I was pleased to learn that Trustee Elizabeth Brady [Viewpoints, Jan. 25] is ready to “get real about the numbers” regarding the redevelopment of downtown Oak Park. As a participant in the public process that the steering committee used to scrutinize the costs and benefits of various plans for the superblock, I’d like to suggest a few things we should all keep in mind.
First, the term “superblock,” which preceded the steering committee process, is not a reference to the block’s greatness (as is “Superman”) but rather to the unwieldy, dysfunctional, out-of-scale size of the block as currently configured (more like “supertanker”). The steering committee plan is an effort to overcome this and revitalize the interior of the block.
Second, I’m glad to learn that Trustee Brady agrees with the steering committee’s desire to avoid generic Mc-development in favor of a plan that requires developers to adhere to high-quality, historically sensitive design that creates a “sense of place” while preserving and making viable historic buildings like those on Westgate. I am sure the board and village staff will do their best to negotiate that sort of redevelopment.
Third, I do hope that Trustee Brady’s colleagues heed her advice to “be honest and open about all the costs and benefits associated with the visions.” These include not only the large public subsidies that reconstruction of the Colt building would incur, but also the cost of opportunities lost in new retail, increased tax revenues, and revitalization of Westgate. To compare potential levels of public subsidy, Trustee Brady used unsupported and disputed numbers associated with the Whiteco project and the Shops of Downtown Oak Park. I certainly hope the trustees agree to rely on the figures produced by professionals in the relevant fields, and not on “guestimates” or speculation. We need to “get moving” on creating a vital downtown by doing precisely what Trustee Brady proposes: honestly discussing the real numbers.
Lynn Kamenitsa
Oak Park
