Lake County mayors make splash at water park

Waukegan Mayor Bob Sabonjian says he's backing a major marketing campaign that'll be launched in an effort to lure new development to the long-dormant city.

Sabonjian and mayors from Gurnee, North Chicago and Libertyville were featured Thursday afternoon at a Lake County Chamber of Commerce lunch forum. The event was attended by more than 100 guests at KeyLime Cove Water Resort in Gurnee.

In his opening address to the crowd, Sabonjian said his town will use the slogan "Waukegan: The New Urban Adventure" in its marketing campaign. Sabonjian, who beat incumbent mayor Richard Hyde in April, said Waukegan is attractive as a place for affordable lakefront homes targeted toward young professionals or to start a business.

Chief Waukegan spokesman David Motley will travel not only the Midwest, but also the whole United States trying to sell the city, Sabonjian said.

"We're taking a nonpolitical approach to all manners of development," Sabonjian said.

Sabonjian also said he intends to accelerate the process for projects to gain Waukegan city council approval. He said an "economic development strike team" will be part of the effort.

Gurnee Mayor Kristina Kovarik said her town, which is heavily dependent on shoppers and other discretionary spending, has been holding up financially despite the recession. She credited the village's food-and-beverage tax with providing necessary income.

"At least people are still eating out in Gurnee," said Kovarik.

Kovarik said she's upbeat about Gurnee Mills' future because its corporate owner, Simon Property Group Inc., isn't saddled with major debt. She said Simon plans to spend about $1 million fixing a section of Gurnee Mills' parking lot this year.

Libertyville Mayor Terry Weppler said he was relieved none of the village's automobile dealerships were part of the Chrysler or General Motors cuts announced last week. He said the Libertyville car dealerships are forming an association for the first time.

North Chicago Mayor Leon Rockingham said he'd like the federal government to allow civilians to shop at the Navy Exchange store in his city, even if they don't get a military discount. He also voiced optimism about a mixed-use development planned on Sheridan Road near Great Lakes Naval Station.