Council says no to townhouse
The Palatine Village Council sent a strong message to developers this week who want to build multi-family housing near single-family neighborhoods.
A proposal in front of the council by Cornerstone Site Recovery sought to build a 12-unit townhouse development at 1500 and 1532 Hicks Road, across the street from Fire Station 82.
Directly west and south of this site are single-family homes, and residents in that area spoke against the plan, saying they wanted to keep their neighborhood intact.
Councilmen unanimously rejected the proposal for the townhouses, agreeing with residents that such redevelopment would change the character of their neighborhood.
The developers argued that no one is going to buy a single-family home in this location, especially since it's across the street from a major shopping center and also on busy Hicks Road.
Before this issue was voted down by the village council, it came forward with a split vote (4-4) from the village's plan commission.
Tax levy historically low: Palatine councilmen also approved the adoption of the 2007 property tax levy this week.
It is 28.3 percent lower than expected, due to the abatement of water revenues and tax-increment finance revenues. Because the village is using these revenues, this will make for a reduced property tax per household in Palatine.
The projected tax rate for the village will be the lowest since 1982. Palatine councilmen this week also approved a balanced budget of $113.7 million.
"This board and this staff has done something that the state of Illinois cannot," said Mayor Rita Mullins. "We passed a budget."
An open house will take place from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Jan. 5. People can stop by to see the club and meet staff, or ask about the free 14-day membership trial. For details, call (847) 202-9700.
Vote on Brandt's site? A public hearing is scheduled for Tuesday for the property where Brandt's Little Café now sits.
Developers are proposing to tear down the landmark eatery and put up a new Walgreens and Fifth Third Bank on the site. The bank would be built along Northwest Highway and the Walgreens along Quentin Road, both with a drive-through, according to plans submitted by Des Plaines-based developer DL Acquisitions.
The past two public hearings have been postponed because of the developer. This one is set for 8 p.m. at the Palatine village hall in front of the plan commission. Should the commissioners vote on the plan, their recommendation would then be sent to the village council.
A short break: This column will be on hiatus for three weeks. It will resume Jan. 10. Happy holidays!
• Sara Faiwell writes about Palatine and Inverness. Contact her at (847) 427-4479 or e-mail sfaiwell@dailyherald.com.