What would entice you to open a business in Glen Ellyn?

I think it's important to understand that Town Builders Studio (TBS)or any other consultant, will not bring one single business to Glen Ellyn. TBS will present a study and it will be up to the GE government to implement all, part or none of the consultants recommendations. If the GE 10 year plan is any indication, I'm not optimistic.

Let's not forget that it is the town's elected officials who will be responsible for implementing ANY plan that comes forward, which is why I'm concerned. I think trustee Ladesic showed true due diligence in this process and I applaud the time and energy who devoted in researching TBS qualifications. It was unfortunate that another trustee implied that trustee Ladesic did not trust the judgment of the selection committee. I don't doubt that the selection committee did the best they could with what they had. I still think there was a unconscious bias in that committee, but at this point it doesn't matter. It bothered me that the other trustees who supported TBS did not come forth with any questions regarding TBS capabilities. It also bothered me that two GEBD property owners stepped up at the meeting and stated they were never engaged or invited to participate in this process. I'm pretty sure that if property owners are not onboard that this plan won't be worth the paper it's written on.

When I had surgery last year, I did my research, but I still had plenty of questions for my doctor. It wasn't that I didn't trust his qualifications as a doctor, I just wanted to be certain he had extensive experience in the type of procedure I was to undergo. As THE major stakeholder it was MY responsibility to get all the facts to help me with MY decision. When I didn't see that type of questioning from some of the other trustees (stakeholders), I began to wonder what is their investment in this process? Remember, this is the same mayor who not long ago stated the downturn in the GEBD was "cyclical", now she has had an epiphany and wants to get this process going. You'll excuse me if I'm a little suspicious of the motives here.

In about 9 months, the rubber will hit the road and TBS will present their report to the town's leadership, some who I feel certain will not be in office when it comes time to allocate funds for any revitalization project. I think it's important that in the next 9 months we all get involved in the process. Volunteer for the steering committee, go to the TBS town hall meetings, attend the town walk around and visit the website that will be set-up to support this initiative. The leadership of this town needs to know that they will be held accountable for this decision and that we expect results. Otherwise the TBS report will be placed in the closet with the GE 10 year plan.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Yossarian,

My current thinking is that to really turn things around in GE will require committment to some bold changes. Of course, pursuing such action requires making tough decisions, alienating some people, advantaging others, and running the risk of failure. But I am doubtful that incremental tweaking while continuing to do things as usual will result in any significant or lasting improvement.

15 years ago looking for homes my realtor suggested Wheaton, it was run down with many vacant storefronts. After I made a face she replied, I am in on some of the plans they are considering, "Wheaton will be the next Glen Ellyn"
She was right.
I meet friends there for lunch and shopping all the time. Sadly, I find myself spending more $$ in their downtown than ours.
Perhaps someone knows who they used to turn their downtown around.

quote:

Originally posted by Buggy24:
15 years ago looking for homes my realtor suggested Wheaton, it was run down with many vacant storefronts. After I made a face she replied, I am in on some of the plans they are considering, "Wheaton will be the next Glen Ellyn"
She was right.
I meet friends there for lunch and shopping all the time. Sadly, I find myself spending more $$ in their downtown than ours.
Perhaps someone knows who they used to turn their downtown around.

But we have a candle store....shame on you, B24.

quote:

Originally posted by Buggy24:

Perhaps someone knows who they used to turn their downtown around.

Well, I'm sure the TIFs had a lot to do with it. I'm not sure that would go over in GE.

Wheaton TIF Map

While I don't think GE can emulate what Wheaton did, it sure would be useful to pick their brains on what worked and what didn't and that would have probably only cost a dinner or two with the principals involved.

I still have to go back to Clam & Scribbler's idea-make GE a dining destination. There would have to be improvement to the parking to make this work. I don't see big box retailers coming here and the boutique stores almost always founder.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Yossarian,

I recall about 15 years ago, when we were looking to move from the city, that Elmhurst looked down-on-its-luck. After we'd moved to GE, I remember news articles about the older, collar suburbs (like Elmhurst) having problems keeping a vital population and local businesses thriving. Clearly, that is not the case today. This is another community that managed to pull itself together.

I believe that the main reason people are so concerned about this first step in GE's revitalization is that we really do care about our community. The die has been cast, however, and we have to work with that. This is a community of smart and energetic people and I hope we all will work for its economic renewal.

I'm not a Pollyanna, but I would prefer to be optimistic. As this process unfolds, I would offer a suggestion to all in the community: Please support the businesses that are here by choosing to purchase goods and services in town when you can. I know you'll say some things are too expensive - but factor the time, gas, and effort involved in going elsewhere.

I've read a lot of good ideas and suggestions for our community on this message board. Let's make sure the right people - those making the community's decisions - hear them.

quote:

Originally posted by Yossarian:
While I don't think GE can emulate what Wheaton did, it sure would be useful to pick their brains on what worked and what didn't and that would have probably only cost a dinner or two with the principals involved.

I still have to go back to Clam's idea-make GE a dining destination. There would have to be improvement to the parking to make this work. I don't see big box retailers coming here and the boutique stores almost always founder.

Cough...cough...I believe I've punted this idea around before, too...and one advantage to it is that the parking might not be an issue. If GE is truly a dining/entertainment destination parking will only be a major issue at night - when the existing commuter parking lots would be empty and available. It's only when we think of GD as a daytime shopping destination that the parking is really an issue.

quote:

Originally posted by scribbler:

quote:

Originally posted by Yossarian:
While I don't think GE can emulate what Wheaton did, it sure would be useful to pick their brains on what worked and what didn't and that would have probably only cost a dinner or two with the principals involved.

I still have to go back to Clam's idea-make GE a dining destination. There would have to be improvement to the parking to make this work. I don't see big box retailers coming here and the boutique stores almost always founder.

Cough...cough...I believe I've punted this idea around before, too...and one advantage to it is that the parking might not be an issue. If GE is truly a dining/entertainment destination parking will only be a major issue at night - when the existing commuter parking lots would be empty and available. It's only when we think of GD as a daytime shopping destination that the parking is really an issue.

I fixed it, though I left Clam name first, he's very sensitive about these things.

ISTM that towns like Wheaton, Elmhurst, and LaGrange and been successful recently in taking bold steps to rejuvenate their downtowns. But aren't those towns quite a bit larger than GE? Can anyone think of examples of smaller towns of GE's size staying relevant in the past couple of decades?

Wow - just did a quick search.
GE is around 27K.
Elmhurst and Wheaton are much larger, at 42 andd 55K.
But LaGrange is only 15K.
Surprised me!

Long Grove has a population of just over 8,000. How do they do it?

quote:

Originally posted by Yossarian:
Long Grove has a population of just over 8,000. How do they do it?

Rich people and tourism

Yeah, I was thinking about Long Grove, but they seem positioned to market themselves a little differently, don't they? Almost like a small rural town.

I was thinking more about towns along the train lines. Like West Chicago (27K), Lisle (23K), Wooddale (13K), Roselle (23K), Hanover Park (38K), Bartlett (40K).

Do any of those towns have thriving downtowns around their train stations? I see Glen Ellyn following their lead a lot more than Elmhurst, Wheaton, or Downers.

One close comparison is Hinsdale (18K), due to their established downtown near the train station. I'm never quite sure how healthy their downtown is, tho occupancy seems higher than GE's.

Oh well - I'm just nattering on. It isn't as tho the fab four are gonna toss $100K my way or anything!

Even with liquor licenses now available, the Hinsdale CBD can't attract mid to high-end restaurants. Can't figure that out. restaurants.

quote:

Originally posted by GEmom2:
I've read a lot of good ideas and suggestions for our community on this message board. Let's make sure the right people - those making the community's decisions - hear them.

The thing is, they have heard our ideas the last 3 meetings, and we have been beating a dead horse here at this site with idea after idea for months. 4 of the people that are making the decisions do not read this board (at least they say they don't) and brushed our ideas off at the meeting. I believe the term, "lets move on" was the running theme when an idea came up. The SPITEFUL FOUR could care less what we or the other 3 Trustees think. They have made that clearly obvious in their actions the last 2 months.

stop the SPITEFUL FOUR

dang, I gotta stop this soapbox stuff or I gotta get a 2nd, 3rd of 4th log in like many have here.

quote:

Originally posted by Dinsdale:
ISTM that towns like Wheaton, Elmhurst, and LaGrange and been successful recently in taking bold steps to rejuvenate their downtowns. But aren't those towns quite a bit larger than GE? Can anyone think of examples of smaller towns of GE's size staying relevant in the past couple of decades?

Probably not the size of the town, but the wisdom of their government.

Open a business in Elmhurst , LaGrange ect. They roll out the red carpet and let the consumers vote with their dollars.

Open a business in Glen Ellyn, They roll out an obstacle course.

Most rational people will not go where they do not feel welcome.

quote:

Originally posted by BlueEchoes:
The thing is, they have heard our ideas the last 3 meetings, and we have been beating a dead horse here at this site with idea after idea for months. 4 of the people that are making the decisions do not read this board (at least they say they don't)

I'm sure they won't read Town Builders report either.

quote:

Open a business in Glen Ellyn, They roll out an obstacle course.

That message came out last night from a couple of property owners in attendance. I'm sure the EDC has made the village elders aware of the situation.

I'm also concerned about the influence the Historical society folks will have on this study. Keeping the small town character is nice and desireable, but it won't bring in viable business to the GEBD. Maybe they like the 1920's depression era vibe.