Meeting Summary

Last night I attended the special meeting of the Building and Development Committee. There was a nearly two hour presentation by THF and the professionals representing the companies involved in the traffic study, the architecture of the proposed building and the proposal to create a Business District. What is a Business District? It's another word for a TIF district.

Sam's Club would receive half a percent of sales tax until they make 7 1/2 million dollars above and beyond their sales revenue. This is 7 1/2 million dollars out of the Glen Carbon Village budget.

Last night was the first formal presentation of the site plan to the Village of Glen Carbon. A number of concerns were raised by members of the committee as well as the public. Unfortunately, the meeting was adjourned before all questions could be addressed, as the Village Board meeting required the presence of the committee members. The issue is tabled by Building and Development until their next scheduled meeting, March 28th at 7:15 pm. Until then, you can hear their proposal for three variances at the Zoning Board of Appeals meeting on March 16.

I will request of both our Village Building and Zoning Director Wil Shashak and Alan Bornstein of THF Realty that site plans be available for review online. I would also like to see detailed plans for site remediation. The site and surrounding area used to house the American Creosoting Factory. THF has plans in place for soil testing; however we should be able to see what areas are being tested and to what depth. Work on site will create a new level of contamination for the area.

Trustee and Building and Development Chairman Ron Slemer directs property owners and concerned area citizens to contact Wil Shashak with any questions or concerns regarding the proposed development. He can be contacted at 288-7502 between the hours of 8:00 am and 4:30 pm. His email is wshashak@glen-carbon.il.gov