election for the three seats on the District 207 school board. Only problem is, all six are from the Maine South attendance area. Next election, let's hope residents from the rest of the district step up.
Cha, cha, changes:
First, Round Lake Beach was the site of the massive construction project to eliminate the perennial traffic bottleneck near Rollins Road and Route 83. Now the demolition of the tired and largely vacant Mallard Creek shopping center is planned. The end result will be better traffic flow and a new Meijer store. Short-term pain, long-term gain.
March Maddening:
Seriously? Who needs to worry about whether Kentucky wins it all when you've already blown two 14-3 matchups at the outset of the NCAA men's basketball tournament? Just tear up your bracket sheet now and spend your first days of spring worrying about how you're going to revive your lawn.
Nonprogress report:
Owner Clark Street Development reports it has "no great announcements" on what to do with a vacant eyesore in the heart of Rolling Meadows. Great isn't necessary; any kind of announcement would do. Alderman Mike Cannon said it best to CSD: "If you can, do anything to make the place look nicer. ... It looks like a slum."
The students have spoken?:
We're just not 100 percent sure what they said. That the boycott of the PARCC test at Hersey and Rolling Meadows was organized isn't in much doubt, but whether it was parents or students who pulled it together still is. As well, was there a single point behind it, or several? We're looking forward to learning more.
Doing it online:
We hope our online readers are enjoying the easier-on-the-eyes and easier-to-navigate redesigned dailyherald.com. And the site is particularly useful and timely, too, as we launched our Election Guide at dailyherald.com/elections. They're great ways to stay informed and up-to-the-minute on suburban news.