Wheaton mayor ready to tackle challenges with budget, flooding
Balancing the budget, downtown redevelopment and replacing an aging bridge rank among Wheaton's top goals for 2009 and beyond.
Mayor Mike Gresk outlined the targets as part of his State of the City address during a recent Wheaton Chamber of Commerce luncheon.
"I look forward to facing these challenges and opportunities together with you in the coming year," Gresk told the audience Jan. 15 at the Holiday Inn & Suites in Carol Stream.
Wheaton hasn't been immune to the nation's economic crisis. While the downturn has resulted in fewer tax dollars for the city, there's been increased costs for personnel and materials. For example, Gresk said, the price of road salt has skyrocketed 300 percent.
As a result, council members faced an estimated $4.2 million deficit in the 2009 budget. Gresk said most of that shortfall will be addressed by reducing spending.
Meanwhile, a sales tax increase that became effective Jan. 1 is expected to generate $1.6 million to $1.8 million in additional revenue for the city.
"Finding a balance between expenditures and revenues is projected to remain a challenge for the city this year and beyond," said Gresk, adding that Wheaton will seek new ways to cut costs and expand revenue.
The budgetary situation makes it difficult for the city to buy flood-prone properties. Still, Wheaton remains committed to addressing stormwater issues, the mayor said.
Gresk said the city added a stormwater engineer who will develop strategies for reducing flooding issues throughout the community.
The city also is working with the Wheaton Sanitary District to make improvements to sanitary sewers that should help prevent backups.
One project that could play a role in alleviating flooding is the planned redevelopment of the Hubble Middle School property at Naperville and Roosevelt roads.
Even though much of the land sits in a flood plain and cannot be developed, a reconfiguration would address area flooding, officials say.
Gresk said the Hubble project provides a unique opportunity as one of the last large-scale development opportunities in Wheaton.
When it comes to economic development, Gresk cites several achievements for the city, including First Trust Portfolios' move into a new five-story building at 120 E. Liberty Drive. An adjacent parking garage opened in November.
Gresk said officials will continue to pursue new redevelopment opportunities for various areas, including along Roosevelt Road.
Meanwhile, access to downtown is expected to be improved once the long-awaited Wesley/Manchester bridge project is complete.
Replacing the aging bridge has been on the city's to-do list for years. Now officials are confident the work will start this year. However, the bridge is expected to be closed for 18 to 24 months while the new bridge is built.