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Health & Fitness

Elmhurst Weekly: Promoting Sensible Economic Development

Elmhurst Weekly: Mayoral Candidate Mark Mulliner's Views on Issues Important to Elmhurst Taxpayers

There are efficient and inefficient ways to promote economic development.  Sometimes you have to spend taxpayer money to generate interest in a plan.  But also, sometimes it’s just old-fashioned diligence, like an idea or a lead, that can produce cost effective results. This is the vision I will bring as your mayor.

A few years ago, I read about the story of the rapidly growing Chick-fil-A franchise. A fast food establishment based on serving healthy chicken, I believed that Chick-fil-A’s business model might thrive in a location like the corner of Route 83 and St. Charles Road. As a result, I brought this idea to the city’s Economic Development personnel. Once the city staff got wind of their expansion plans, they contacted Chick-fil-A, and began the process of bringing them to Elmhurst.  Because their business model required a drive-through, they needed a conditional use permit under our zoning code. And there were also other merchants in that area that had to consent to their plans.  

As announced at the recent State of the City address, the zoning and approval process is now sufficiently far enough along that our acting mayor was quoted as saying that Chick fil A “would be setting up shop” at Route 83 and St. Charles Road. In fact, the Zoning and Planning Commission just unanimously approved their conditional use application on Thursday, March 14. Next the matter will go to the city’s Development, Planning and Zoning Committee, and then to the full council for approval. 

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This paves the way for a new retail establishment that will generate thousands of dollars in sales tax revenues. However, one of the best parts about this story is that the city did not have to shower the franchise with economic payments to lure them to a profitable destination.  

As the longest serving alderman on the City Council, I view this as a great example of how the city manager form of government should work. Regardless of whose idea it was, our Economic Development personnel took a simple lead, did their homework, and turned it into a development initiative that is a win-win for Elmhurst taxpayers. No taxpayer money was spent to lure them to an Elmhurst location. And, the free market will decide how much sales tax revenue is generated. 

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We have dedicated professionals here in Elmhurst; their insight on what’s good for Elmhurst is something I value. There are times when the opinion of an outside consultant is needed, but there are also common sense ways that we can promote Elmhurst without giving away the store. As your mayor, this is the type of leadership I will provide.  

www.mulliner4mayor.com

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