Village in danger of losing its charm

To the editor: I like much of what the village of Arlington Heights has done to improve our downtown, but it is in real danger of becoming another example of generic over-development.

The huge condominium buildings are starting to drown out the "ambiance of a small town" that the village touts on its Web site. Why do we need yet another condo development, as is planned on North Dunton, when there are signs on the existing ones begging people to buy or rent to own, and the market is so bad that the government is sending us rebates?

There are also too many small businesses closing --Holiday Essentials and The Pineapple Shop, to name two. I don't know all of the nuances of the situation, but I do know that condo developers are getting tax deals from the village; that one of the stated goals of the village is to attract large, national chains; and that many building owners charge exorbitant rent.

The village has a responsibility to vigorously promote the success of our community's small businesses --these businesses and the train are the reasons Arlington Heights is a walk-able, small town community. They give the town its character.

And they keep Arlington Heights from turning into another Schaumburg.

Jessica Vealitzek

Arlington Heights