Des Plaines continues Five Corners discussion

Des Plaines aldermen decided Tuesday night to continue talks on the possible purchase of a business in the city's Five Corners redevelopment area.

After meeting behind closed doors on the topic of land acquisition, aldermen voted 5-3 to keep discussing buying Stock Gears Inc., 1401 Redeker Road.

Bruce Billmeyer, president of Stock Gears Inc., told aldermen during budget talks in December he's "stuck" since the area is branded a redevelopment area. During budget discussions, aldermen voted against a plan to set aside $3.5 million to buy land in the Five Corners taxing district despite the plea of Billmeyer. On Tuesday, they formally considered his request.

The property is located in a 70-acre redevelopment area around Rand and River roads.

Michael Conlan, director of community and economic development, said that Billmeyer has made a case that he's in a bind and cannot sell his property. He also needs more space to keep his business going, Conlan said. It's in the city's interest since it's located in the special taxing district.

City officials say there are no specific development plans for the area.

Other aldermen, however, wanted the issue to die Tuesday. Aldermen Martin Moylan (2nd Ward), Carla Brookman (5th Ward) and Mark Walsten (6th Ward) voted against proceeding with talks.

In November 2006, city officials designated a 70-acre tax-increment financing district around Rand and River roads, saying private developers would drive the project.

Opponents of the Five Corners redevelopment project Tuesday chastised the council for even considering buying the property when there were earlier assurances that public dollars would be spared.

Resident Dion Kendrick called it a "broken promise."

Mayor Tony Arredia said he opposed the plan to buy the property. During a later discussion about the city's spending plan this year, he told aldermen arguing against increased city spending: "One way to save money is not to buy that property."

Resident Brian Burkross, who also has opposed the redevelopment plan from the start, also criticized the council for meeting in executive session about the proposal.

"Residents are denied the opportunity to participate in this discussion," Burkross said.

Third Ward Alderman Laura Murphy said residents would be able to participate in future committee meetings about redeveloping the Five Corners area. The city has hired a consultant to help plan redevelopment.

Those meetings haven't been scheduled yet.