The Soapbox
Big ray of hope:
In a huge suburban sign of economic recovery, developers Dwight and Ruth Yackley are launching a $30 million expansion of their upscale Main Street Promenade in downtown Naperville. Main Street Promenade East would be almost as large as the original and include 100,000 square feet of retail and office space.
‘Nothing less’:
And, Main Street Promenade East is more ambitious than originally envisioned. The Yackleys plan an addition of the same high caliber as the original. They won’t reveal new tenants until deals are inked, but pledge “nothing less” than current tenants, like Cold Water Creek, Jos. A. Bank, Loft, Sur La Table and Hugo’s Frog Bar and Fish House.
Watching for the children:
As part of Child Abuse Prevention Month, Kane County State’s Attorney Joe McMahon and other child welfare officials have gone on the offensive to urge residents and parents to remain vigilant if they suspect abuse or neglect. A call to the Department of Children and Family Services hotline (800-252-2873) could save a life
Our condolences:
To Julianna Martinez, whose husband Alex, an Elgin Marine, died last week in Afghanistan. For such a young woman, the strength and sweetness you showed this week in telling reporters and the community about your high school sweetheart was remarkable.
That’s a lot of flooding:
After seeing the destruction of record rains last summer, Mount Prospect logically wants to do something to help the hardest-hit residents avoid a repeat. But at a cost of $200 million? Village board members logically have trouble seeing the return on that investment.
Reading them loud and clear:
Elk Grove Library officials showed they were listening when they reinstated full library privileges to 11,000 residents on the west side of Elk Grove Village. That’s responsive government. The board had voted to cut their perks several weeks ago when Schaumburg Township library district ended a tax-sharing agreement.
Rallying to help:
The harrowing stable fire in McHenry County that killed at least 18 horses also underscored the courage and dedication of the equine community. People rushed into the burning barn to save several horses. Area stables opened their paddocks for the displaced animals. Volunteers searched for two horses that escaped.
Embracing technology:
Got any towns you call friends? If so, it may be Naperville, Aurora, Schaumburg or Arlington Heights. They were ranked high among Illinois towns that offer the most information to residents online. A large part of that, according to the study by University of Illinois at Chicago, is the use of social media. The more accessibility, the better for all.
Heart-stopping time:
OK. The Bulls pull out an OT win over archrival Miami in a possible preview of the NBA playoffs, then the Hawks drop a heartbreaker in OT in Game 1 of the Stanley Cup playoffs. Phew. Looks like we’d better keep practicing our deep-breathing exercises for the next few weeks.