Village staff recommends rejecting development

A lot of residents showed up last week for a public hearing involving Brandt's restaurant.

But that meeting had to be postponed until Nov. 6 because one of the developers was sick.

Had it gone on, residents would have learned that the village staff does not support the proposal to build a bank and Walgreens at the corner of Northwest Highway and Quentin Road.

According to the staff report, the corner is a prime location for commercial development but that this specific plan would have a negative impact on nearby residents.

Other concerns are a lack of green space, landscaping and traffic concerns around the site.

The village staff recommends that the plan commission reject the proposal, which is being put forth by Des Plaines-based DL Acquisitions.

Still, plan commissioners will have to vote on the plan. It then will be sent to the village council for a final say.

Every development proposal that comes forth in Palatine is entitled to a public hearing like this.

A bodybuilder among us: A big achievement went to one Palatine business owner in August. These days, Bob Gajda, a kinesiotherapist who runs Gajda Health Plus Network, helps to heal people. In his past life, he dominated the world of competitive bodybuilding.

On Aug. 24, Gajda was inducted into the National Hall of Bodybuilding Fame. An awards banquet and ceremony were held in Maine. Superstars from bodybuilding's golden age were there to honor him. Gajda's first training partner, Sergio Oliva, also was inducted. Gajda's clinic is at 552 E. Northwest Hwy.

Test ride a bike: Mikes Bike Shop in Palatine will hold a "Bianchi Demo Day and Sale" from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. Someone will be at the store, 155 N. Northwest Hwy., to show both Cyclo-Cross and Road Bikes. Customers will be able to ride and evaluate Bianchi's offerings, many of which will be specially priced. Bianchi has a rich racing heritage going back more than 120 years. Call (847) 358-0948 for more information.

Want pancakes? The Palatine Jaycees will host the 12th annual WINGS 5K Home Run, 1.5 Mile Walk and children's races Sunday starting at 9 a.m. at Towne Square Park. After the race, anyone can head over to the American Legion pancake breakfast at the Legion Hall, 122 W. Palatine Road. The pancake breakfast is free for all race participants and is open to the public starting at 8 a.m. for $6 a person. Who can beat that?