Projects, initiatives on to-do list for four GLMV Chamber towns
A lot has happened the past year with more coming in the four communities that make up the GLMV Chamber of Commerce, elected officials said Monday during the annual "Ask the Mayors" luncheon.
Top elected officials in Green Oaks, Mundelein, Libertyville and Vernon Hills recapped and updated major projects and initiatives for an audience of about 80 at Post Time Sports Bar & Grille on Rockland Road, just east of I-94 in Green Oaks.
However, anyone who came for insight on the recent forced departures of the village administrator in Libertyville and village manger in Vernon Hills was shut out as neither move was mentioned by the respective mayors or questioned by anyone in the audience.
Officials in both villages have refused to explain the circumstances. Both communities are in the process of developing a process for new hired executives.
As in past years, the mayors concentrated on recently completed or in-the-works projects and other initiatives, such as flood relief. Green Oaks hasn't hosted the annual luncheon in recent memory and Post Time, a former bowling alley, was an example of what the tiny village is trying to accomplish in terms of economic development.
In fact, Green Oaks may have the freshest news. Mayor Bernard Wysocki said a truck cab sales business called CIT Trucks LLC is in the review process and other uses are planned for the northeast corner of the tollway and Rockland Road, long envisioned by village officials as a prime development spot.
"They would bring a lot of sales tax," Wysocki said.
Also in Green Oaks, two large senior living facilities have opened in the past year. This summer, a major drainage project is planned along Route 176.
In Libertyville, Mayor Terry Weppler said a $1.2 million revamp of the village's downtown Metra station is expected this summer. The village also is revising its long-range plan and proceeding with master plans for parks and stormwater management.
Flooding also is a concern in Mundelein, which launched a study to find solutions after floodwater inundated the center of town.
"We're coming in for a landing on figuring a way to pay for it," Mayor Steve Lentz said. "We're moving as fast as government can work."
He added Mundelein has invested in branding and said property and lease values make the village "outstanding" for entrepreneurs.
And in Vernon Hills, Mayor Roger Byrne updated the audience on the Mellody Farm retail/residential development at the northeast corner of routes 21 and 60. Whole Foods is an anchor and Home Goods, REI and Nordstrom Rack are other tenants.
The village issued $20 million in bonds upfront as an incentive, but the village has an "absolute guarantee" it will be reimbursed if the project falters, Byrne said.