The developer of the former Wil-Shore Ford said last week he will soon drop off plans at Wilmette Village Hall for a five-story, mixed-use project.Adjoining businesses are currently 2 stories, but the developer claims he needs 5 to make the project economically viable. But does it make sense for Wilmette? Will it be transformed from now popular mom and pop stores to a franchise shopping mecca? The high-density project will be built on a narrow arterial street, with school and commuter traffic choking it twice a day, exacerbated by frequent trains which shut down crossings. The developer would like to do the whole block, but says he thinks eminent domain acquisition of property is wrong.
Brooks Kellogg, one of the leaders of a consortium that purchased the former car dealership, said that project would find about 15,000 square feet of retail space alongside covered ground-floor parking for about 37 cars. Atop the retail and parking would be four stories of condominiums. He said he's ready to abide by the intent of the 2005 Wilmette Affordable Housing Plan, and devote 15 percent of the condominiums to affordable housing, and the rest to high-end units.
But this idea of the adjoining small businesses being PRIVATE PROPERTY is a mere bagatelle to one of Wilmette's trustees:
She said she believes the entire block should be redeveloped together, adding that the properties adjacent to the Ford land "look pretty tired."
"I would like to see an open public place for people to congregate, a community space near the library, for kids to gather," Aggens said.
An open space she says. Perhaps a park? She wants a park in the retail district of the village. There are 3 parks plus a school playground within a few blocks. We are supposed to agree to a 5 STORY BUILDING so we can have a park on top of a parking garage, where parking used to be, all in the shadow of this new tower.
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