Board Approves Wal-Mart, Options Available

Hello friends and neighbors!

Obviously, we are not happy about this:

WEST DUNDEE -- Wal-Mart is coming to town.The village board voted unanimously
Monday night for the special use permits and variations which would allow the
retailer to build a 186,000-square-foot super store on 27.5 acres off Huntley
Road just north of Spring Hill Mall.

But, we continue on. Wal-Mart is NOT coming to town. Please get in touch with us to get more information on our continued effort to make sure the rule of law is applied, the people's will is respected, and our community character is protected. This story tells it better:

Opponents of a Wal-Mart in West Dundee say they are not giving up their fight.

Monday night, the village board voted unanimously in favor of a
Wal-Mart supercenter to be built at Huntley Road and Elm Avenue.
A crowd opposed to the construction rallied at the meeting but was unsuccessful in changing the minds of board members.
The opponents admit they are disappointed but say they plan to pursue every option available to them.
(Copyright ©2008 WLS-TV/DT. All Rights Reserved.)

Dundee Neighbors In The News

So, the Dundee Neighbors have been out pounding the pavement for weeks.

We've probably knocked on your door.

Have we been trying to scare people, telling horror stories about big bad Wal-Mart?

Those of you we've spoken to know that isn't the case at all.

What we've been talking about was fairness. The rule of law. Applying standards. And our elected officials listening to us, rather than lecturing us like we're children.

Well, all that shoe leather work got us some media attention.

Here are the stories from last night:
Daily Herald
Courier News
Chicago Tribune.

Here is a Channel 7 ABC News piece:

http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=news/local&id=6143186

And we're not done yet.

What Are They Thinking!?

The Village Board convened a "Committee of the Whole" meeting last night to hear public comment in advance of a Board vote.

We hoped they wouldn't move to a vote immediately--we'd heard from some Trustees that they hadn't seen any of the pertinent information as of last weekend, and there are thousands of pages of documentation to review--but Village Board President Larry Keller said that they couldn't "talk forever" and that it was time for a vote.

Forget talking forever--how about one minute? The Board had no questions for Wal-Mart and discussed nothing among themselves. Forgive us if that doesn't stink of a done deal.

President Keller also told West Dundee to forget their concerns--after all, he has to live across the street from a Starbucks.

The Board of Trustees has been led to believe by some party that they are "powerless", that they must approve this proposal, or else Wal-Mart will come in no matter what because the property is zoned correctly.

Well, no. If they truly care about West Dundee and are truly representing the people, and not Wal-Mart, then there is plenty they can do.

Wal-Mart is requesting a Special Use for a Garden Center and outdoor sales. They do not meet the standard for a Special Use, which are:

1. The establishment, maintenance or operation of the special use will not be
detrimental to or endanger the public health, safety, morals, comfort or general
welfare.
2. The special use will not be injurious to the use and enjoyment
of other property in the immediate vicinity for the purposes already permitted
nor substantially diminish property values within the neighborhood.
3. The
establishment of the special use will not impede the normal and orderly
development and improvement of the surrounding property for uses permitted in
the district.

Wal-Mart is requesting a Special Use to build a "planned unit development" (a multi-piece development, in other words). They fail to meet those standards as well.

The Village can (and should) deny this petition.

It is irresponsible to leave a property with such a high zoning as B-2 with no intended user.

That is handing a black check to developers.

So when you call the Village (Ph: 847.551.3800) to tell them you oppose this development and demand a "No!" vote, don't be fooled.


There you go, Mr. Keller. "Problem" solved.

Good Morning, West Dundee!

Good thing Wal-Mart didn't bother with an audibility study of truck noise, including idling trucks. They may have found something disconcerting about their injuring the use and enjoyment of surrounding properties.

Good thing Village Staff has so consistently made sure nobody asked Wal-Mart any questions that were too tough--God forbid they should have to, you know, obey the law.

This video was taken on May 30th at the East Dundee store.

What happened to your magical silent trucks, Mr. Scott?

Appearance Review Commission Hearing Last Night

The Herald covered it.

A group opposing the proposed Wal-Mart SuperCenter in West Dundee may be taking on the world's largest retailer, but members are making sure their voices are heard.

At every opportunity, members of Dundee Neighbors -- a coalition of more than 500 local residents -- are showing up and vocalizing their opposition to the proposed 186,000 square foot retail center at the corner of Huntley Road and Elm Avenue.

At least 25 people attended the village's Appearance Review Commission meeting Tuesday for Wal-Mart's final presentation regarding landscaping, elevation, signage and lighting site plans.