Roselle president candidates debate development

Despite the current recession, both candidates for Roselle village president agree plans for long-term development of downtown Roselle must remain a priority.

Incumbent Gayle Smolinski and write-in challenger Sean Lindsey even agree adding a major restaurant would be ideal.

Where they differ, however, is on how to get all of it done. In interviews and questionnaires submitted to the Daily Herald, the candidates discussed their views on downtown development.

Lindsey said he is disappointed with the lack of retailers along Main Street and he would like to hire an outside firm to create a development plan while simultaneously getting feedback from Roselle residents.

"Our downtown area is in a shambles," Lindsey said. "We have had very few new business in that area and it has been said to be in development for four years now. We need to bring in businesses that will generate tax dollars and also bring people back to that area."

Ideally, he said, he would like to see a family-style restaurant like T.G.I. Friday's or Chili's set up a franchise in Roselle.

To attract such businesses, however, Lindsey said he opposes major tax breaks as incentives. Instead, he feels they could be attracted with accommodations such as ideal parking and square footage.

"Can you offer tax breaks to businesses? Yes you could," Lindsey said. "But are you offering tax breaks because you're desperate, or because it will benefit the business or the residents. I am strongly against offering massive tax breaks because you are desperate."

Smolinski said she shares residents' disappointment that downtown Roselle is not bursting with retail, but said she favors a multipronged approach for development that includes tax incentives, resident support and marketing.

"We are tackling the issue, beginning with our new marketing and branding campaign and a willingness to give incentives for the stores we want to see downtown," she said. "The declining economy is not helping, and the restaurants we do have interested are not able to get financing. But we will not give up and are buoyed by the victories we have had."

Smolinski points to new businesses like an ice cream shop, a salon, a doggy laundry and even Starbucks that have joined the village. Several of the businesses are owned by Roselle residents, she said, creating an economic win-win for the village.

Smolinski said the village is working to remind residents to shop locally and aims to attract businesses beyond the downtown area.

"I think having all business areas of town prosper is just as important for community appearance and sales tax revenue," Smolinski said. "By providing robust shopping opportunities throughout town, we are training our residents to shop Roselle first. Stores and restaurants we want (downtown) are not necessarily the same as you would find in the outskirts of town."