Seat belt program doesn't hold up traffic

A Buffalo Grove resident recently called me because he had concerns about the police department's "Saved by the Belt" program.

He said the police were stopping people during rush hour May 13 at Milwaukee Avenue and Deerfield Parkway.

The resident, who wanted to stay anonymous, said thousands of commuters had to slow down for the checks, and many others slowed down just to see what was going on.

Sgt. Scott Kristiansen, who is with the department's traffic unit, said the police like doing the safety belt checks during rush hour because traffic does slow down.

He said the police don't have to stop anyone since traffic is backed up anyway, and, when the lights are red, they can go into traffic and quickly check if anyone isn't wearing a seat belt.

If drivers aren't, they get pulled over and police write them a ticket.

Kristiansen said officers don't slow down traffic any more than it already is slowed down.

Give your opinion: Last week, the Wheeling Park District unveiled the three plans a resident committee came up with for redevelopment at Heritage Park.

Director Jan Buchs said the district is looking at the park after land swap agreements with the village gave it a bit more property.

"We do have that opportunity, and we're very, very excited about it," she said. "I know when it's complete, it'll definitely benefit this community."

The plans are available online at www.wheelingparkdistrict.com by clicking on the word welcome at the top of the home page. They are also available in the lobby of the Community Recreation Center, 333 W. Dundee Road.

To comment, visit the Web site and send an e-mail or go over to the CRC to fill out comment cards.

Community committee: For those wondering, here's a full list of the 15 people who are on the Heritage Park committee: Keith Pecka, park district board member; Kim Harris, superintendent of recreation services for the park district; James Lang, with the village of Wheeling; Gregg Crocker, with Wheeling Township Elementary District 21; Tamiye Meehan, with the Indian Trails Public Library; Sheila Schultz, a resident who lives adjacent to the park; Bill Maloney, a representative of St. Joseph Church; Erica Young, with the Rotary Club; Jan Schmid; David Greenberg, a park district user; Jenny Seymour, also a user; Bob Megquier; Mark Janeck, with the village; Steve May, with Wheeling High School; and Dave O'Grady, with the baseball association.

Larry Raffel, superintendent of planning for the park district, oversaw the committee.