So lets say you have a nice store in town. Imagine you want to put a display of lets say. . . . . Hmmmmm Pumpkins. Yes, you want to put out some pumpkins in front of your store which is located on Private Property in a Private Mall, yet you still must jump through hoops and cut red tape, so that you can put out a seasonal product.

In addition, you will need to pay $1,100.00 for the privilege of placing pumpkins in front of your store.

Then you get to go before a board and grovel for permission to make a living, after waiting until the next scheduled meeting to apply for a permit to sell your seasonal product. By the time this thing happens, we will have had our fill of Pumpkins (as I imagine they are not as popular in December.)

Just Imagine Your Business Here!!!!!


Doesn't it really sound like Fun!!!!!!!!!!

They have put them out in the past. What makes this year any different?

As sad as these stories are, the Imagine Your Business Here tie in is really quite funny.

It's just another example of the unnecessary obstacles that local government places in the way of legitimate businesses.

Many other towns don't pull this crap. They welcome the local businesspeople.

Keep it up! The Roosevelt road corridor will soon look like the CBD.

It is more than likely just another money grab. (Fee's and permits) Some brilliant politician thinks this was a good idea. I wonder if they charge that church just south of Bells and Whistles for their annual pumpkin patch. (My guess is no.)

And No Ted, I don't hate Glen Ellyn, I'm just pointing out yet another really counter productive burdensome policy. Everyone always blames the failed businesses on the property owners and high rents, while never taking into account the Village's role in increasing the cost of doing business here. Next they may require a special use permit to display the pumpkins outside of your home

There GEM goes again...

Hot Dog cart - get it off the sidewalks village!

Merchandise - get it on the sidewalks village!

Damn this place s**ks...

I believe the problem stems from the planning commission's sporadic and canceled meetings. Should be some way around that.

How do you think TJ's would look in that empty Jewel in Wheaton? Could happen.

(Ted--this photo was clearly taken on private property. Did the photographer have written permission to take it, and to publish it? If not, he or she broke the law.)

If the story is true--and, considering the source, I sincerely doubt it--would Trader Joe’s want it told in this way in such a public forum?

The company is very successful, and prides themselves with the great relationships it has in and with the communities they serve. I can’t imagine them ever posting such an negative story on its own.

If they actually have such a gripe, I’m sure they’re dealing with it in a quiet, professional, by-the-book, behind-the scenes manner that won’t make them appear like whiners in public.

In any case, I suspect Trader Joe’s understands that to have a successful business that is based purely on private property / free enterprise, it better be located on Mars. No matter how much a business might want to operate in its own little world, public sidewalks, streets, roads, highways and other public rights-of-way are necessary to get products, shoppers and employees to their stores. To say nothing of water, sewer, electricity and telephone service... and police and fire protection.

It’s called, “Civilization.”

Gabriel: Generally we are on the same page. Not this time. I have to go with GEM on this.

It's true. The Village knows about it.

Very funny, but there is another perspective.

Imagine Your Business Here: In a private mall on private property where any business owner can put out anything they want. Please don't trip over the toilet display or pooper-scooper rack on your way into buy lunch.

Many towns are more restrictive and tougher on appearance. Some actually aren't cowed by big corporate names or branding. Ever been to the McDonalds in Lake Forest? Bought Shell gas in Oswego?

I think the Roosevelt Road corridor will look exactly like the CBD when they have just a couple of thousand cars driving by instead of 40,000. I wonder how much it costs the village to pick up garbage, sweep streets, scrape gum, maintain lights, etc., just in the CBD?

I would enjoy reading the list of businesses that failed due to the village's policies. I'm certain it would fit on a tweet.

And I think charging people a fee for pumpkin display in their private homes is a great idea. The scarier the pumpkin, the cheaper the fee.

Well, imagine if every business in the town put merchandise or products outside their store to any limit they wished, at any location, and at any time they desired. It would certainly change the character of the community. It might also negatively impact other neighboring businesses. Many of the regulations were established in order to protect the appearance and livelihood of the community as a whole. While I doubt there is any justification for an $1,100 fee, if it truly exists, I guess I have no problem with the spirit of what the village is trying to accomplish.

Admittedly, I'd love to see them be as vigilant with some of our slumlord landlords (not you, GEM) who allow their businesses to fall into disrepair.

quote:

Originally posted by RMK:
Gabriel: Generally we are on the same page. Not this time. I have to go with GEM on this.

It's true. The Village knows about it.

Me too, RMK. Generally speaking, sidewalks are village property, but these sidewalks are located on private property, are privately owned, and privately maintained. If TJs wants to display something on them, TJs should just have to get permission from the property owner, NOT the village.

quote:

Well, imagine if every business in the town put merchandise or products outside their store to any limit they wished, at any location, and at any time they desired.

That makes me think that we really need is a hot dog cart store in downtown GE.

That thinking is all well and good, GESM2, but that isn't the way that most municipalities work. Private property or not, they have to follow various rules and ordinances. If everybody put their crap out, trust me . . . we would all hate it. You would hate it, GEM would hate it, GE Fan would hate it, Quizno's would really hate it . . . as would Binny's and the bank, and the rude people who sell $2,000 faucets who are neighbors with the store. So, follow the rules. They are there for your pleasure.

Did the retailer and the village combine to make this a bit more of a story than it needed to be? Seems like it. But to say that either is angered by the issue would be disingenuous.

The $1,100 is a one-time fee, BTW.

I don't think the fee was the problem. It was the glacial pace the Village moved after they collected the fee.

Did the retailer follow up? And when did they apply for this?

Step 1. File your (whatever)
Step 2. Pay the fee
Step 3. Follow up on the regulatory body who collected your fee.
Step 4. Follow up on the regulatory body who collected your fee after they cancel their meetings.
Step 5. Start going personally to Village Board members.
Step 6. Have GEM post a photo and publicize the matter.

So . . . when were they cited by the Village and when did they apply for the permit? Curiosity makes me ask.

I know they had pumpkins last year. Last October, if you will.

Go get your pumpkins around the corner at ALDI. Way cheaper.

Claim, we may or may not hate it, but if we hated it then we could choose to not patronize said store....a good business person would then tailor his or her business to reflect what customers in its target market (INCLUDING geographic stats) prefers.

These regulations are there for the village to make money, period. If that wasn't the case, then why would exemptions and fees be an issue? Regulations are there for everyone, right? Then why are there exemptions to those who are "approved" for a permit....or those who pay the "fees"? I'm sorry, but it's all or nothing when it comes to regulations and rules....exceptions are fine, when there's an ulterior motive (i.e. making profit). Otherwise, what's the point?

One-time fee as in, once per year, once per display, or once for as long as the retailer occupies a given location?

quote:

I know they had pumpkins last year. Last October, if you will.

Wouldn't this imply that if it really were a "one-time fee" the retailer would have paid it last year? So what's the problem then?

quote:

Originally posted by Biostitute:
Go get your pumpkins around the corner at ALDI. Way cheaper.

Or take the kids to Sunny Acres and support just about the only local "farm" left in the area. Just make sure your pumpkin isn't decayed on the INSIDE

quote:

These regulations are there for the village to make money, period.

Wow. Thanks for pointing this out.