Palatine officials: Village remaining true to basics
Palatine officials touted last year’s successes and previewed coming attractions in the annual Palatine Area Chamber of Commerce State of the Village address this week.
At Wednesday’s event at village hall, Mayor Jim Schwantz repeated his mantra that the village does five basic things: police, fire, water, sewer and roads.
“We stay with what we know, and we’re really good at that,” he said.
But Schwantz also talked about economic development.
Construction is underway on a new Shop & Save grocery in the old Whole Foods space in the Park Place shopping center near Rand and Dundee roads. The project is a complete rebuild.
The Wendy’s at 265 N. Northwest Hwy. is also undergoing a rebuild.
He also pointed to the success of the McGrath Arlington Kia dealership at 1400 E. Dundee Road, which has become the second best selling car dealership in the village in its short existence.
Officials guided the audience through past and future accomplishments in the five basic areas.
Public Works Director Matt Barry said the village has invested more than $10 million in its water system, including a $5 million water tower at Harper College that is in the works. The village is also extending more than half a mile of water main to add fire hydrants in areas currently lacking them.
Barry also talked about roads. Last year, the village completed resurfacing Illinois Avenue from Quentin Road to Plum Grove Road. The village also plans to improve Palatine Road from Quentin Road to Smith Street. This will convert it from a two-lane road to a three-lane road with a center turn lane, new curbs, drainage, lighting and a shared-use pedestrian path.
The village is investing more than $1 million into its sewer system, including repairs and replacements, he added.
Village Manager Reid Ottesen said the police department added a third deputy chief position and created a new Community Engagement and Planning Division. The new division will focus on community policing and the deployment of social workers.
Barry also mentioned upgrades to the village’s fire safety equipment, including a new fire rescue squad vehicle, a mobile toolbox that helps with hazmat incidents, vehicle extrications and water rescue. In addition, the village is replacing all of its cardiac monitors.