Sounds like this is a done deal! Boooo!

I was reading in the Daily Herald about a proposed development on the site of BG Golf Course of 400,000 square feet of retail space. Maybe Lisa Stone is right, there must be some bad stuff in the water our elected officials are drinking, if they are seriously considering such a plan. More congestion, less open space for recreation, to say nothing of the fate of an already full palate of hard working local merchants. Maybe our board should commission some plans to revitalize our current retail base.

The reality is that Buffalo Grove has no town center because we have no commuter rail stops that a town grows around. Give up that dream, it's not happening. Residents like myself, care more about the quality of life here, and whats left of our already diminishing peace.

I am of course just a very small factor in the vast configuration of things as it pertains to life present and future in Buffalo Grove. I am however, a long term resident, merchant, and golfer here. If the village chooses to adopt these plans, I will be none of those.

The allure of big tax dollars is a sirens song, that could lure those who covet it, to wreckage.

Jonathan Migdow. TDC Jewelry.

The Village would be out of it's mind to consider this proposal in today's economy. President Briaman is correct that this development is not like the (Bankrupt) Glen in Glenview, it is worse. It is much more riskier with high rise buildings. Are they going to be office space, condos? Who and what are going to fill these buildings? Are the developers paying for the relocation of the Police, Public Works and Village Hall? Citizens of Buffalo Grove please look at the Glen in Glenview, Randhurst in Mt. Prospect and Town Center in Deer Park. Each development represents a pie in the sky idea that was sold to a group of trustees and are currently bankrupt or sitting vacant or with parcels still unsold. The infrastructure maybe installed using Federal money or TIF money but if you don't have occupants using that infrastructure the cost to maintain this infrastructure will be borne by the tax payers. Buffalo Grove does not have a good track record when it comes to building town centers.

From what I know you CAN NOT build on a flood plane.

Erica, the village addresses this in the FAQ's about the project on their website. They state a critical component of the project will be the successful mitigation of existing floodplain and floodway flows, as well as the accommodation of storm water flow as a result of the development project.

But that's not the real issue, as far as I'm concerned. It's that our local government botched the town center project which was supposed to do all the things they're promising this will do. I think in order for a downtown to be successful it has to be visible by those passing through the town to get some place. In the case of Park Ridge, a ton of traffic goes down Northwest Highway and their train station is right there. Ditto for Arlington Heights. And Deerfield has the train station and people passing by on both Deerfield and Waukegan Roads. Nobody is going to know this downtown exists and unless you can pull in from the road you're traveling it won't be thought of as convenient. That's just the mindset of people these days.

And as for those people who posted comments in previous articles that it will allow us to see lower property taxes, they're crazy. That's been promised a few times in the past 30 years and didn't happen. In fact, the FAQ states the revenue from the project may result in lower property taxes, but then it goes on to say it might also result in higher value of homes in BG. You know what that means? HIGHER property taxes!

Sandy, I totally agree with you. The only one who really would benefit is the developer. Also, who would build in this economy. Let's get real and get everything back on track before spending more money on presentations and studies. The funny part is that they are using taxpayer money which is so wrong again in this economy.

I'm not sure if any of these trustees were on the board when town center was built or planned, but thank God they are willing and wanting to right that wrong. This plan looks AWESOME!!! I cannot wait to enjoy this actual downtown. I hope it happens.

Very bad idea buffalo grove and long grove can't fill the retail space they already have.

Erica and Charlie, I also fear that this may be a done deal in the trustee’s minds with their FAQ's posted. If you watched the meeting where the project was pitched, there was a certain level of fawning that made it uncomfortable to watch. I like our current board, but I think it's human nature that ego is attached to the jobs we do and they may want to (even if subconsciously) be the group that turns it around or develops a winning 'downtown'. What a legacy, right?

The developer kept bringing up Deerfield. Deerfield has three Fortune 500 co’s with a number of other Fortune 500's that may route traffic right past Deerfield's downtown area.

(must continue my rant in a new post....system isn't letting me post the entire thing)

We don't need another movie theater and with the park district's planned community center and nearby Marriott, we don't need a live theater either. Let's fill the empty storefronts in town first and then maybe we can afford to think about revamping the existing center, which has passing cars.

The pitch we heard during the Town Center plan was exactly what we're hearing about this plan - except the economy was strong then and at least Town Center was visible by commuters driving through town.

Charlie, you mentioned a point that really got my goat. Suddenly the village and p.d. need new buildings and should be part of this downtown? Why woudn't they extend the plan to Lake Cook and leave the existing buildings as part of the 'campus'? The only thing I can think of is again - ego. Not a good thing when representing others.

With so many empty store fronts in BG, I would like to know what these trustees are thinking? Town Centrr is now going to be home to a boxing facility....SERIOUSLY?
This has to be about the dumbest, least thought out idea yet by the people that run this village.
Maybe it's time for a RECALL!

How utterly rediculous three high rise buildings, who do they think will rent or buy these units.Buffalo Grove already had tons of condos and homes that are in foreclosure of empty now, We have no train station nearby to bring in people or give them access to other suburbs or the city.What about the owners of condos and homes around this downtown area? Traffic congestion,parking ,noise,pollution.The Town Center has a wonderful theater and many stores that could use help from the board . Why arn't they bending over backwards to make it a viable and profitable venture instead of trying to push this 'Downtown' idea.Especially in the golf course location off Lake Cook Road.Traffic is horrible now can you imagine what it would be like if this comes to be.

Stuart & Relentless:

You can tell the public for the rest of your lives of what didn't occur on your watch, but the reality is that I have principles and represented the people's interest as an elected official of Buffalo Grove...while it appears that others comfortably chose to look the other way on varying issues. I did not have to respond with investigation to the citizen that brought me the noxious odors eminating from the landfill, the BG Days coupon program, the Disability Donation money NOT earmarked for kids with disabilities, the under the radar OTB vote and the list goes on & on....but I took an Oath of Office that means something, at least to some Politicians - and all the rhetoric & blogging that you do will never change the TRUTH. Never, so blog on, but keep in mind that your tenacity is about protecting.....whose interest? Certainly, citizens don't fight to protect government as you two do, as we all know that government can sometimes be corrupt. Illinois happens to be #1 in the Country....as you may have experienced, on your terms, that is.

It's my interest to not have to listen to your drivel. You are fouling up the community by acting like this and destroying our good reputation as a good community. I'm not not fighting for the government; I'm fighting to have you locked up in a mental institution.

Relentless:
If you're not that tight with government, then you have an unusual knowledge with all things Buffalo Grove Government, so perhaps you should RUN for office? You're a natural and somewhat prescient I'd say, given your stated objectivity.

As far as my claims and accomplishments, I suggest you do the research and stop listening to the Board, your spouse, brother in law, or whomever you work with.

Aside from meeting with and speaking with the FBI at length, I speak with many people in government - good government that is, though in politics I've learned to keep my friends close and my enemies closer at times, depending on the issue I'm battling. You'll never win your battle with me RC, as I come from a place of truth and you come from deception and uncourageously behind a silly mask. Who do you really think the public believes is telling it straight.... me or you? Further, I don't get paid to fight for good government, as any moral human being knows that it feels better to give than it does to receive, though you probably haven't experienced that feeling, other than funding my Recall. I have a hunch your giving stops there.... and I feel bad for those that call you family, friend or Your Honor of some sort. That's actually repulsive, but you can't choose your family!

Dan- thanks for your meaningful insights. I'm impressed with your ability to lay out a coherent argument, and using the term douchebag elevates the conversation- especially for those who join you in the lowest common denominator club.

Perhaps if you did YOUR homework, you'd have a better understanding of the the havoc and waste Ms. Stone has, and continues to create for the village. If you live here and pay taxes- and have any common sense at all (that might be the deal killer for you) you'd understand what's going on.

Why not use my real name?

1) Because I know it makes Ms. Stone crazy not knowing who I am. Knowing it irritates her is the best reason for me to continue.

2) I have a right to anonymous free speech- its part of the 1st amendment. If you had an education beyond the third grade you might know about free speech, but there's no indicatation that you made it past nap time.

3) Ms. Stone has demonstrated her distain for the 1st Amendment by attempting to sue someone who made an innocuous comment about her son on another comment board. Despite the court's rejection of her case, she continues her legal wrangling with hopes of driving up the guy's legal fees. I have no appetite for seeing Ms. Stone in court, much less any place else, so I will happily stay anonymous.

But Dan, you can continue to make an ass of yourself using your real name. The beauty of the 1st amendment is that even idiots like you are entitled to their own opinion.

Gee *Dan Rogers*, you sure do have a short fuse and nasty fingers. You must be a relative of Stone's, given the history of what I've seen posted in her defense.

For the record, Relentless Critic speaks for most of the people posting, except for Lisa's ten fanboys and girls. I don't always agree with him/her but I appreciate the fact that he/she has taken the time to be educated about our local government and its history.

Lisa has proven herself to be a fame whore and a liar. If you can't see that then you have a problem. Like maybe you're related to her.

I can't wait until someone sues her. I hope she and her family end up losing everything and living in a box under a viaduct somewhere so the rest of us don't have to deal with her.

Mrs. Stone, your attempts to falsely incriminate anyone and everyone who has worked to make Buffalo Grove the outstanding community that it is are despicable and transparently reveal your true character.

Now I may not think this whole 'let us build a downtown where one never existed' is a great idea, try to stay on track about this subject and not go off on multiple tangents about possible bad water somewhere in the area ... personal attacks on those currently in office ... 'tilt at wind mills' ... oh ... wait ... the person in question did that before, during and after their time in office.

Why not attend the following where 2 other 'non-immediate-VBG-politicians' will be present so there should be no fear of any bias against any causes?

"Residents of the Buffalo Grove area will get a chance to receive an update on the status of important public issues at the state, county and municipal level at a town-hall meeting with state Rep. Sid Mathias, Lake County Board Chairman David Stolman and Buffalo Grove Village President Jeffrey Braiman 6:30 to 8 p.m. Monday, Aug. 13, at the Vernon Township Community Services Building, 2900 N. Main St. in Buffalo Grove. The free event is an opportunity to ask questions and discuss issues directly with policymakers."

"... important public issues at the state, county and municipal level ..."

Bring the coaliton and present your case or bring any other proof 'of evil' and put it out there in 'black and white' for the public to see. Don't hide it behind innuendo and 'vague reports', just, as Sgt. Joe Friday would say ... "All we want are the facts, ma'am."

I'm sure you all realize by now that the only motivation for her stupidity is a personal vendetta against anyone who supported her recall.

Definition of VENDETTA
1: blood feud
2: an often prolonged series of retaliatory, vengeful, or hostile acts or exchange of such acts <waged a personal vendetta against those who opposed his(her) nomination(recall)>

as a favorite supporter would blog ... just sayin ...

I'm pretty sure Dan Rogers is himself a shady former trustee of another town, after doing some research.
See the following links:http://www.shieldstownshipreform.com/first_qa.html
http://www.shieldstownshipreform.com/history_chronology.html