Algonquin trustee candidates discuss downtown, east side growth

Though most agree the east side of Algonquin is in need of attention, the six candidates vying for three seats on the village board have different ideas about where else to prioritize economic development.

Newcomers Laura Brehmer, Janis Jasper and Greg Ligman are challenging longtime incumbents Brian Dianis, Jerry Glogowski and Bob Smith in the April 4 election.

The village in recent years has concentrated largely on recruiting new businesses and developers, Smith said. A 500-acre corporate campus is growing each year, he said, and Algonquin attracted more than two dozen new businesses, including Dunkin' Donuts and Nordstrom, last year.

"That's really the focus for our economic development is to bring in more businesses that are going to bring in good paying jobs, creating a work environment for the village," Smith said. "We're all over the spectrum for what we're looking for, which is good because it gives people a balance."

The next step, candidates agreed, is encouraging more economic growth along the East Algonquin Road corridor. Dianis said he believes the new Longmeadow Parkway corridor would allow for better access to that area.

Jasper, who lives within walking distance of the Algonquin Commons shopping center, said she has watched retail stores come and go and wants the village to pay more attention to its existing businesses.

"What I'd like to see is the village really take an active position in making sure that once businesses come to Algonquin, they want to stay in Algonquin (and) they want to expand in Algonquin," she said.

Additionally, Jasper said the village needs to focus on attracting and retaining residents to keep its economy viable. "Businesses aren't going to come to Algonquin if we're losing residents," she said.

In Glogowski's eyes, officials have been diligent in attracting more development along some of its major corridors, such as Randall Road. But he and Brehmer said the village has neglected several of its empty storefronts.

"I'd like to have more job opportunities brought back into Algonquin and have those occupied," Glogowski said, pointing to vacant strip malls on Harnish Drive as an example.

Algonquin is beginning to implement a roughly $30 million downtown revitalization plan, which the incumbent trustees said would bring more people to the area, encourage more residents living downtown and make it more pedestrian friendly. It would be phased in over several years.

By bringing more people downtown, Dianis said, he hopes the Fox River and riverwalk will see more recreational use.

Jasper, who supports the plan, said she would want to improve and better promote the village's downtown events.

Though agreeing the downtown should serve as a focal point, Brehmer and Ligman criticized the size, scope and cost of the project. "Spending millions of dollars doesn't guarantee success," Brehmer said.

Ligman said the village should take redevelopment projects one step at a time, and should spend more time gathering feedback from the community.

Incumbent trustees said the plan spurred from a conversation between downtown residents and business owners.

"We're looking to make downtown a destination," Smith said.