Buffalo Grove OTB discussion still on for June 1

A proposal for off-track betting in Buffalo Grove has already been delayed to allow incoming Buffalo Grove village board members time to examine the issue.

It was almost delayed even further this week, when one of the two new trustees, Lisa Stone, suggested putting off the matter until the board's second meeting in June.

On June 1, the board is expected to consider the proposal from Inter-Track Partners LLC to open an OTB at Adam's Rib and Ale House, 301 N. Milwaukee Ave.

The village is entitled to receive 1 percent of the handle, which would range between an estimated $70,000 to $150,000 annually. Lake County would also get a 1 percent share.

But Stone said she is concerned that the meeting takes place on the same night that parents and children in Aptakisic-Tripp Elementary District 102 will be enjoying eighth-grade graduation ceremonies. With more than 200 children in the graduating class, that means more than 400 parents would be unable to attend the village board meeting, she said.

"That is the school district that is in closest proximity to Adam's Rib," she said. "We shouldn't jump to something that has such long-lasting impact on our community. We should take our time and find ways to let the community voice their opinion."

Trustee Jeffrey Braiman seconded the motion and seemed to be leaning in favor of it, but Trustee Steven Trilling said there might be other dates that would be equally inconvenient, since many families will be taking summer vacations.

Trilling also pointed out that Village Manager William Brimm will be on vacation when the second meeting in June takes place. That concerned Braiman, who said, "Bill has had his hands on this from the beginning."

Village President Elliott Hartstein added that the community has many vehicles for communicating its will to the village, such as e-mails, phone calls and petitions.

In the end, the board decided to keep the June 1 date, with Stone providing the lone vote in favor of the change.