It's a mistake for city to cave to residents

The Rolling Meadows people have spoken. No South Bay senior housing!

Alderman John D'Astice of the 6th ward, who voted against the proposal, suggested though to hire a full-time economic development position with an annual salary of $100,000 per year. Was this sly old fox serious or appeasing a group of dissenters?

Chances are this proposal will die in committee.

So, what are the citizens looking at regarding a new development? Three to five more years of a flat lot after the center is torn down, if not longer.

Alderman Mike Cannon said that Wal-Mart was interested in the property where the bowling avenue was. Mr. Cannon did not tell the large vocal audience that it was going to be a Wal-Mart grocery, and not a full service store. The city would never allow another grocery store to interfere with Jewel.

Yes, people want to bring business to Rolling Meadows, but not to Kirchoff Road. Agreed there are sites on Golf and Algonquin, where you have a larger lunch/dinner crowd.

I also salute 5th ward alderman Rob Banger for not caving in on his stance from two weeks ago.

A few other council members changed course. Were they intimidated by a few hostile speakers who threatened to make sure they were not re-elected? What might have happened if 7th ward alderman Tim Veenbaas had not missed the meeting due to illness? He was strongly in favor of South Bay and would not have been intimidated.

Citizens of Rolling Meadows, when you drive down Kirchoff Road in the future and look at the torn down flat surface that will sit for many more years, remember this.

This is what you wanted. Think about what could have been. This is now our city's future. Congrats.

Greg Swiderski

Rolling Meadows