Antioch gets both sides of marketplace argument
The normally invisible divide between those embracing Antioch's changing landscape and those resisting the community's rapid growth was clear Tuesday when residents were asked to weigh in on plans for a sprawling new shopping center.
About 40 people spoke in favor and against Antioch Marketplace, a 600,000-square-foot retail development planned for the north side of Route 173, just west of Wal-Mart.
Developers are seeking several approvals from the village, including annexation of 85 acres from unincorporated Lake County, which was the purpose of Tuesday's public hearing.
Late Tuesday, the village board had not made any decisions regarding Antioch Marketplace.
Opponents of the project expressed concern over increased traffic, noise, light and lake pollution and a fear that the big-box retailers planned for the development would rob business from Antioch's downtown specialty stores.
Supporters praised the development for its promise of tax dollars and selection of stores.
"There is a significant demand for shopping, for electronics, for family apparel," said Mary Gaborek. "This provides the choice residents seek."
If the project is approved, Target, Lowes and Kohl's would fill the big-box buildings while Best Buy, Shoe Carnival, PetSmart and Staples have made commitments to occupy the outlying buildings, said Andrew Goodman, development manager.
"This is also an opportunity to keep people at home," Goodman said. "No more long trips to Kenosha, Gurnee, Round Lake or other communities to shop."
Goodman pledged $1.5 million per year to the village in property tax dollars, with $750,000 going to Antioch Elementary District 34 annually and $550,000 going to High School District 117.
Goodman also committed $100,000 to downtown development, which he said could be used for a variety of things including consultants or a trolley that would take shoppers from Route 173 to downtown.
The promises, however, didn't sway those opposed to the project.
Rick Oliver, who lives on Little Silver Lake, adjacent to Antioch Marketplace, said he has moved from Mundelein to Gurnee to Antioch to escape development.
"Where do I go now? I'm running out of places to go," Oliver said. "I don't have a problem finding lumber. I don't have a problem finding clothes. It doesn't all have to be here."