Politics & Government

Council Candidates Discuss Economic Development at DWA Forum

City Council candidates answered questions Wednesday about economic development in downtown Wheaton at a Downtown Wheaton Association (DWA) forum.

City Council candidates discussed economic development in downtown Wheaton Wednesday morning at the Downtown Wheaton Association's first candidate forum. 

What is the he most important issue to you, today, in downtown Wheaton?

Alberta Adamson: “Economic development. We have over 30 empty storefronts, we’ve got four sites that are going to be developed—the Hubble, the former Jewel … what happens there is really key to our economic future, so economic development is an umbrella over maintaining and promoting the character of Wheaton … Wheaton does have a rich heritage … in neighborhoods, businesses, religions and moral beliefs, buildings, civic s, cultural institutions people and community events, although these are somewhat basically intangible characteristics, these are reasons people move to Wheaton.”

Find out what's happening in Wheatonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Derek Bromstead: “Generating foot traffic. There are a lot of ways you can do that—if we can focus on that and then have the rest of the areas follow through including filling store fronts and building condos then I think we’ll do well.”

Michael Gresk: “Economic development, retention and recruitment of business in the downtown is most important. To that end I have led the charge numerous times (Gresk recalled a visit to the downtown Downers Grove theater and discussions with the owner of the former Jewel site and the price reduction to $3.25 million).

Find out what's happening in Wheatonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Bob Molenhouse: “Economic development would be top on my list. But I think they need to keep doing what they’re doing. If you look at other downtowns around here, I don’t think they’re near what Wheaton is. I think Wheaton is doing the right thing already … (however) There are a lot of things about Wheaton I think we need to advertise.”

Evelyn Pacino-Sanguinetti: “I think economic development is paramount in the downtown Wheaton area. Being a commuter and taking the Metra, we are the envy of neighboring municipalities, because we are kind of hustling and bustling, compared to what’s going on next to us, but we don’t want to become complacent. (However) We can’t have anything unless we provide the safe infrastructure, so that people coming in and out of our community, can feel that accidents around here are not imminent and that there is safety to be had in our community. Once that is established then we can think about economic development.

John Prendiville: “I think the most important issue for us right now is the referendum for the theater. I support it wholeheartedly, that this would enhance economic development, the city’s calture, and also play a part in historic preservation. The theater referendum is pro business. It’s supported by both the DWA and the Wheaton Chamber  ... I believe that $150,000 a year would be a wise investment by the city.

Over 50 percent of the SSA #6 tax goes back to the city TIF fund, would you be willing to rebate those funds to reduce the tax rate for the downtown property owners and business owner tenants and enhance the acceptance of SSA #7?

Bromstead: I’m not sure that actually is legal, but I’d be all for it ... I am the only one on this panel that is paying this tax. I am the only one looking at this not from an outsider’s view but from a true profit and loss perspective ... When I’m doing the books, I have to budget for this tax .... But I think there are some choices that have to be made …  I don’t think by completely abating this tax you’ll see a huge influx of businesses coming in and leasing the storefronts ... (but) I’d support it.

Gresk: A more important question is, ‘does the SSA wish to stay in existence?’ … If the users in that area no longer want to use it, then abolish it.

Molenhouse: If they don’t want it, get rid of it. It’s as simple as that.

Pacino: I have to give a respectful ‘no.’ The business owners that pay this tax will ultimately decide whether or not it’s a good idea … Many business owners are now even arguing that it’s even more problematic for them to opt out of this particular system. So I believe the system as it stands does work and we should not find ways to circumvent it. If the property owners believe they no longer want to participate then we must respect that.

Prendiville: I’m in favor of finding ways to lessen the tax burden for property owners … When it comes to the downtown SSA, the city is merely a conduit responding to a petition presented by property owners.

Adamson: I believe the SSA taxes are essential … because people are complacent … if they weren’t assessed those taxes they wouldn’t willfully pull that out of their pocket … with the DWA, there’s some uniformity, there are some ways to promote Wheaton … abolishing it would not help the community. 

Editor's note: Patch will publish more of the questions and reactions from the community shortly.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here