Lakemoor candidates want to bring new businesses to town
Family-friendly restaurants and a large, general-merchandise store are among the businesses the candidates for seats on Lakemoor's village board would like to see come to town.
The candidates hope the pending construction of a Woodman's grocery store at the southwest corner of routes 12 and 120 will attract more businesses to Lakemoor, especially at that intersection.
Running for three seats with 4-year terms are incumbents Alexis Aguilar, Colin McIntyre and Phil Vavalle and political newcomer Scott Cox.
The candidates discussed economic growth and other issues in a group interview with the Daily Herald.
Aguilar, a trustee since 2013, said she'd like to see more than fast-food restaurants with drive-through lanes at routes 12 and 120. But she also noted Lakemoor isn't Lake Forest and likely would attract different types of businesses than that wealthier suburb.
"I wouldn't want to bring a store that half of our community couldn't afford," she said. "That just wouldn't make sense to me."
Aguilar said she'd love to see some family-oriented restaurants open in Lakemoor. A Target store would be "really nice," too, she said.
Attending trade shows and talking with business representatives is a good way to attract retailers, she said.
Cox, a heavy-equipment operator, also would like more restaurants in town. Like Aguilar, he said he isn't a fan of fast-food eateries - especially those open 24 hours a day. He said all-hours restaurants can "bring in some bad crowds," such as people who have been drinking all night or using drugs.
"You don't really want those in our town," he said.
Vavalle, a trustee since 2009, said the key to bringing businesses to town is working with real estate developers and scrutinizing the plans they propose.
Vavalle mentioned Chik-fil-A and Culver's as restaurant chains that could be a good fit for Lakemoor.
"They're fast food, but they're not McDonald's and Burger King," he said.
McIntyre, a trustee since 2005, said he'd like to see more sit-down restaurants in the village, places that cater to "the middle wage scale." But he also thought medical facilities, such as physical therapy businesses or urgent care centers, could do well in Lakemoor.
Trustee Ralph Brindise is running unopposed for a 2-year term and was not asked to participate in the discussion.
Mayor Todd Weihofen is running for re-election, too. He's being challenged by a write-in candidate, Chris Savino.