Pros should oversee plan, not developer

Why is developer Ron Boorstein of the Mundelein Business Development Commission generating such hubbub about the need for an "aggressive stance" in Mundelein downtown development? The success of this and all development depends on addressing the public with facts, not hype.

Condemnation or eminent domain of property viewed as obstacles to development is not a new concept, nor is it new for Mundelein officials. According to the Transit Oriented Development Plan of 2004 for Mundelein, the village proposes taking "a reactive position and use of its regulatory and zoning authority to attempt to guide development." This TOD plan is a solid, worthy plan for our ailing downtown if approached carefully. Village government is endeavoring to update outdated codes and create much-needed zoning regulations where none exist to better pave the path for planning and progress. The curiously outlined TIF district was also established. These efforts are consistent with the plan.

Every state and towns like Mundelein already have the legal ability to appropriate property for public use, which surely you know, Mr. Boorstein. The Fifth and Fourteenth Amendments of our Constitution, however, guarantee that land owners are entitled to reasonable compensation defined as fair market value for their property. If I had to guess, the crux of the issue here is not the ability to use condemnation or when so much as it might be whether the village is willing to fairly compensate those affected by the prospect of these actions in the name of progress.

According to the TOD, the village's "degree of participation" in development is outlined by three levels - high, medium and low. Mr. Boorstein is vigorously advocating a "high" level, where the Village or its "designated development agency" can acquire sites through "negotiated purchases, condemnation or a combination of methods." Is condemnation really necessary?

This TOD and other comprehensive plans are languishing, and probably not because of obstinate land owners. What's sorely lacking is solid professional direction to make implementation of this plan a success.

The time is right to make development and redevelopment a priority and a success for all of Mundelein. The TOD plan represents positive change and our village government should commit to making this plan work in the spirit in which it was developed. Let the professionals the village paid to develop this TOD plan guide its progress in tandem with public volunteers, our trustees, commissions and committees. The future of Mundelein deserves no less!

Sarah Powers

Mundelein