What kind of change should Huntley see?

The year 2009 is finally here, and "change" and "hope" are its catchwords. Everywhere, expectations are high, so this week I set out to ask some local folks a simple question:

What kind of change do you hope to see in Huntley this year?

"How about less snow? That's what I'd say," suggested village manager Dave Johnson. "I think we're looking at over 30 inches already since December, so I'm ready for the warmer weather."

You and me both, Dave. You won't get an argument on that.

"I would like to see the road construction on (Route) 47 be completed. There's just too much congestion," said Osco pharmacy manager Stacy Loverde. "And more restaurants, because there's not that much to pick from."

"I'd also like to see a Coach (leatherware) store at the outlet mall," she added. "Does that count? That would be my number one pick, instead of road construction!"

Local restaurateur Raul Del Toro agrees it's time that Route 47 is finished.

"They need to complete that expansion, with the new lanes and turn lanes," he said. "Right now, people can't get through town. That would improve traffic flow and be really good for business."

Working in the deli at Huntley's Jewel grocery, Ricky Tarczynski thinks that completing repairs on South Route 47 would be a worthy goal. "That would make it easier to get down here ... and it would be nice, too, to have a Panda Express right out here," he suggested.

"I hope to see all our businesses in Huntley prosper, and stay on an even keel," said Sun City resident Patricia Sukel. "I'm on the board of directors for the Huntley Chamber of Commerce, and we do want to see (business) pick up."

Topping her wish list are more and larger retail outlets. A new Home Depot was announced last year, but construction has not yet started. I asked Sukel when, or if, that will happen.

"I'm certain it will. There's just a hold on some things, but I'm sure it's going ahead," she said. "But we (at the Chamber) have not heard much about that."

Right now, they're planning for next month's Huntley Home and Business Expo, and hoping for a big turnout at the annual Huntley Chamber of Commerce dinner, set for Jan. 24 in Sun City's Drendel Ballroom. Reservations are due by Thursday, Jan. 15.

As for other changes?

"I've heard people say maybe more public transportation in the area?" Sukel suggested. "I know we want to see Route 47 finished, and the (I-90) interchange. We want to see that come about."

More stores are a good idea, agrees Wing Pointe resident Jeff Moore.

"I hope to see a lot more retail growth happen in Huntley, so that we can have a bigger retail base, and more restaurants, not just 'fast food,'" he told me. "But I also hope to see a lot of change on our school board, too."

That's a priority, too, for Mary Ellen Moerke, a retired Huntley High School business teacher.

"When we elect a new school board, I'd like to see some people who will actively work toward improving education, and not just fight with one another," she said. "That would be something different, wouldn't it?"

In 2009, says 10-year-old Sarah Shescik of Union, people should try harder to be good to each other, and to be good citizens. While shopping with her mom, Maureen, and big sister, Shannon, Sarah paused to carefully consider my question and offered her own thoughtful response:

"This year, I hope that ... that people won't throw their garbage on the ground, like litter," she said. "And they should be kind to everyone and show compassion. They could help people put groceries in their cars, and do favors for everybody."

Those are fine words to live by, Sarah. A very Happy New Year to you!

Send your Huntley area news and events to huntleynews@ameritech.net or phone (847) 669-0848.