This is the second in a series profiling the five candidates for the Buffalo Grove Village Board. To avoid any bias or sense of endorsement, they are being posted in alphabetical order this week. Responses have not been edited. Today’s profile features Paulette Greenberg.
Candidate's name:
Paulette Greenberg
How long have you lived in Buffalo Grove?
Since 1984
Please provide brief biographical information:
I am a retired insurance adjuster. I work part-time as a driver's education classroom instructor. I have been with my partner, Chuck Posniak for 25 years. I have one daughter, three stepdaughters, four son-in-laws, and six grandchildren.
Are you affiliated with any political party? If so, to what extent are you being supported by that party?
No
What civic activities, if any, have you been involved with?
Buffalo Grove Days Commission. Buffalo Grove Farmers Market. Buffalo Grove’s 50th Anniversary Celebration. I was named the Rotary Person of the Year in 2009. Arlington Heights -Frontier Days. Cook County Election Judge
Why are you running for the Village Board?
To serve as a village trustee would allow me to directly contribute to local government, influence policy decisions, and address community needs. I believe that teamwork and collaboration with other trustees would enable me to advocate for residents' interests and ensure their voices are heard.
Have you served on a village committee or commission before? If yes, which one and how long did you serve and in what capacity?
· Buffalo Grove Days Committee- 28 years, co-chair for 22 years.
· Buffalo Grove Farmers Market- created in 2009 with Penny Novy. I completed my 16th year of managing the successful market, in 2024.
· Buffalo Grove 50th Anniversary Committee- I planned the Sock Hop securing local DJ Dick Biondi, and other activities during the celebration, 2008-2009.
The village has continued to attract new businesses. What do you think of the recent initiatives related to economic development?
I agree with the Village’s forward planning and budgeting for future growth. Offering tax incentives to encourage businesses to relocate to Buffalo Grove is useful in some instances. Attracting new businesses will revitalize existing retail areas. We need to continue to strengthen our local economy as there is competition with neighboring towns, for the new businesses.
Should the village continue with its current economic development strategies or consider alternatives? Why?
The Village has a multi-year plan ( 2024-2028) for redeveloping areas along Dundee Road and the Milwaukee Road corridors. The retail landscape is changing and the Village needs to adapt to evolving requirements and aging properties. Dundee Road is growing slower than other areas within the Village. The Bison Crossing Development is underway and should be completed by 2026.
It is critical to attract meaningful destinations, as other nearby towns have successfully done. Nearby Vernon Hills has repurposed an existing building into an indoor pickle ball court. Has the Village pursued these types of businesses? The empty ‘Dominicks’ on Lake Cook Road and Arlington Heights Road is a high traffic location and ready for redevelopment.
There is a need to expand restaurant choices, not just fast food places, to keep residents from going outside Buffalo Grove for meals. The new Lazy Dog Restaurant will be a welcome addition to the community.
A key component in the village's economic development plans is "The Clove" which will, when completed, include retail stores, restaurants, open space and multi-family housing. Are the existing restaurants and rumored future restaurants strong enough anchors to make "The Clove" a success?
The location provides high visibility, with its diverse plan of fast food restaurants, grocery, retail, and apartments. The planned park space and landscaping of the area will be a pleasant place to visit. I am concerned there may not be sufficient parking areas in addition to bike racks, and sidewalks. A full sit down type of restaurant would greatly increase the chances of long term success of this development. The suggested rental prices of the new apartments of $1900-$5000 per month are worrisome to me. I believe the rental fees will be prohibitive to potential renters who would like to downsize from their current homes. Or young families looking to move into this area.
Which business development plan do you think should be a priority? Lake-Cook Road corridor, Dundee Road, Milwaukee Avenue or the Prairie View concept? Please explain your priorities.
A market study in 2018 for Buffalo Grove pointed to the development of the Lake Cook Road area which was ripe for development. New businesses including a car wash and Shell gas station have opened and appear to be thriving. This heavily traveled road in turn brings job opportunities as well as sales tax into the Village. The current redevelopment of Bison Crossing along Dundee Road is a welcome sight to the eyesore property. The southeast corner of Buffalo Grove Road and Dundee should be high on the list for improvement. The Prairie View concept was also developed in 2018. It has been very successful with the housing, Metra Train Station usage, and small businesses in the area.
Is the village’s economic development incentive policy clear? Do you think it adequately creates predictability and appropriately assists in making the most efficient use of limited local resources when supporting proposed development projects? If not, how would you update the policy?
If not already in place, we need an annual review and perhaps an updating of policies. Are policies transparent showing incentives, eligibility criteria, and applicable information? Is there a clear measurable outcome for each type of incentive to provide accountability?
Do you think the village should continue using Tax Increment Financing (TIF) districts to entice economic development?
Tax Increment Financing (TIF) was created to promote development. This can assist in attracting new businesses, creating jobs, and revitalizing areas. It's a great tool for financing various types of projects without raising taxes on the entire community. The downside is the collection of property taxes are years away from being in the Village's coffers. This could cause a strain on the local school districts if the TIF is for a housing project.
Do you think there are forms of incentives other than TIFs that the village should consider using to entice economic development. If so, what manner or type of incentives do you think would be helpful and effective?
The idea of repurposing an existing empty building vs constructing a new building should be presented to developers where applicable.
I suggest a business improvement grant: this can target specific needs such as façade improvements, signage upgrades, or interior renovations. Should permits and zoning need to be streamlined? It’s not a direct financial incentive, but expediting processes can significantly reduce costs and time for large or small businesses looking to establish or expand operations. Investing in infrastructure (which is currently being done in several areas of the Village at this time) including roads and utilities, will make an area more attractive for business development.
How do you think the village should encourage redevelopment of existing retail areas that are struggling?
I would encourage property owners to create attractive walkable places with new lighting, landscaping, parking lot repairs or fresh painting of outside features. Would rezoning an area bolster a business to do some upgrades? Brighten areas with sidewalk sales in summer weather to bring customers to the area. Shoppers tend to avoid areas with broken sidewalks or many potholes in parking lots.
The village has engaged in intergovernmental partnerships for programming and sharing facilities. Do you think the village should continue to pursue partnerships? If so, to what extent?
Yes. Intergovernmental partnerships are a great idea. Whether it is between the fire department responding to calls or the police department sharing manpower or even classroom space is worthwhile. Leasing space to schools for storage reasons or to Long Grove to store their fire equipment makes for 'good neighbors'.
Is the village properly managing its workforce costs? Is there a need for adjustments in the number of employees and/or compensation levels at the village? If you deem adjustments are necessary, how would you implement them?
I believe the workforce is being managed properly. I am aware the police and fire departments have been hiring new people on lateral moves. This has been saving the expense of training a person for the position. The new hire only has to learn the format Buffalo Grove performs the particular job. I am unaware of the staffing needs within the Village’s operations.
The Village recently made a major capital investment and operational change by moving Public Works from its location on the Village campus to Leider Lane. Do you agree with the decision to do so? Are there other projects you would like to see the village undertake?
Yes. Purchasing and remodeling the building for Public Works was a wise financial decision. The new space has more features for the employees to use, including truck washing bays, specific repair areas, and classrooms to name a few. I am pleased the 'old' Public Works building is being repurposed for the temporary move of the Fire Department.( during the construction of a new Fire Department building on Dundee Road). The eventual rebuild of the Police Department and Village Hall is in the future. The cost of repurposing or rebuilding those items is to be determined.
The village has spent considerable money on a "rebranding" effort that touts the village being "Smart. With Heart." Do you think the plan is effective and what do you think a measurable outcome or return on investment should be?
Rebranding helped to update the village's image, making it more relevant and appealing to younger generations or new target audiences. The appearance of a new colorful logo may make the Village more attractive to potential investors, leading to increased development and economic opportunities. The new green and blue colors help create a fresh identity for the Village.
Some of our volunteer groups (commissions, committees) have seen shrinking membership. What would you do to engage the community on a broader scale? Do you think the community engagement initiative is an effective program to get residents involved? What would you do to encourage broader demographic participation?
Buffalo Grove is a very diverse community. Many young families are busy with jobs, religious activities, school and sports activities. They will attend community events but do not have time to volunteer for other actions. I have discussed this very idea with many residents. Due to cultural reasons, some people are 'afraid' to participate. Government is seen as ‘suspicious’ even though I have explained the value of volunteering for various committees and commissions . Several years ago, during Buffalo Grove Days, some entertainment showcased dancers and sports of different cultures. The Village could sponsor these events and have the parents volunteer to manage the activities.
Do you think the Village communicates well with residents? If not, what changes would you like to see made?
Yes - any resident can secure the weekly email notices from the Village. The BG Brief is a newsletter that is available online. Print copies can be made and passed out at the summer Buffalo Grove Farmers Market or Park District events. One can also go to Village Hall and speak with an employee with their concerns.
