Mundelein mayoral candidates cite attracting businesses, Plaza Circle among their priorities
Filling vacant storefronts and completing development of the land around village hall are among the top issues for Mundelein’s two mayoral hopefuls.
Candidates Robin Meier and Tim Wilson also expressed fears about how President Donald Trump’s financial policies could affect programs or projects in Mundelein.
Meier and Wilson discussed their priorities in questionnaires and a joint, online discussion with the Daily Herald. A video recording of that session can be viewed at dailyherald.com.
Both Meier and Wilson are village trustees. They’re competing to succeed Mayor Steve Lentz, who isn’t seeking a fourth term in the April 1 election.
Wilson said finding occupants for high-profile, vacant commercial buildings in town is Mundelein’s most pressing issue. Officials frequently hear complaints about such vacancies when they meet with residents, he said.
Wilson cited two former bank buildings on Seymour Avenue in an area sometimes called “the Bank Triangle” as examples, as well as a vacant commercial building on Hawley Street that stands where village hall once was located.
Village officials should market that Hawley Street building to businesses outside of Mundelein and offer them financial incentives to move there, Wilson said.
A regional sales manager who was elected to the village board in 2021, Wilson also said officials must ensure the completion of real estate developments around Plaza Circle near the current village hall.
A developer has proposed a $68 million project on Plaza Circle consisting of a five-story apartment building, an adjoining parking garage, townhouses and a retail building. The buildings would occupy the last of the vacant lots the block, which is south of Hawley Street and east of Seymour Avenue.
Finally, Wilson called President Donald Trump’s pledge to cancel federal grants “a serious concern.” He said he’s working with U.S. Rep. Brad Schneider of Highland Park to ensure promised grants are delivered.
Meier said Mundelein’s commercial vacancy rate is low but noted some long-standing empty spaces “upset people.” Residents often ask her what the village is doing to encourage businesses to open in town, she said.
To help promote local businesses, Meier suggests displaying a list of them or a QR code that would link to such a list at community events. The information would show residents and visitors what Mundelein has to offer, she explained.
The effort might also prompt Mundelein business owners to encourage other entrepreneurs to set up shop in town, she said.
“Businesses talk to other businesses,” said Meier, a retired telecommunications professional who first was elected to the board in 2008. She also ran for mayor in 2013 and 2021.
Like Wilson, Meier is troubled by how Trump’s efforts to cancel federal grants could affect infrastructure projects like the pending improvements on the eastern stretch of Hawley Street.
Meier also voiced concern about the potential effects of the tariffs on foreign goods and services ordered by Trump.
“New tariffs may make construction costs escalate or create construction supply issues,” Meier said.