Candidate Response: Seventh Ward, Joe Kozenczak

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1. Is the corner of Miner and Lee, site of the Choo Choo and Masonic Temple buildings, an appropriate place to build a police station and an appropriate use of TIF funds?

In my opinion, the corner of Miner and Lee Street, the current site of the Choo Choo and Masonic Temple building, is not the ideal place for locating our Police Station. Although financially appealing as it would be a TIF District and would ultimately cost less to develop, the area is limited architecturally and space wise. In addition, the public outcry regarding the displacement of the Choo Choo has been significant. This legendary restaurant has been an attraction over the decades. It has brought people to Des Plaines from throughout the United States and, even, internationally. It is the type of “destination” location that communities want to cultivate and nourish. Why would we seek to move it?

2. Do you believe the Des Plaines Theater has the potential to act as a catalyst to attract more activity downtown?

I do believe that the Des Plaines Theater has the potential to act as a catalyst to attract more activity downtown, but this may require “out of the box” thinking. It may mean that the theater would have to be receptive to other types of activities and developments in or adjacent to the site. And, of course, revenue is paramount. Nothing can be realistically expected without healthy financing and the combined efforts and philosophies of the City’s downtown business community, governing entities, and appropriate special interest groups.

3. How do you think downtown can be made a more appealing and productive place?

Our downtown could be a more appealing and productive place provided it had more “healthy” destination retail/commercial establishments, more aesthetically pleasing niches, and some unique features that would set it apart from some of the other suburban communities. We need to focus on what “Des Plaines” is all about. We need to define our image and then capitalize on that. We need to further define our identity.

4. Do you support the creation of a Heritage Commission and preservation ordinance to identify, evaluate, and protect Des Plaines’ historic resources?
5. Do you support pursuing listings on the National Register of Historic Places for Des Plaines historic properties and districts, making them eligible for Federal tax credit programs?

I honestly admit that I would need to consult with our Historical Society in regards to the necessity of forming a Heritage Commission, Preservation Ordinance and pursuing listings on the National Register of Historic Places. (The City actually did have a Historic Landmark Commission, at one time.) I, personally, favor preserving what history Des Plaines has left, but I am also aware that very often these documents and designations are accompanied with “red tape” when it comes to any sort of additional developments or improvements. For example, I personally favor retaining the Des Plaines Theater, but I would like to see it adapted into a downtown development plan, whereby its purpose may become multifaceted and/or combined with new or different endeavors. I am not sure that a listing on the National Register of Historic Places would make this sort of plan feasible. Valuing Des Plaines’ history and heritage, I see the importance of incorporating the Des Plaines Historical Society’s role in future economic development planning for the City’s downtown. We need the expertise of these trained historians.

Joe Kozenczak's Campaign Site
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