Attack on downtown Roselle unfair

I am responding to a recent letter citing the lack of business in Roselle's downtown. While the letter is an attack of my administration, it was done by dismissing the numerous businesses that operate in our downtown - 16 of them along our three block Main Street alone.

Two independent community surveys cited the businesses residents wanted downtown. Number one was a coffee shop. A breakfast place, ice cream store, grocery store, unique food store and bakery followed. Last was a steak house/nice dining establishment, although the lack of one is what most people focus on.

If people would come down to Main Street, they would see many stores that fulfill their wishes, along with service businesses, which are destination-oriented and give exposure to the other stores. Many of our downtown stores are owned by Roselle residents who took the risk of bank loans, long hours and plenty of worry and hard work to bring a business into our community. It is sad to see their efforts dismissed as not worthy of being counted.

Redevelopment increased the assessed valuation from $94,000 to $817,000, even with vacancies. The block under demolition will increase from $22,000 to $225,000 upon completion. This will be a great boost to our local taxing bodies when our Tax Increment Financing district disbands in four years.

And then there are improved aesthetics. Critics must miss looking at the automotive center and the cars awaiting work or are sad to see the outdated and vacant stores along Irving Park Road torn down.

Do we have vacancies? Yes. But do we also have some unique and great businesses that exist? Absolutely. It is up to all of us to begin supporting them, or how can we expect others to want to locate here? Please do not belittle the efforts of those who invested in our community.

Gayle Smolinski

mayor, village of Roselle