The owner of a small business in Grant Park is frustrated with the village board over a lack of communication and plans to take down an antique light pole in front of her building.
Christine Wick, owner of Wick’s Bicycle Shop at 203 W. Taylor Street, stopped in during the August 17 board meeting to speak during public comment and inquire about a light pole in front of her shop that she wished to keep, as well as to invite everyone to a community bike ride she was hosting.
Wick learned the light pole would be scrapped after she spoke with a village engineer about a flower planter damaged during construction. He said the village would be out to take down the pole, which brought it to her attention.
Wick said she mentioned it to Mayor Ben Detloff, who advised her she would have known about the pole if she had attended the meetings and noted it was in the reconstruction plans, which she said did not depict changes to that corner.
She felt that, as a business owner in regular communication with the board, and as someone who watches the meetings on YouTube, she would’ve known about it, but that was not the case.
At the last board meeting, Wick pitched saving the light pole, adding a professional sign to help visibility, and added the bike shop would be responsible for painting and maintaining the pole on the easement. A decision was tabled.
The pole is significant because it provides the only light outside of her building, and Wick, a member of the historical society, wants to see the historical post preserved. Her building was built in 1911, and she estimates the pole is from the same era.
Detloff told her the pole would be discussed at the end of the meeting, and Wick stayed.
“Well, it was going to be taken down and disposed of anyways, and I believe the drawings that she has are very nice, and it’s only going to improve her little location. I think we should do it. Let her have the artistic creativity to an extent to keep it,” Trustee Angie Nowak said.
Trustee Gerry Morgan said he was “all for” letting the bike shop keep the pole.
However, the support ended there, and Wick said the opposition felt personal, especially since her business has spent time and money investing in community events, donations, and sponsorships. She added that she has already invested her life savings into the building.
Jason Martin said he was concerned it would set a precedent for others and said “no.” Brian Martin was also opposed.
“If the building changes hands, then it becomes a who owns the pole, what do we do with it? Also, with the sign hanging off of it, I know that we do have truck traffic that goes down that road that might make it a little more difficult as well. So, I’m opposed to it,” Martin said.
Jodi Wackerlin said it was a liability and that it was purchased with taxpayer funds as reasons she opposed it.
Ultimately, the board decided the light pole would be a liability and denied her request. After the decision was rendered, Wick reminded the board her business is the only one on that street and mentioned the bike ride before walking out.
Later that week, Wick launched a campaign to save the light pole, asking the public to email board members, call the village hall, and share an online post urging the board to reconsider.
“The Village of Grant Park has cut off power to our light pole, they’re removing it, scrapping it, and not replacing it. No one from the village contacted us throughout any of this,” an August 22 post read.
“We asked to preserve the antique pole and let us repurpose it as a sign to help prompt our small business,” it continued.
Wick said she attended two village board meetings and presented the plan and rough sketch.
“We were denied by three trustees for dubious reasons. We serve our #smalltownpride with events that are free for residents, donating to every local organization we can, coaching and volunteering. Please help us,” the post concluded.
At the time of publication, the light pole remained, but its future was unknown.
Two Full-Time Vacancies on Grant Park PD
The Grant Park Police Department has two full-time vacancies for overnight shifts. The police department intends to advertise the positions on the Blue Line website.
“Chief and I talked last night about the second vacancy that sort of popped up. So, we are looking for two overnight officers. So, it’s not days, it’s nights, and those seem to be the most hated, but it’s needed,” Law Enforcement Chairperson Angie Nowak said.
The board did not discuss the vacancies further, other than the need to advertise the positions.
Other Grant Park News
The village has hired SKDO accountants to handle its audits moving forward. The board said delays from Lauterbach and Amen were resulting in fines from the Illinois Comptroller’s Office and the IRS because they did not deliver reports on time.
The Village and Yellowhead Township have not yet agreed on snow plowing on 9000 Road because the township was unable to meet due to storm-damage cleanup.
Upcoming Events
Grant Park’s Fall Fest will be approaching and will take place from September 11 through the 13. Friday night will feature a Movie in the Park, sponsored and put on by Wick’s Bicycle Shop.
Saturday’s festivities will take place all day, with family-friendly activities including a bounce house, games, a petting zoo in the park, and more. A live band will play in the evening; food vendors and a bar inside the park building will be open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. A lighted parade will take place at 8 p.m.
Sunday will include a car show, kids’ activities, and a burnout competition at 3 p.m.
A Trunk or Treat will be held at the Grant Park Fire Protection District on October 25 from 4 to 7 p.m.
During public comment, Bob Chesterfield of St. Peters United Church of Christ advised the board they want to improve parking at their facility and do some work on the village-owned alley adjoining it. The board didn’t have a problem with the church taking care of the work and working with the village, but some wanted more advanced notice when the alley would be closed.
In other news, Detloff advised the board he wants the village to co-sponsor the Christmas Day Inc. golf outing for $125. The organization provides free Christmas Day dinners. The board approved the sponsorship.
The village is seeking a new cleaning person for the community center but expects to fill the position soon, as they already have interested candidates.