"Historic Day" for village's retail growth / BG Days set / Library's network expands
Village Board President Eric Smith was like a proud father at the Aug. 21 Village Board meeting.
Calling it a “historic day” for the village, Smith presided over the meeting that included discussions about a proposal for a Lazy Dog Restaurant and Grill at the intersection of Lake-Cook and McHenry Roads, plans for a Belle Tire in the Ricky Rockets Fuel Center and approval of a Dundee Road Tax Increment Financing District (TIF).
However, the crowning touch of the evening was the presentation for development of the 16-acre infamous and blighted Rohrman properties at 915 – 945 Dundee Rd. which have been the source of ridicule by residents for years.
Unveiled plans call for a mix-used development that will include a Tesla dealership along with 30,000 to 40,000 square feet and what was described as a “197-unit luxury multi-family residential project.” While a detailed timeframe for the development was not unveiled, it is anticipated that if approved, demolition of the buildings currently on the site would begin by the end of this year. Site work would begin during the first quarter of 2024 and construction during the second quarter. It’s possible, officials say, that the 50,000 square foot dealership could open by the end of 2024.
All of the projects discussed at the meeting were referred to the Planning and Zoning Commission (PZC) for its review. The next PZC meeting is Sept. 6.
Perhaps the most significant aspect of the proposals discussed at the meeting goes beyond the Rohrman properties. While they are arguably the biggest focus point, the proposals represent development not only along the Dundee Road corridor, but also the Lake-Cook Road corridor where the focus has been the development of “The Clove,” which is the redevelopment of the old Town Center.
Additionally, the proposals represent a mix of retail, dining, and residential units.
Rohrman redevelopment
Mention eyesores in Buffalo Grove and it’s likely this site is top of mind. In addition to the Tesla dealership, tentative plans call for two outlots for retail use. The residential development would cover 5.7 acres with 197 units spread across four four-story buildings. The units would have one- or two-bedrooms. Garage parking would be included. The development would also have a clubhouse for residents and a central greenspace and pool in the center.
According to village officials, the TIF impact on the project could include “eligible reimbursements [may include], but are not limited to public infrastructure land assemblage site preparation studies, surveys and plans and financing costs.”
Lazy Dog
The site for the fourth Lazy Dog in the Chicago area is the outlot at The Grove plaza that once housed an IHOP. As reported in BGNI last week, the unit will be somewhat smaller than the nearby unit in Vernon Hills. The proposed unit will be 7,400 square feet compared to the 9,260 square feet of the Vernon Hills facility. The Buffalo Grove restaurant would include a 1,300 square patio.
Although no specific opening date was set, Lazy Dog officials told the Village Board that it typically takes six months for site development and training.
According to village officials, the proposal calls for “a 9,800-square-foot single-story store with 10 service bays. Belle Tire sells and installs passenger vehicle tires as well as offers various minor automotive repairs such as brakes, alignments, and oil changes. All repair and installation work and all storage of new and scrap tires will take place inside the building. The facility will not perform any significant repairs, including engine or transmission repairs or bodywork.” It would encompass 1.07 acres and would be located just east of the carwash at Ricky Rockets. The Daily Herald reports that the proposal is part of Belle Tires’ aggressive expansion in the Chicago area. Belle currently has 21 Illinois units, but is eyeing 60 in “the Chicagoland area.”
Details for all of the proposals as presented to the Village Board can be found here.
Townhomes eyed for Prairie View
The Village Board heard more than proposals for retail businesses at its Aug. 21 meeting. The Board referred a proposal for 41 townhome units that, if approved, would be on a 4.25-acre site at 22771 and 22825 Prairie Road. The site is just south of Ill. Rt. 22 (Half Day Road). The Daily Herald reports the units would be rentals with rents estimated to be between $3,500 and $4,000 a month.
Kids activities set at Buffalo Grove Days
A variety of activities for children are scheduled for this weekend’s Buffalo Grove Days from 12:30 to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 2.
The schedule includes: Super Stolie concert: 12:30 - 1:30 p.m., Face painting: 1 - 3 p.m., Magic show: 1:30 - 3 p.m., Big Deal Highlights Show: 1:30 - 2:15 p.m., and Reptile show: 2-3 p.m.
A full list of BG Days events, activities and general information can be found here.
New route for BG Days parade
The Buffalo Grove Days parade is scheduled for Sunday, Sept. 3. The parade starts at 11 a.m. and will head south on Buffalo Grove Road from LaSalle Lane and then west on Deerfield Parkway, to Mike Rylko Community Park where the rest of the BG Days activities are held.
ITPLD network expansion to impact services
The Cooperative Computer Service (CCS) consortium of libraries, which includes the Indian Trails Public Library District, has added the Warren-Newport Public Library.
The addition of the Warren-Newport facility, which takes effect Sept. 6, will have an impact on Indian Trails Library services.
According to Library officials, the additional library will add more than 300,000 materials. During the transition from 28 to 29 libraries, services at Indian Trails will be impacted from 9 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 31, through 9 a.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 5.
Library officials say the following will be in effect during the impacted days:
Accounts: No downloadable content will be available (all e-books and digital downloads).
Checking your account online: Online accounts will be frozen beginning Thursday, August 31 at 9 pm - Tuesday, September 5 at 9 am. No additional material holds will be available - online or in person.
Check-outs: Members must bring their physical library card to check out materials at the main library and branch. Staff will not have access to look up members by name with an ID.
Returns: Automated Return Stations will not be operational. Returned materials can be placed into one of the two book drops or dropped in the inside bin marked "Return Materials Here" (books, DVDs, CDs). Return E-devices to the Adult Services Desk (Wi-Fi hotspots, Rokus, tablets).
Check-in updates will process starting Tuesday, September 5 through Wednesday, September 6. Also, study room reservations cannot be made for Friday, Sept. 1 through Monday, Sept. 4. Available rooms will be on a first-come basis.
Cops step up traffic enforcement
With another holiday weekend approaching, it’s time for the Buffalo Grove Police Department to crack down on motoring scofflaws.
The BGPD is participating in the “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” enforcement campaign which is running through the early-morning hours of Sept. 5.
During this period, motorists can expect to see roadside safety checks, more officers on the road and increased messaging about the dangers of impaired driving.
In addition to looking for drunken drivers, Buffalo Grove Police will be stepping up seat belt enforcement, particularly at night when seat belt usage rates are at their lowest. Speeders and distracted drivers should also be aware.
The Labor Day “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” and “Drive High. Get a DUI.” enforcement efforts are made possible by federal highway safety funds administered by the Illinois Department of Transportation.
Bike the Tenth
U.S. Rep. Brad Schneider (D-10) will sponsor “Bike the Tenth” on Saturday Sept. 9.Schneider will join constituents for a ride together through a portion of the Des Plaines River trail beginning in Libertyville at 9 a.m.
His office says the ride is open to bike riders of all abilities. The 12-mile ride will begin at Independence Grove, head north before returning to Independence Grove, which is located at 16400 West Buckley Road Libertyville. Helmets are required and all riders must sign a waiver. Additional information is available here.
Second installment of property tax bill due Sept. 5
The second installment of Lake County property taxes is due Sept. 5. Lake County residents one bill in May, and will not receive another bill for the second installment.
Residents who misplaced their second installment coupon, can print a copy from the Treasurer's Office website by entering their PIN number or address.
While in-person payments can be made at the Lake County Treasurer’s Office, payments can also be made at local banks, online, by phone, or by mail. Information about payment options is available here.
Hike Lake County kicks off
The 25th season of the Hike Lake County program is under way. Participants who complete seven of 12 designated walks through Nov. 30 will receive a free commemorative shield for their walking stick or a zipper pull.
Participants who bring their dog can receive a free commemorative dog tag (up to three dogs). Bicycling or horseback riding do not count toward the program.
Look for Hike Lake County logo signs at the preserve entrance and trailhead at each selected preserve to get you on the right route. More information is available at this link.
Service academy info night set
U.S. Rep. Brad Schneider (D-10) is hosting a Service Academy Night for students interested in military academy service, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 6 at Stevenson High School, 1 Stevenson Lane in Lincolnshire.
Information about applying for military academies and information about the nomination process will be available. Please register here to attend. Additional information can be found at this link.
Reported Police Activity
Criminal damage to vehicle –Police responded to the 1200 block of Churchill for a delayed criminal trespass to vehicle report. Upon arrival police met with a complainant, who told oficers that an unknown offender(s) entered his vehicle between the times of 0500 and 0630 hours. This investigation is ongoing.
Retail Theft – Store officials at the T-Mobile store, 848 N. Milwaukee Ave. reported to police that an Apple watch valued at $800 was taken from the store. Reports say an unknown customer and removed the watch from the display and the removed the band that had the electronic theft deterrent on it.
On the traffic watch – Buffalo Grove Police report four arrests for driving with a revoked or suspended license.
Need a reason to celebrate?
Aug. 28
Crackers Over The Keyboard Day
Race Your Mouse Around the Icons Day
Aug. 29
Aug. 30
International Cabernet Sauvignon Day
National Toasted Marshmallow Day
Aug. 31
National Matchmaker Day – Oh, Yenta, Yenta, Yenta!
Sept. 1
Bring Your Manners To Work Day
Building and Code Staff Appreciation Day
National Chianti Day -- Goes great with liver and fava beans
Sept. 2
National Blueberry Popsicle Day
Sept. 3
Sept. 4
Sept. 5
National Be Late for Something Day
From NationalToday.com
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In case you didn’t know…
Buffalo Grove News and Info, is independently produced by Buffalo Grove resident Stan Zoller. A longtime journalist and journalism educator, Zoller covers Buffalo Grove and monitors news and information about the village, its schools, park district and community events. Buffalo Grove News and Information is not affiliated with any municipal body. Zoller is a member of the Society of Professional Journalists and the Chicago Headline Club.
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