Mt. Prospect Wal-Mart to expand

The Mount Prospect Wal-Mart's attempt to expand in a penny-pinching economy would bode well for the village, said a top village business leader this week.

While the economy limps along, a bigger Wal-Mart is a smart move since people will likely be shopping at more discount stores, said Jim Uszler, executive director of the Mount Prospect Chamber of Commerce.

"With the economy the way it is, people will be looking at every penny, so more people will be going to Wal-Mart," he said. "It'll be a good thing for Mount Prospect overall."

The 100,0000-square-foot store on Rand Road, north of Central Road, has petitioned the village to add about 5,000 square feet. The store hopes to add space to its grocery section and pharmacy, village officials said. It'd also like to build a drive-through, said Bill Cooney, the village's director of community development.

Wal-Mart recently asked for village approval to expand, which has yet to be granted. But there are good signs for the store.

Mount Prospect's Planning and Zoning Board, a recommending body to the village board, unanimously approved it. Trustees will likely take up the matter next week at its board meeting.

Wal-Mart's move to expand is just the latest business to have big plans in the village, Uszler said. Cantanapoli, a brick-oven pizza place, will be opening soon and another downtown restaurant, Boulevard Cafe recently started serving customers.

Also, a banquet hall, Victoria in the Park, will be opening up as well this month at 1700 S. Elmhurst Road, Uszler said.