Downtown an issue in Round Lake Park

With about two dozen businesses, Round Lake Park's "downtown" along Route 134 isn't extensive but it is important, both candidates running for mayor agree.

How and when it should be addressed are where incumbent Jean McCue and challenger Bill Baczek differ.

A question on the April 7 ballot will ask voters whether the village should issue $1.5 million in bonds for its Main Street corridor. The money would be used for sidewalks, streetlights, landscaping and other improvements.

Like other entities have done recently, the village would fund the new bonds by using the tax rate that had been in place to pay the principal and interest on bonds issued previously.

A $2 million bond issue for improvements to the water system was retired late last year. If voters approve the referendum allowing a new bond issue, they would receive a tax reduction of about $45 per year. If they defeat the question, the reduction would be $160 to $180 per year.

McCue, a lifelong resident, who served as village trustee for nearly 12 years before becoming mayor with the death of Ila Bauer about three years ago, said there has been talk of making the downtown look better since 1973.

Improving the main corridor is necessary as a physical and mental boost, she contends, and would serve as a springboard.

"It's an enhancement to our village. If it looked nicer would people feel better about us? Would people feel better about the businesses? People don't realize what's down there. They have tunnel vision."

If the question is voted down, McCue said, the village would instead install a sidewalk and landscaping if it could successfully obtain a $500,000 grant.

Bill Baczek is also a longtime resident and served on a business development commission studying the matter. He says people need whatever tax relief is available.

"If it's going to cost me any money at all, I'm not going to do it," he said. "Of course it's worthwhile to revitalize our downtown. But the thing right now is I can't justify it. Two years from now, when the economy rebounds, we can revisit the issue."

He said the area is blighted, and suggested the possibility of petitioning the state for its right-of-way and convert the road from a state route to a boulevard. That would open new local grant opportunities, he contended.

McCue questioned whether that was possible or likely.

Baczek said detail of the improvements is lacking.

"There's not enough information out there," he said.

In campaign literature, he says that if elected he would "immediately go on a vigorous grant writing request program" to develop concept plans and drawings. Committees would then be formed to market the properties to investors and oversee development.

McCue said improvements could result in some sales tax increase, but the bigger picture is important.

"Is it expensive to do it? Yes. But is it necessary? I think so," she said.