Vol. 20, No. 1 - Jan 1998Deerf i
SNOW REMOVAL
FA
eld
T\\ \�
January 1998 - VOL. 20 NO. 1
HAPPY NEW YEAR
It's a matter of pride with the
Public Works Department to
reach their goal of clearing
all 70 miles of Village streets
within 12 hours after the
snowfall stops. However, in
order for them to do this,
they need your cooperation.
Here's where you come in:
1. Don't park on the street or in public parking
lots after a 3" or more snowfall.
2. When you shovel your driveway, put the
snow on the right side of your drive as you
face the street..... then the plows won't push
as much snow back into your driveway.
3. Don't shovel or blow snow into the street
4. If a contractor plows your driveway, the
snow must be stored on your property, not
your neighbor's.
5. How about adopting a fire hydrant? You can
keep the one closest to your home free of
snow .... just in case of an emergency.
6. Maintain a safe distance (1001 when
traveling behind a snow plowing truck.
CITIZENS HONORED
At this year's Thanksgiving Interfaith Service, Irene
,•Paja, Kathleen Gunther and Mary Ann Salemi were
presented with 1997 Human Relations Awards.
Winners of this award are chosen because they
possess a special level and quality of giving. Our
congratulations to all of theml
REDUCTION IN TAX LEVY
On December 15th, the Village Board passed the
Real Estate Tax Levy Ordinance for 1997. For the
sixth year in a row and seven of the last eight
years, the amount levied is less than the previous
year.
However, as we continue to remind you, the
Village receives less than 8% of the total property
taxes paid, so our decrease may not have an
appreciable effect on your next tax bill. In any
event, we're pleased to announce this reduction
even though, as a Home Rule community, there are
no limits on the.amount the Village can levy.
CHRISTMAS TREE PICK-UP
The Village's scavenger service contractor will pick
up Christmas trees and other organic holiday
decorations on TUESDAY, JANUARY 6TH and
TUESDAY, JANUARY 13TH.
Trees and other organic greenery will be picked up
at your curb IF all bags, metal (including tinsel) and
other decorations are removed.
SCAVENGER SERVICE
Due to the January 1st holiday, regular Friday
scavenger service pick-up will be on SATURDAY,
JANUARY 3RD.
TV TUNE OUT WEEK
Sponsored by the Deerfield Youth Council, 'the
second annual TV Tune Out week is scheduled for
February 5-11th. Information will be provided in
the local newspaper and distributed in the schools.
FOLLOWING IS A STATEMENT MADE BY MAYOR FORRESTAT THE NOVEMBER 3RD PUBLIC HEARING ON
THE USE OF TAX INCREMENT FINANCING TO FUND DOWNTOWN REDEVELOPMENT. IT HAS BEEN
UPDATED TO REFLECT THE CURRENT STATUS OF THE CHARLES MALK PLAN FOR THE SOUTHWEST
QUADRANT OF THE VILLAGE CENTER.
Downtown Redevelopment has been a topic of conversation in Deerfield for nearly three decades.
Village Boards, Plan Commissioners, downtown committees and merchants have been working on the problems
associated with an old downtown, located at the crossroads of the community,.which continues to lose retail,
experience limited private reinvestment and, in the opinion of most residents, is a visual embarrassment.
Although there has and always will be debate on what should be done to improve it, there is clear consensus
that we can do better.
In the early 1970's, a committee was formed to study the expansion of the Central Business District. In
1978, the Village Center Development Commission was created, and in 1986 the Village established a Tax
Increment Financing District in hopes of attracting a private/public partnership to accomplish our objective of
converting the Village Center into a viable retail area which would serve as the focal point of the community.
Well, it just didn't happen! The Village did what it could by planting trees, arranging for fresh flowers,
constructing a plaza, putting in new sidewalks and decorative street lights. We also acquired several parcels at
key locations for potential developments.
In 1995, the Taxman Corporation took an option on the Knaak Parcel and entered into a Redevelopment
Agreement with the Village. As everyone knows, the developer changed his plans several times to where it
threatened to disrupt the unified development of the 3.5 acres in the southeast quadrant. The Village terminated
the Agreement and is now pursuing the Knaak Property through condemnation.
Last year, Charles Malk purchased the Commons Shopping Center and met with Village staff to discuss
redevelopment of the southwest quadrant. He was the only one of several developers who approached the
Village over the years with a plan for that area that didn't insist that the Village help purchase the Commons.
Mr. Malk was told that in developing his proposal he should incorporate ideas generated in workshops held with •
the Plan Commission and Village Center Development Commission which highlighted what they believed was
needed in a redevelopment plan. They included:
> a food store of approximately 40,000 sq. ft (not the mega stores which consume
downtown areas with excessive parking demands)
> the need for Robert York Avenue to remain a secondary street in that quadrant
> more retail and a greater variety of stores
> a desire for good quality restaurants
> a need for office space
> ample parking and a coordinated parking plan
> a more pedestrian friendly environment, and
> an architectural style that is unique, attractive -and inviting to both tenants and shoppers.
In working with staff on the operational issues of his proposal, Mr. Malk presented a comprehensive plan
for all four quadrants. He was told at that time that the Village would focus its attention only on the two
quadrants south of Deerfield Road. It is unfortunate that the four quadrant concept plan was circulated and the
rumors of additional condemnation were perpetuated. They are simply not true.
In October, Mr. Malk formally petitioned the Village with his 14 acre plan. It.was approved by the
Village Center Development Commission on November 19th and (as this newsletter goes to press) is under
consideration by the Plan Commission, which has held public hearings on the proposal.
There has been no deal worked out with Mr. Malk. If this proposal is found acceptable, a
redevelopment agreement must be negotiated between him and the Village outlining the conditions under which
the project would proceed. Development cannot occur, however, until he has an approved final plan just as
with any other land use petition that comes before the Board. •
Redevelopment and the need to assemble properties is always an emotional issue. The Board is very
conscious of this and sensitive to the land owners and tenants impacted by it. If the plan is approved, we'll do
our best to mitigate any problems it creates. Downtown redevelopment is not unique to Deerfield. The sarne
controversial issues are presently being debated in Northbrook and Highland Park.
•
Municipalities are the only parties with a permanent irrevocable interest in their downtowns. Property
owners and merchants have temporary interests which they can terminate at any time, but the Village has no
such choice. While the interests of the Village and private property owners and tenants in the growth and
development of the Village Center will coincide most of the time, there is potential for conflict. The Village
cannot wait for these private parties to take the initiative or to make Village actions wholly contingent upon
private concerns. The Village must be the principal initiator of action, and it must retain the option for
independent action when it serves the best interests of the community.
There is also the criticial issue of timing. The TIF District expires, by law, in 2009. It is within that
period that the Village is able to recoup whatever funds it spends on redevelopment. I want to emphasize that
it will be through the TIF Redevelopment Fund, not additional taxes on your properties, that the Village portion
of any costs will be paid.
If there is one constant complaint from residents, it is "why can't we improve the downtown?" Yet, when
a specific development proposal is presented, the Board often hears how quaint and charming our Village Center
is. The message seems to be "make improvements, but don't change anything." That is an impossible task!
In January,'the Village Board is expected to consider the recommendations of the Plan Commission and
VCDC, and will make a decision on the Malk plan. By that time, everyone who has requested to speak on this
matter will have been given the opportunity to be heard._ All of the comments, both pro and•con, will be
considered by the Board before making a final decision.
What is Tax Increment Financing (TIF)?
Tax Increment Financing is a municipal financial mechanism used to renovate declining areas or redevelop
blighted areas while improving the tax base of such areas. The program allows a municipality to acquire
and prepare property for redevelopment and make needed public (and some private) improvements.
When a redevelopment plan is adopted, the assessed valuation of all taxable property in the project area is
frozen. Future property tax revenues above the frozen base that are generated by redevelopment are paid
to the TIF District (municipality) which uses the funds to pay its costs for redevelopment (usually the
principal and interest on bonds borrowed to help fund the project). It is important to note that the tax
base and not the tax revenue is frozen during the tax increment period.
For example: Assume a six -block area in the downtown of an Illinois city is a "blighted" or "conservation"
area and is assessed at $1,000,000. Through TIF funded improvements, the city attracts new development
that increases the six -block assessed value of $1,500,000. The $500,000 difference is the "increment" -
taxes on which will be distributed to the "tax increment fund" used to reimburse the city for its costs
By law, TIF Districts can run for 23 years. When dissolved, all local taxing bodies collect real estate taxes
based on the new assessed valuation.
COMMUNITY EMERGENCY FUND
The Deerfield Community Emergency Fund, established in November, is a community -based program created
to help meet the needs of area residents who are experiencing financial crisis resulting from loss of work, family
porblems, and other circumstances. Our community spirit is what sets Deerfield apart! Please consider donating
to the fund that helps our own neighbors when they face hard times. If you need further information, contract
West Deerfield Township Supervisor Julie Morrison at 945-0614. Donations can be sent to:
Deerfield Village Hall
850 Waukegan Road
Deerfield, IL 60015
ELECTION JUDGES NEEDED!
Election judges are needed for the March 17th
primary election. If you would be willing to help
out, please call the Lake County Clerk's office at
360-3610.
West Deerfield Township
OR 858 Waukegan Road
Deerfield, IL 60015
THANK YOU, THANK YOU!
We would like to once again acknowledge and
thank Pat and Tom Jester, Joan and Brian Reed, and
Julie Sherman for all of their hard work in
conducting this year's weekly Farmers Markets.
Deerfield has always had the good fortune of having many residents
willing to volunteer their time and talents to serve the community.
We would like to take this opportunty to thank the following people who served during 1997.
Appearance Review
Commission
Martin Becker, Ch.
Richard Coen, Michael Hull,
Lynn Keck Petty, Stacy Sigman
Board of Building Appeals
Ted Galvani, Patrick Gattari,
Walter Hallford, Richard R.
Osman, Berton Ring, Steven
Welch
Board of Police Commissioners
Athur Rollin, Ch.
James Marovitz, James Warren
Board of Zoning Appeals
Bob Speckmann, Ch.
Herbert Kessel, Theodore
Kuczek, Michael Lewitz,
Bruce Robbins, Karen Scott,
Cable & Telecommunications
Commission
Jesse L. Rotman, Ch.
Neil Charak, Paul Diambri,
Phillip Elbling, Douglas
Johnson, Joseph Kayne,
Jeremiah Madden, Steven
Robinson, John Sanner
Cemetery Association
John Willman, Ch.
Laura Kempf
Electrical Commission
Police Pension Board
James Brown, Ted Galvani,
Mark Anfenson, Robert
Richard R. Osman, James
Davenport, David Rudolph
Quinn, Michael Rouse
Safety Council
Energy Advisory & Resource
Recovery Commission
Sheila Stanger, Ch.
Alan Bromberg, Rick
Robin Stone, Ch.
Cervarich, Thomas Elliott, Roy
Donald Anderson, Marc Brown,
Lipner, Herbert Nicholson,
Teresa Pew, Laurence Ratner,
Lance Weiss
Glenn Schwartz, Andrew
Warren
Sister City Committee
Emergency Services & Disaster
William Sause, Ch.
Edward Bohrer, Else Kuerten,
Stan Rundell, Coordinator
Kenneth Nylund, Ruth Schiffels
David Arnold, John Chaput,
Kalman Kahn, Gregory Lapin,
Stormwater Management
Tim McQuire
Bill Davis, Ch.
Human Relations Commission
Thomas Jester, Franklin
Kulhanek, Lee S. Rose
John Grage, Ch.
Shirley Horton, Thelma
Village Center Development
LeVeaux, Charles Ray,
Douglas Sullivan,
Michael LeTourneau, Ch.
Oscar Adler, Kevin Forrest,
Manpower Commission
Alan H. Garfield, Joanne
Leslie, Joan Reed, Julie
Richard Strauss, Ch.
Sherman, Barbara Struthers,
Jules Crystal, Robert
Jannes Zobus
Fredrickson, Julie Morrison,
Jean Reuther
Youth Council
Plan Commission
Patricia Bornor, Ch.
David Marks, Ch.
Ida Greenfield, Susan Lappin,
Robert Benton, James Feldman,
Phillip Mankoff, Jeffrey Marks
Gail Gussis, Bruce Heitzinger,
Thomas Moses, John Palen,
Richard Kamerman, Joseph
Barbara Reich, Jeffrey Rivlin,
Pugliese
Lawrence Tracey
VILLAGE OF DEERFIELD
850 Waukegan Road
Deerfield, Illinois 60015
Fire Department..............................911
Fire Department Non -Emergency .............945-4066
Police Department.............................911
Police Department Non -Emergency ............945-8636
Village Hall.............................945-5000
Public Works............................317-7245
Web Page.......................www.deerfield-il.org
BERNARD FORREST, Mayor
TRUSTEES
Marvin W. Ehlers John H. Neuberger Harriet Rosenthal
Edwin B. Seidman Vernon E. Swanson Michael Swartz
Robert D. Franz, Village Manager
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Permll No. 1
Deerfield, Illinois
CAR/PRE-SORT
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DEERFIELD, ILLINOIS 60015
(�EERFIEL�
Ivy
Police Be'at
POLICE
Illinois: A Safer State With .08
Since July of 1997, a .08 blood -
alcohol content (BAC) limit has
been the law in Illinois. A per-
son's blood -alcohol content is
determined by the amount of al-
cohol in the body compared with
the total volume of blood.
Under Illinois law, anyone
caught driving with a BAC of .08
or more is presumed to be drunk
and will be subject to arrest for
driving under the influence.
Years of medical and scientific
research have shown that at .08,
all drivers, even experienced
ones, are too impaired to drive
safely.
Driver's at .08 are three times
more likely to be involved in a
car crash and 11 times more'
likely to be killed in a single -
vehicle crash.
Are social drinkers affected by
.08?
For most people, it takes three or
four drinks, consumed in one
hour on an empty stomach, to
Number of drinks and blood -alcohol content (BAC) level
in ONE HOUR of drinking
RAC
.�o
5 2 drinks
•08 13 drinks
oe 4' _..__ v, 4 drinks
- 5 drinks
.oa 3 t ....... Z
.02
.00
Male — 170 lbs. Female — 137 lbs.
1 cti i�ik .� ��ir�u«c:,c>ti �►f�dxl,t��u�►ht�1.
I can of beer
Pnt
all contain an equivah. f
I glass of wine
amount of alcohol I shot of liquor
December 1997
reach .08 BAC. A glass or two
of wine with dinner will not
bring you to an illegal level of in-
toxication. (See chart)
Graduate
t0
Safe
Effective January 1, 1998, the
Secretary of State's office will be
strictly enforcing the "Graduate
to Safety" Graduated Licensing
System. This program is de-
signed to remove young people
from Illinois highways who have
proven themselves to be poor
drivers. The program mandates
further training for inexperienced
drivers and encourages parents to
become more involved in prepar-
ing their teens to drive responsi-
bly.
The Permit Phase
Drivers Age - 15
*Parental consent is necessary
to obtain a permit.
*The student must be enrolled
in an approved driver's education
course and
pass a vision and
knowled
ge test. so
*The driver's permit is now
Page 2 Police Beat
valid for two years and must be
held for a minimum of three
months before a driver's license
is granted.
*All practice driving must be
supervised by a parent or a li-
censed driver, aged 21 or older.
*When a person with a permit
is driving, all occupants of the
vehicle under the age of 18 are
required to wear seat belts.
*The number of passengers in
the vehicle is limited to one per-
son in the front seat and to the
number of working seat belts in
the back seat.
*Driver's permits become in-
valid when the youth is in viola-
tion of State curfew laws. Cur-
few is 11 p.m. 'Sunday - Thurs-
day and midnight on Friday and
Saturday.
*The blood alcohol limit for
drivers under age 21 is .00. The
possession or consumption of
any amount of alcohol is grounds
for a driving under the influence
arrest.
Sanctions
*The traffic court will allow
only one supervision for serious
driving offenses.
*An unlicensed driver, con-
victed of a serious moving viola-
tion, must continue to drive on a
learner's permit for six months
before obtaining a license.
*Youths age 15 and under who
are caught driving. without a per-
mit will be ineligible to obtain a
license until age 18.
Initial Licensing Phase
Drivers Age -16-17
*In addition to the requirements
outlined above, the driver's par-
ent must verify that the youth has
a minimum of 25 hours behind -
the -wheel.
Sanctions
*Only one court supervision is
allowed for serious traffic of-
fenses.
*A conviction on any moving
violation before age 18 generates
a warning letter from the Secre-
tary of State to the parents of the
driver.
*A second conviction of any
moving violation before age 18
results in a minimum one -month
license suspension, with a longer
suspension for subsequent viola-
tions.
Talk At Your Own
Risk
Statistically speaking, talking on
a cellular phone while driving
your car is almost as risky as
driving legally intoxicated, ac-
cording to the New England
Journal of Medicine. Re-
searchers at the University of
Toronto studied 5,980 Canadian
drivers who had been involved in
accidents and found that the use
of a cell phone quadrupled the
risk of a collision.
An unexpected finding was the
use of a hands -free cellular tele-
phone, which is advertised as
safer than its hand-held counter-
parts, appeared to make no dif-
ference in the crash risk. A pos-
sible reason is that motor vehicle
collisions may result from a
driver's loss of concentration
rather than the loss of control
caused by driving one -handed.
L. Patrick Anderson
Chief of Police
Deputy Chief Tom Skrabala
Investigation, Youth and Social
Services
Deputy Chief John Sliozis
Operations Division
Non -emergency
945-8636
Emergency Number
911