Hospital deal has value for Winfield

A recent letter to the editor portrayed the relationship between the Village of Winfield and Northwestern-CDH Hospital as toxic. The letter contained numerous inaccuracies and frankly, had no basis in fact concerning the current relationship or the potential for the two parties to partner on future development.

Prior village boards tried to negotiate a deal with the hospital to jointly develop Winfield's Town Center on and off for seven years. Negotiations always stalled and our Town Center regressed. Some village trustees, myself included, now believe we've reached the stage we finally can secure an agreement and jointly partner on creating an improved Town Center.

Development won't happen any other way for a myriad financial and logistical reasons - we need to work together.

NW-CDH is offering approximately $95 million in direct contributions and construction in Town Center. This includes $33 million in monetary contributions to the village over the next 20 years and $62 million in construction, including much-needed commercial development, providing perpetual tax revenue. In addition, the non-profit hospital has agreed to place new non-commercial properties on the tax rolls and provide approximately $685,000 annually in a direct grant to the village, both for a minimum of 20 years.

Some trustees believe this is a fair offer and is the only way Town Center will be restored for our residents' enjoyment and for providing tax revenue the village requires. While there are sticking points that need to be negotiated, we believe an agreement is attainable.

Yes - some oppose the deal, perhaps hoping a better offer will come - say in another seven years. Residents should ask them one thing: what are their plans to develop the Town Center and keep our financially strapped community afloat in the interim?

Dennis Hogan

Winfield