Click the title to read the full response.
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?
There are several important aspects to this questions:
1. I do not believe that the police department should be moved to the other end of the block.
2. I am impressed with the present owner of the Choo Choo and how she has brought business back to that restaurant along with a lot of treasured memories. I will support the community’s desire to retain the Choo Choo.
2. Do you believe the Des Plaines Theater has the potential to act as a catalyst to attract more activity downtown?
I was very disappointed that the city did not take the opportunity to buy the Des Plaines Theater, because it has the potential to act as a catalyst to attract more activity in the downtown area. I need more particulars regarding the theater that is in the Masonic Temple building, but I believe that Des Plaines has a lot of artistic talent and providing an environment that is artist-friendly could also attract more activity downtown. Could Des Plaines become the center for artists in the Northwest suburbs?
3. How do you think downtown can be made a more appealing and productive place?
The answer to this question will come from both the residents of Des Plaines and the business owners. I will openly and aggressively seek input from both residents and business owners, especially the retailers who are running successful businesses downtown. If we all work together, I’m confident we will create a very attractive downtown as well as ideas for the development of our other retail areas. Consequently, I do not have any preconceived notions of any specific development ideas other than retention of the four businesses as stated above. Instead, I remain open to the ideas and recommendations of residents and business owners, I will use my skills to express those ideas and recommendations in both written and verbal form to other council members and to city officials. My only agenda item it to help residents and businesses create a downtown area that they will be proud of.
4. Do you support the creation of a Heritage Commission and preservation ordinance to identify, evaluate, and protect Des Plaines’ historic resources?
In general, yes. However, I will critically examine any proposal to create a new commission and/or ordinance. Creating new organizations and new laws are the most important duties of elected officials. Conversely, I will support every effort to “identify, evaluate, and protect Des Plaines’ historical resources.” If creating a commission and passing an ordinance is the best way to accomplish those goals, then I would support both initiatives.
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?
Yes.
Showing posts with label Alderman. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Alderman. Show all posts
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Candidate Response: Fifth Ward, Daniel P. Winiecki
Click the title to read the full response.
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?
I do not believe that the corner of Miner & Lee which is the site of the Choo Choo Restaurant and the Masonic Temple Building is a good place to build the new police station. I have eaten there several times with my family & friends and it should stay right where it’s at. If Des Plaines decides to move that building to another location it will not be the same and probably lose customers. This will be another mistake that Des Plaines will make. The Choo Choo is a landmark in Des Plaines and a lot of people from other towns visit Des Plaines to eat there.
2. Do you believe the Des Plaines Theater has the potential to act as a catalyst to attract more activity downtown?
We need a theatre in Des Plaines and my wife used to go there when she was a teenager. It can attract residents from within our town and also outside of Des Plaines. It needs to be cleaned up but also preserved. I have asked residents and teenagers what the theater needs and the two main concerns was the parking for the theater and it needs to be cleaned up.
3. How do you think downtown can be made a more appealing and productive place?
Downtown Des Plaines is missing this Hometown Feeling. I would compare it to the way Downtown Evanston is. We should have a café where you can go and sit outside with a cup of coffee, shops where you can walk up and down the street, restaurants and a theater. We need specific stores in Downtown Des Plaines to make it more attractive and more like a meet & greet. If we look at what is there right now, is there anybody that would come to downtown Des Plaines. Also parking in Downtown Des Plaines.
4. Do you support the creation of a Heritage Commission and preservation ordinance to identify, evaluate, and protect Des Plaines’ historic resources?
I do support a Heritage Commission so we can protect some of Des Plaines historic properties.
This would be something a lot of residents could look back on along with future generations. One prime example would be the McDonalds.
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 do support listings on the National Register of Historic Places for Des Plaines.
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?
I do not believe that the corner of Miner & Lee which is the site of the Choo Choo Restaurant and the Masonic Temple Building is a good place to build the new police station. I have eaten there several times with my family & friends and it should stay right where it’s at. If Des Plaines decides to move that building to another location it will not be the same and probably lose customers. This will be another mistake that Des Plaines will make. The Choo Choo is a landmark in Des Plaines and a lot of people from other towns visit Des Plaines to eat there.
2. Do you believe the Des Plaines Theater has the potential to act as a catalyst to attract more activity downtown?
We need a theatre in Des Plaines and my wife used to go there when she was a teenager. It can attract residents from within our town and also outside of Des Plaines. It needs to be cleaned up but also preserved. I have asked residents and teenagers what the theater needs and the two main concerns was the parking for the theater and it needs to be cleaned up.
3. How do you think downtown can be made a more appealing and productive place?
Downtown Des Plaines is missing this Hometown Feeling. I would compare it to the way Downtown Evanston is. We should have a café where you can go and sit outside with a cup of coffee, shops where you can walk up and down the street, restaurants and a theater. We need specific stores in Downtown Des Plaines to make it more attractive and more like a meet & greet. If we look at what is there right now, is there anybody that would come to downtown Des Plaines. Also parking in Downtown Des Plaines.
4. Do you support the creation of a Heritage Commission and preservation ordinance to identify, evaluate, and protect Des Plaines’ historic resources?
I do support a Heritage Commission so we can protect some of Des Plaines historic properties.
This would be something a lot of residents could look back on along with future generations. One prime example would be the McDonalds.
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 do support listings on the National Register of Historic Places for Des Plaines.
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Candidate Response: Third Ward, Matthew Bogusz
Click the title to read the full response.
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?
I strongly believe that a much more appropriate location can be found for a new police station. We cannot push out successful businesses or historic buildings from our main thoroughfares. Further, this is not at all what TIF districts are created to accomplish, and should be reserved instead for attracting prosperous, tax-paying retailers. As alderman, I will work to find a location that keeps the city safer while preserving the integrity of our downtown.
2. Do you believe the Des Plaines Theater has the potential to act as a catalyst to attract more activity downtown?
The Des Plaines Theater is a monument to Des Plaines' history and could be an incredible force for bringing more shoppers into Des Plaines and making a better downtown for our city's residents. Right now, it cannot do that because we have not put the effort or investment into making it fulfill its potential. We must take a comprehensive look at all ways to reinvigorate downtown, and this is surely one of the central possibilities.
3. How do you think downtown can be made a more appealing and productive place?
Downtown ought to be the center of the entire city's activity, and that can happen if it is the center of the city council's attention. By investing in infrastructure improvements, providing strong city services, and fostering better city-business relationships, downtown can become the center for the kind of businesses that will provide more jobs, more places to shop, more tax revenue, and a better quality of life for Des Plaines residents.
4. Do you support the creation of a Heritage Commission and preservation ordinance to identify, evaluate, and protect Des Plaines’ historic resources?
I believe that by having a deeper understanding of our history as a city, we can better understand how to move towards an improved future, and by preserving our historic resources, we can maintain the qualities of this city that drew us all here in the first place. We must ensure that such historic preservation does not impede forward-thinking changes, but rather enhances the city as we move in a new direction. Such a commission would perform a valuable and laudable service for Des Plaines, and help ensure that we never lose our city's identity.
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?
Such tax credits are an incredible opportunity to utilize federal resources to improve Des Plaines without destroying the city's character. These tax credits are meant for investment in income-producing properties, and so can help us all work towards a city more prosperous while maintaining a city with historical integrity. They can help create a better downtown that uses our history as a draw for potential residents and business-owners.
More at the Cook County Clerk's Site
Matthew Bogusz' Campaign Page
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?
I strongly believe that a much more appropriate location can be found for a new police station. We cannot push out successful businesses or historic buildings from our main thoroughfares. Further, this is not at all what TIF districts are created to accomplish, and should be reserved instead for attracting prosperous, tax-paying retailers. As alderman, I will work to find a location that keeps the city safer while preserving the integrity of our downtown.
2. Do you believe the Des Plaines Theater has the potential to act as a catalyst to attract more activity downtown?
The Des Plaines Theater is a monument to Des Plaines' history and could be an incredible force for bringing more shoppers into Des Plaines and making a better downtown for our city's residents. Right now, it cannot do that because we have not put the effort or investment into making it fulfill its potential. We must take a comprehensive look at all ways to reinvigorate downtown, and this is surely one of the central possibilities.
3. How do you think downtown can be made a more appealing and productive place?
Downtown ought to be the center of the entire city's activity, and that can happen if it is the center of the city council's attention. By investing in infrastructure improvements, providing strong city services, and fostering better city-business relationships, downtown can become the center for the kind of businesses that will provide more jobs, more places to shop, more tax revenue, and a better quality of life for Des Plaines residents.
4. Do you support the creation of a Heritage Commission and preservation ordinance to identify, evaluate, and protect Des Plaines’ historic resources?
I believe that by having a deeper understanding of our history as a city, we can better understand how to move towards an improved future, and by preserving our historic resources, we can maintain the qualities of this city that drew us all here in the first place. We must ensure that such historic preservation does not impede forward-thinking changes, but rather enhances the city as we move in a new direction. Such a commission would perform a valuable and laudable service for Des Plaines, and help ensure that we never lose our city's identity.
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?
Such tax credits are an incredible opportunity to utilize federal resources to improve Des Plaines without destroying the city's character. These tax credits are meant for investment in income-producing properties, and so can help us all work towards a city more prosperous while maintaining a city with historical integrity. They can help create a better downtown that uses our history as a draw for potential residents and business-owners.
More at the Cook County Clerk's Site
Matthew Bogusz' Campaign Page
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Candidate Response: First Ward, Peter Tatera
Click the title to read the full response.
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?
No, I am against all TIFs.
Example: We build a mall & parking deck south of the tracks. Then we tear down the parking deck and turn the mall into a parking deck.
Now we build Metro Square with a parking deck and stores, half the stores are empty, and we are back to square one. This complex is another bad decision by the city.
2. Do you believe the Des Plaines Theater has the potential to act as a catalyst to attract more activity downtown?
No. The downtown area has been inactive for so long that people are not attracted to the area anymore.
3. How do you think downtown can be made a more appealing and productive place?
I never did consider this as downtown. It would be easier to convert Oakton to an area similar to Edison Park, where they have all the restaurants. Usually your Chamber of Commerce is in the downtown area.
4. Do you support the creation of a Heritage Commission and preservation ordinance to identify, evaluate, and protect Des Plaines’ historic resources?
Yes if privately funded, no if city funded.
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 have no idea about what historic properties and districts Des Plaines has.
This city has destroyed so much of the city with their TIFs.
Kinder Hardware is now a bank, one of the oldest buildings is now a Walgreens.
I would like to see a list of what you consider historical properties and districts before I make any decisions.
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?
No, I am against all TIFs.
Example: We build a mall & parking deck south of the tracks. Then we tear down the parking deck and turn the mall into a parking deck.
Now we build Metro Square with a parking deck and stores, half the stores are empty, and we are back to square one. This complex is another bad decision by the city.
2. Do you believe the Des Plaines Theater has the potential to act as a catalyst to attract more activity downtown?
No. The downtown area has been inactive for so long that people are not attracted to the area anymore.
3. How do you think downtown can be made a more appealing and productive place?
I never did consider this as downtown. It would be easier to convert Oakton to an area similar to Edison Park, where they have all the restaurants. Usually your Chamber of Commerce is in the downtown area.
4. Do you support the creation of a Heritage Commission and preservation ordinance to identify, evaluate, and protect Des Plaines’ historic resources?
Yes if privately funded, no if city funded.
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 have no idea about what historic properties and districts Des Plaines has.
This city has destroyed so much of the city with their TIFs.
Kinder Hardware is now a bank, one of the oldest buildings is now a Walgreens.
I would like to see a list of what you consider historical properties and districts before I make any decisions.
Candidate Response: Seventh Ward, Joe Kozenczak
Click the title to read the full response.
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
More Information at the Cook County Clerk's Website
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
More Information at the Cook County Clerk's Website
Candidate Response: First Ward, Michael Bausone
Click the title to read the full response.
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?
No, the station should not be built there. I'm not convinced we can't build upon the existing station. We also have to look at locations in other parts of the city.
2. Do you believe the Des Plaines Theater has the potential to act as a catalyst to attract more activity downtown?
Yes
3. How do you think downtown can be made a more appealing and productive place?
The council has to be accommodating of entrepreneurs who wish to set up shop downtown. Not long ago, somebody tried to open up a karaoke bar downtown. The council denied him a liquor license because a couple of residents complained. I would've voted for the license.
4. Do you support the creation of a Heritage Commission and preservation ordinance to identify, evaluate, and protect Des Plaines’ historic resources?
Yes.
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?
Yes.
Cook County Clerk Memo
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?
No, the station should not be built there. I'm not convinced we can't build upon the existing station. We also have to look at locations in other parts of the city.
2. Do you believe the Des Plaines Theater has the potential to act as a catalyst to attract more activity downtown?
Yes
3. How do you think downtown can be made a more appealing and productive place?
The council has to be accommodating of entrepreneurs who wish to set up shop downtown. Not long ago, somebody tried to open up a karaoke bar downtown. The council denied him a liquor license because a couple of residents complained. I would've voted for the license.
4. Do you support the creation of a Heritage Commission and preservation ordinance to identify, evaluate, and protect Des Plaines’ historic resources?
Yes.
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?
Yes.
Cook County Clerk Memo
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)