'Triangle' plan needs your input

Residents of Mount Prospect, if you have an opinion about the redevelopment of our downtown, specifically in the "Triangle" area at Northwest Highway and Route 83, now is the time to speak up.

The village board will soon be considering giving their approval to a proposed development that would include first-floor retail and upper-level condos, along with a parking garage.

Sounds great, what's missing? On-street parking. If you frequent the downtown, you are surely aware that parking is a necessity. Will you park in the garage past the village hall, walk a flight or two of stairs, cross busy Route 83 and walk a block or two to get to a store you want to visit? The developer and village staff thinks we will.

Also, it's not been reported in this newspaper, but Trustee Paul Hoefert recently asked the village board to take a vote on the possibility of sending this project out for a request for proposals from area developers.

The mayor did not allow the trustees to vote. Know that the developer of this property is requesting nearly $10 million in taxpayer funds, and also needs the village's resources in finalizing condemnation proceedings for several properties in the Triangle.

We deserve to see all of the options available, as the consequences of this development, good or bad, will be permanent for our lifetime. Please contact our elected officials and let them know how you feel.

For contact information, visit mountprospect.org. You can also see the proposed plans to decide for yourself.

Christy Watychowicz

Mount Prospect