Council Approves Plan for Mariano's Parking Lot at Downtown Gateway

Wheaton City Council on Monday approved a developer's request to build a 136-space parking lot for Mariano's Fresh Market employees instead of an office building or bank at the northwest corner of Roosevelt Road and Main Street.

The measure passed 4-3 after disagreement over whether to keep a condition requiring developer Bradford Real Estate to use permeable pavers or porous pavement instead of asphalt for the lot in the ordinance.

Bradford's plan originally included redevelopment of the lot at the northwest corner of Roosevelt Road and Main Street, but the unexpected success of Mariano's stores in the Chicago area prompted the request for additional parking instead of another business.

Bradford Real Estate President Steve Pagnotta told council members Monday that Mariano's has been "extremely successful" in the Chicago area, generating "far more" sales than expected. 

He said economically, it's difficult to give up an out lot, but it was an expense Bradford decided to bear given the success of Mariano's. 

He added the developer can't afford to continue adding improvements such as permeable pavers, which could be twice the cost of asphalt.

Wheaton City Manager Don Rose said at a March meeting that city staff didn't believe the lot would be an "appropriate use" for such a key corner acting as a gateway to downtown Wheaton. 

Councilman Todd Scalzo, who voted against the ordinance, said he would like to see the permeable pavers at the gateway to downtown Wheaton.

"I do think this corner needs a little extra attention and I would like to see it (improved) above and beyond what we would typically do."

Councilman Suess, who also cast a "no" vote, said his concern is with the water problem in the area.

"We have a commitment to see what we can do about water. We also have a commitment to see what we can do about a more green environment. I don’t think it’s unrealistic to ask someone... that there be an additional public benefit."

Councilman Thor Saline also voted against the ordinance.

Mayor Mike Gresk said he supported the developer and didn't see the permeable pavers as very impactful environmentally. "This project is important to us as a community, as a city," he said.

Bradford Chief Financial Officer Chad Jones told Patch in early March that developers are scheduled to start putting in foundations for the store in the next two weeks, and still project an October opening. 

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