Wheaton council gets a look at new development plan

A new economic development plan presented to the Wheaton City Council Monday shows that the city has some work to do if it wants to maintain its social and economic vitality.

The city hired Deerfield-based Gruen Gruen and Associates to prepare the plan - a first for the city - last April. The firm looked at development patterns, demographic changes and real estate trends to help identify what actions the city can take to preserve its desirability.

Debra Jeans, a principal at the firm, said nontraditional economic development applies to Wheaton. That is, she said, "maintaining desirable residential neighborhoods, high-quality schools and park services, shopping and other amenities and services that appeal to well-educated, skilled households."

Jeans said it is possible that new retail tenants moving into the city in the future will not generate sales tax, but that isn't necessarily a bad thing.

The ideal tenant mix throughout the community, she said, should include businesses that cannot be readily duplicated by the Internet, such as Pilates studios, physical therapy offices or pet stores.

Having businesses that complement each other and encourage people to do more than one errand before leaving the area is key, too, according to the firm.

Aaron Gruen, another principal at the firm, suggested the city encourage the opening of a shared workspace in the community for people who work remotely or from home.

He also urged the council to invite students and faculty from Wheaton College and other colleges to play music or display their artwork in downtown venues.

As for the housing situation, Gruen said most of Wheaton's neighborhoods have "remained stable or improved over time." He found plenty of examples of remodeling and teardowns and told the council to expect more of that in future years.

"You should anticipate increasing requests for permits related to home modifications, and make that as easy as practical," he said.

"Aging residents will be encouraged to stay in Wheaton if there are assisted-living facilities and related medical support services, but remember, baby boomers have seen their parents age and have decided against it," he said. "The assisted-living facilities that grandmothers and their parents may have been in are not what the current generation will want to be in."

In interviewing local real estate brokers, builders and property owners, the firm also heard concerns about increasing tax burdens.

"If it goes up to an excessive level that will either discourage people who would have otherwise moved here, or it would cause others who would prefer to stay, to move out of the area," Gruen said.

The firm encouraged the city to maintain and strengthen its partnership with the schools, park district and library and to keep an eye on taxes.

"I think it's making sure that those entities are being as efficient as they can and the taxes aren't rising above people's ability, or willingness, to pay them, so they can justify continuing investments in their property," he said.

Overall, however, the city appears to be on the right track, according to the firm.

"You have lots of intellectual capital and lots of social capital," Gruen said. "Not all towns have these advantages."