Farmer's market draws signs of life in Libertyville
Jammed wouldn't be a completely accurate description but again, Church Street was comfortably full Thursday as the closing time neared for the weekly farmer's market in downtown Libertyville.
With more vendors and offerings, a Web site and other tweaks, the performance of the long-standing market is an encouraging sign the economic malaise may be easing.
"We had been averaging about 1,500 people a day (and) we're averaging about 2,000 this year. It's substantial," said Randy Nelson, head of MainStreet Libertyville, a downtown revitalization group that sponsors the event.
Nearby, an $8.6 million parking deck takes shape and is expected to be open next month. Casa Bonita, a new restaurant, is scheduled to open today, and Tommy's Pizza will soon follow.
Another project planned a few blocks south will feature at least two restaurants. Some downtown spots also are filling in.
"People omfortable right now," said Heather Rowe, Libertyville's economic development coordinator.
Village officials say the interest isn't limited to the central area. After nearly a year of construction, the 96-room Hampton Inn & Suites opened Monday on the village's northwest side.
Some strip mall landlords report more interest than in the past few months, with potential new arrivals including a dinner/dancing club. Also, a liquor license has been requested for a new user at the long vacant Grill On 21 property along Milwaukee Avenue near the village's south entry.
"Things just kind of feel different," Rowe said. "Not just downtown but throughout the village. We're getting more inquiries, more occupancies - a noticeable increase."
Out to Lunch, which runs on Fridays, also has been successful. On July 3, vendors cited record sales and four of them ran out of food.
Many people apparently stayed home for the holiday, allowing families to attend and the weather cooperated.
"Our events are having record highs," Nelson said. "We seem to be buzzing right along despite the (economic) situation."
While these are good signs, the village still is on the economic edge. The village board is scheduled to meet Tuesday to discuss economic development strategy and activities.
"Yes, the economy is picking up but we still have this albatross around our necks - the Sports Complex and the bond debt on that," Mayor Terry Weppler said.
The Sports Complex actually is three parts: a large indoor facility; a golf learning center and the now-closed family entertainment center. The latter two have been for sale for more than two years with no takers.
The debt service for the three parts is budgeted at about $2.4 million for 2009-10.
"We have gone through our reserves like mad," Weppler said. "Unfortunately, we've got to do something."