The folks in Mill Creek are at it again. I swear they’re just like a bunch of hyperactive toddlers. Leave them alone for 10 seconds and they're riding the labradoodle and climbing the fridge.
Last week, it was the unparalleled horror of having to watch their kindergarten progeny, sad faces plastered against those small square school bus windows, being schlepped 5,280 feet to Fabyan Elementary to mitigate a temporary class size issue.
This week, it’s the prospect of a 390 unit apartment building complex in the northwest corner of that Shodeen paradise that sent them over the edge again.
It’s not that I’m not sympathetic. I am. Why, these dire tribulations remind me of a Big Bang Theory episode where, having to cope with low pulp orange juice that wasn’t and a toaster bent on incineration, Sheldon remarked, “This has to be the worst day of my life.”
These non-Genevans are actually starting to make Eagle Brook look good which is a really difficult thing to do. I haven’t heard this much shrieking and whining since Rush Limbaugh got picked up for drug possession.
“The lack of ownership that an apartment complex would bring is very concerning to all of the residents of Mill Creek,” said one Mill Creek resident.
“A rental community of that size and magnitude does not bring any positives to the community that I can see,” said another, “ I believe it’s a shortsighted solution to the economy with complete disregard to the long-term effects it will bring to the area and the residents who live here.”
Others said something like, “The apartments are not in alignment with the rest of the nearby neighborhood.”
Translated from the original Mill Creek-anese, what that really means is, “We know it’s minorities who tend to rent apartments out here and, while we desperately want those folks to be our bus boys, nannies and landscapers, we really don’t want to have to live with them.”
Not only that, but because some folks think everything should be served up to them on a silver platter, when no one knocked on their door to tell them about this, they automatically assumed it was a done deal borne of the of most heinous of conspiracies.
This is exactly why we need newspapers! The next time you see Jonathan Bilyk or Jim Fuller, you might want to give ‘em a hug for breaking the news.
Did Kent Shodeen, a man who’s as politically connected as it gets, do his darndest to slip this thing in under the radar? You bet he did. Did he do anything illegal or underhanded?
Nope!
The current law stipulates you only have to alert adjacent property owners to an impending development and, since Shodeen Management owns the 1,000 feet of green space between the proposed buildings and the nearest Mill Creek home, all they had to do is warn themselves and Richardson Electronics.
So that’s exactly what he did. Not everything in life is an episode of CSI people!
To make matters worse, one Patch reader wondered aloud what ulterior motive could possibly be behind Shodeen Management’s refusal to hand over those plans which only proves that most people would prefer to spend hours nattering about nefarious plots than take two minutes to call eminently reachable county board member Drew Frasz — which is exactly what I did.
Drew told me the county has already approved 70 townhomes and 210,000 square feet of retail on the parcel located in the northwest corner of the subdivision on Keslinger Road. With the roads already in place, Shodeen could break ground on that project tomorrow.
But they don’t want to do that because, due to our shifting economic environment, evidence suggests that country-based PUDs (Planned Unit Developments) cannot support that kind of hefty commercial enterprise.
“That’s Wal-Mart space and that much retail scares me,” Frasz said, “You really need to put it at a major intersection for it to succeed.”
Ah! But because of the flood of foreclosures and the fact that most homebuyers can’t get a mortgage without submitting one of their children as collateral, the demand for high-end rental units is at unprecedented levels. The parcel in question is also just a stone’s throw from the LaFox Metra station.
So now you can see why Kent Shodeen is rich and you’re not.
But as far as it being a done deal? It ain’t.
As Drew also explained, “When no one from Mill Creek came to the Development Committee or Regional Planning meeting, with 1,000 feet of green space as a buffer, we thought nobody was concerned and voted to move the plan along.”
Once the red flag went up, Frasz asked for the item to be pulled from the Executive Committee agenda and recommended that Shodeen hold a public forum in which Mill Creek residents could have their say.
That meeting will be tonight, July 9, at 7 p.m. in the Mill Creek clubhouse.
Of course, when some Mill Creekers discovered the school board meets at exactly the same time, they immediately started shouting the word “conspiracy” again. Here’s a thought, send your husband to one of them while you attend the other.
Drew also noted this scenario illustrated the need to update the current county notification ordinance. So they’re doing just that. The reworked statute will require a development notice be sent to all property owners within a certain radius as well as public signage.
It’s already on next week’s Development Committee meeting which, of course, none of you will attend. As far as the apartments themselves, nothing moves forward until it’s approved by the full county board.
“Shodeen has a great history of managing properties,” Frasz said, “It (the open space) won’t stay a cornfield and it won’t be a park. You have do decide what you really want to go in there”
Frasz finished with this insight, “By and large, there are a lot of really reasonable people in Mill Creek. Like we did in LaFox, they need to work with Shodeen to come up with something that’s palatable to everyone.”
Apparently Frasz has a much higher opinion of Mill Creekers than I do. Considering their recent track record, I’m actually starting to feel sorry for Kent Shodeen. And that’s something I never thought I’d say.
Susan
7:22 am on Monday, July 9, 2012
What exactly is your major malfunction with Mill Creek residents? How lonely can your life be when every "blog" you post is about Mill Creek residents and how they have the audacity to be concerned for their children's education and their property value? I'll tell you what, how about we send Shodeen to your area to build this apartment community? You seem to be pro Shodeen, so let him build his sub-par apartments in your neighborhood. Oh, but let me guess, not in YOUR neighborhood, right?! How exactly does Mr. Frasz believe that Shodeen has a good track record for managing properties? We have the apartment/business building in our neighborhood. Of the roughly 5-7 rental spaces, there are 3 business, and it doesn't appear that all of the apartments are rented. Across the street from the "Town Square" you'll find a huge apartment complex, over half are not rented. So where exactly does the "good track record" come in to play? Not to mention the same concept that was built downtown near the train station. How many business are settled in there? How many of those apartments are rented? Lets make those apartments avail. for the "nanny's, and landscapers". But no, not in downtown, right? I'll tell you what, how about you buy a home close to the proposed apartment complex, and please make sure you "blog" about your how low your property value goes. Your Mill Creek rants just come across as sad and pathetic.
Jeff Ward
8:22 am on Monday, July 9, 2012
Susan,
You have to read all my columns to get the full effect. Considering some of his more interesting peccadilloes, I've had some real fun with Mr. Shodeen. In fact, this is the first time I've ever said anything positive about him.
Number 2! I grew up in Evanston right across the street from a couple hundred apartments and it did not affect our lifestyle nor did it crash the property values. And in Mill Creek we're talking 1,000 feet of space between the two.
Those apartments, if approved will have no effect on home values.
As far as the good track record, I was quoting Drew Frasz.
Jeff
Susan
9:25 am on Monday, July 9, 2012
So, let me get this straight. As long as Shodeen and his sham of a business is messing with downtown Geneva, then you are against him. But, let him put another sham of a business in Mill Creek, and he is your hero, as long as you get another chance to bash Mill Creek and all who reside here. Glad to see your pettiness is contained to Mill Creek and the rest of the town is spared.
James
8:00 am on Monday, July 9, 2012
All the apartments in downtown mill creek are rented and a 2 bedroom goes for $1400. Add 390 more units and the market is over saturated which will force that price to tumble and the quality of tenets to fall as well.
The fact is Shodeen has a track record of being slum lords. Look at weasel courts, Covington courts and brittney courts.... All dumps with a average rating of 2.3 out of five stars according to rateapartments.com. That's a failing grade in my book. Read the reviews on that site and then and see how miserable Shodeen management has failed. read about how crime ridden there complexes are and how many kids really live in those huge developements. Because it isn't 3 out of every 100. The fact is no one at Shodeen thinks about the long term effects there garbage has on our community.
Jeff
8:02 am on Monday, July 9, 2012
Translated from the original Mill Creek-anese, what that really means is, “We know it’s minorities who tend to rent apartments out here and, while we desperately want those folks to be our bus boys, nannies and landscapers, we really don’t want to have to live with them.” - Really? Anyone who doesn't want 390 apartments added to a nice housing area is essentially racist? The Patch should be ashamed to allow something like this on their site. It's completely unprofessional.
Tim
9:51 am on Monday, July 9, 2012
I absolutely agree that the Patch should be ashamed of this. Jeff W., essentially calling an entire community rascists? Was that supposed to be an attempt at humor? If so, it's not funny at all. You, as the "translator", make yourself look so much worse for writing that paragraph. You really went too far this time. You owe everyone on here and all of Mill Creek an apology.
James
8:07 am on Monday, July 9, 2012
@jeff its obvious your sucking up to Shodeen in hopes of getting in good so you can get some donations from them when you run for office. It works for mayor burns, just watch the video of him on shodeens website.
Jeff Ward
8:24 am on Monday, July 9, 2012
James,
Have you read my past work? I've chided Kent Shodeen for many things including firing his own daughter.
Not only that, but Kent Hedges his bets by giving money to everyone who runs.
Jeff
ken loebel
9:04 am on Monday, July 9, 2012
We in Mill Creek just want to make sure that the Flamingo parties continue... we could care less about the issues you bring up and try to put on our shoulders... wherever the pink flamingos are- that is where the party is for the night - possibly the week... we have fun in Mill Creek.
Chris
9:05 am on Monday, July 9, 2012
My address says Geneva....I pay taxes to Geneva...How then am I considered a Non-Genevan in your eyes????
Jeff Ward
9:14 am on Monday, July 9, 2012
Chris,
Mill Creek may say Geneva, but it's unincorporated. One of Mayor Burns favorite things is when Mill Creekers threaten to vote him out of office and they find out they can't!
Jeff
JE
4:46 pm on Monday, July 9, 2012
If you live in a development that was cornfield prior to 1985, you are a not a Genevan. Also, if you tore down a house in Geneva and replaced it with a large, ugly monstrosity, you are not a Genevan.
ken loebel
9:06 am on Monday, July 9, 2012
Besides - wherever the flamingos are put - that is the place that needs to host - we may just stick them in the apartment complex and let them host the party for awhile - we are a hospitable group, you know.
ken loebel
9:10 am on Monday, July 9, 2012
Chris - if you cheer against Batavia and St. Charles, you are Genevan.
Chris
9:12 am on Monday, July 9, 2012
I agree....oh, by the way...my tax dollars go to pay for all of the Geneva schools.....a Non-Genevan??? Really Jeff???
Don
9:30 am on Monday, July 9, 2012
You write: "Those apartments, if approved will have no effect on home values."
Pure BS Jeff. How can the addition of close to 400 families not decrease property values ? Increasing population density in what has been traditionally a single family home dominated development is not good for the community. What will the impact of bringing in large numbers of families without the ties to the community of property ownership do to the quality of the schools ? What about crime ? We have no police protection - the Kane County Sheriff can barely police what they have today. Adding 390 rental units is going to help that in what way ? Our water system is creaking - what is the addition of 390 apartments going to do for that situation ? Where will they go to school ? Mill Creek Elementary is one of the top rated schools in the state. What happens when half the kids are from what is by definition a more mobile demographic (renters) who typically don't get invested in the school district because they don't stay in the district as long?
At least you're able to stereotype us all with one of the most unprofessional columns I've ever read.
Jeff Ward
9:45 am on Monday, July 9, 2012
Don,
One question at a time!
1. They won't decrease Mill Creek property values because, again, they will be more than three football fields from the nearest house. You've already go that other complex and it's had no effect.
2. The people that rent high end apartments tend to not have kids or their children are already in college. And they're already talking about redoing the boundaries anyway.
3. As for police protection, that would be the perfect thing to bring up when (and if) it goes to the county board. The Sheriff is already short deputies now so perhaps part of the approval process would be the hiring of new officers.
Again, these are high end apartments. I don't think crime will be much of a problem.
4. Water. Encourage the county board to make infrastructure improvements part of the deal. You can actually come out of this thing with everything you want!
5. Just one of the most unprofessional columns? I was going for number 1!
Jeff
Chris
10:08 am on Monday, July 9, 2012
Sorry....but having 14 buildings go up in this small location will most definately make property values go down...
HIgh end...The price we were given was $1250 for the apartments....not so high end.
Going for #1?? How about admitting you put your foot in your mouth and stop trying to laugh it off....
ken loebel
10:03 am on Monday, July 9, 2012
2 Points:
I don't think it is fair to slam an American self made entrepreneur who succeeded. In fact, rather than be mad, I would love to learn from Kent. It is an amazing success story.
2. If you are concerned about losing property values, then drop your bank if you use any of the banks that abused credit default swaps, illegally packaged mortgages and resold them without properly registering them with the County Recorder of Deeds, and used bailout funds in any manner whatsoever - they decimated property values more than any entrepreneur.
If I had the money, I would build multi-family units too- it is where the market demand is, and much of it is from white collar workers, single family workers, and people who do not fit the racial profile portrayed by this column.
You can slam success all you want - but it bothers me when a self made entrepreneur gets slammed by the people who bought into the development that he created. It is an amazing success story - one that is achieved by recognizing opportunity and seizing it when the moment is ripe. Nobody is being screwed - property values have fallen more due to bank frauds than multi-family housing units being built. If you want to complain, leave your bank and move your money to the banks that lent repsonsibily.
Susan
10:22 am on Monday, July 9, 2012
It's a bit difficult to take anything Ken has to say seriously if read the previous posts made by him on this subject. As for "buying into the community", when one moves here from out of state, and becomes the 3rd owner of a house here, they are not warned by their realtor that the homes are poorly built. When we remodeled our master bath, which had to be done because the shower was leaking, there was no insulation behind the tub, which was on an OUTSIDE wall! REALLY?! When we had to replace our back door because the wood was rotting away on the outside, there was NO INSULATION! Around a door, REALLY? So honestly, you can take your "self made entrepreneur" stuff and shove it our one of Shodeen's windows, which, by the way, you won't have to open because they DON'T CLOSE ALL THE WAY!!!!
Chris
10:23 am on Monday, July 9, 2012
You're right that we "bought into the development that he created"....we were sold the original plan by shodeen when we picked our lots....now he's trying to change the approved plan?? Not so fast...even the Board said that this was a very underhanded way to stick it to the residents...
Jeff Ward
10:52 am on Monday, July 9, 2012
Dear Esteemed Mill Creekers,
The main point of this column is, by mirroring your behavior, to get you all to see that if you let go of your current case of conniptions, you can easily win this one. But as long as you keep shouting conspiracy, attack Kent Shodeen, and act like a bunch of entitled brats, that ain't gonna happen.
Local boards tend to fall behind the folks that appear to be the sanest. And you all have a long way to go in that regard. Be ready to come up with some sort of compromise.
Go to the meeting tonight armed with the facts. Then do the same thing at the appropriate county board meeting. Argue this on it's county-wide merits (or lack thereof) and not on how this will affect you. The county board doesn't care about your property values.
The water issue is a good one. The school issue is another. The level of potential traffic in a rural setting is another. Shodeen's track record, though suspect, is a dangerous place to go.
This thing is so far from done it isn't funny. Have any of you thought of the possibility that Shodeen is asking for 390 apartments in effort to get 180? Be as smart at the political game as he is.
He has money and you have numbers. Use your advantage wisely!
Jeff
Chris
11:29 am on Monday, July 9, 2012
Oh...He wants 180 instead of 390??? So now you're shouting conspiracy too....
Well done Jeff!
Jeff Ward
11:33 am on Monday, July 9, 2012
Chris,
No, no, no! That's not a conspiracy. It's playing the game that President Obama still hasn't quite caught on to. Always ask for more than you want in hopes of getting what you want.
That's politics 101.
Imagine if he'd asked for 200 to begin with. There would be the exact same hue and cry. But now if he comes back with that 200 number, mill creekers will go, "Phew! We dodged that bullet!"
This isn't rocket science. Stay calm and play the game.
Jeff
Sandy Olsen
11:18 am on Monday, July 9, 2012
Wow. I'm a Mill Creeker and have been for the past 13 years. I have not chimed in about the apartment situation, though I too have my concerns like many of my neighbors, but I am highly offended by your comments that make it sound as though we are racists and non-Genevans. As a journelist, as much as you have the right to state your thoughts, I think it is highly irresonsible of you to share your obvoiusly slanted personal opinions. Shame on you.
Jeff Ward
11:22 am on Monday, July 9, 2012
Sandy,
I'm an opinion columnist? Who's opinions am I supposed to share if not my own?
And when some (not all) mill creekers make arguments like "not taking ownership in a rental unit" and "what about the crime" we know what that really means.
Jeff
Chris
11:27 am on Monday, July 9, 2012
Sandy...Please come to the meeting tonight at 7pm at the Mill Creek Golf Club.
Sandy Olsen
2:47 pm on Monday, July 9, 2012
Jeff, I'm sorry but I feel there is a difference between sharing your opinion responsibly and insulting an entire group of good people. You can defend it all you want in the name of your job but I am highly offended, whether you like it or not. Your comments insinuating racism was so out line, it is appalling, not responsible journalism for a columnist or otherwise. Chris, I will definately try to make it.
ken loebel
11:45 am on Monday, July 9, 2012
I'll be the first and loudest to complain when I feel I have been wronged- but I will also speak positively for businesses that have treated me fairly.
I can't attest to other's home issues, but with regards to any issues we have had, the builder/developers have taken care of everything in a very satisfactory manner, and I appreciate that.
My experience has been very good and I don't mind expressing it so readers can get a full perspective to make informed decisions. The community is great, the course is good (except for 9th or 18th hole), the convenience store and cleaner locations are convenient, and typical issues found in new developments hacve been managed appropriately per any agreements in place. There's a convenient school, nice bike paths, and a sense of community. Not bad for an old corn field.
J.O.
1:26 pm on Monday, July 9, 2012
Adding 400 apartments is a ridiculous amount. Shodeen obviously only wants about half of those. Just like Jeff really doesn't mean that about all MC'ers - he just says it to get a rise out of people. Jeff and Kent are a lot alike!
But we've already got one school bussing kids out of the community because of space issues. This isn't going to *help* that. Add to that that, Shodeen still has 100+ lots to fill in Tanna - and where are all these kids going to go to school? This, "well most of the people won't have kids" rationale is laughable. Who is going to choose to live there? Retirees who don't wan to live in assisted living but want to be within walking distance of Richardson Electronics? (also laughable is how 400 apts at the only entrance aren't going to effect home values)
Oh - and where are the additionial 700 cars going to go - they won't cause more traffic....since y'know - just like Greenfields - there isn't a separate entrance.
This again is people were told one thing, then are thrown a curveball. Does life happen? Of course - but Shodeen can change the plans for their own well being while the suckers who bought there are left holding the bag.
J.O.
1:34 pm on Monday, July 9, 2012
"And when some (not all) mill creekers make arguments like "not taking ownership in a rental unit" and "what about the crime" we know what that really means."
Those are legitimate issues in any community. If you dare bring them up, you are automatically tagged a racist?
Jeff Ward
1:38 pm on Monday, July 9, 2012
J. O.
They are not legitimate issues when it comes to high end apartments. I've lived in them and adjacent to them for the majority of my life and there was no less ownership and no more crime.
Jeff
J.O.
1:49 pm on Monday, July 9, 2012
When you go from 70 homes to 400, by definition there is less ownership and more crime - and way more traffic. I'm not sure what demand there is for a high end apartment in the middle of nowhere, but that's just me. It would make more sense in that urban and urbane metropolis, "Downtown Geneva" where high end renters can walk to shops and restaurants and spend their gobs of money. TF Boonies isn't close enough to count. Shodeen should just make Dodson Place into like a 20 story building and make it all high end apartments, its a win-win. Plus I just completed a study where there wouldn't be any more traffic.
Jeff
3:09 pm on Monday, July 9, 2012
We had a family rent a house across the street for double the "high-end" price, and the property looked awful for the next 12 months along with their kids causing problems and vandalizing property along the street. Thus my concern. Also, it wasn't a minority family, so your veiled "you know what that means" comments are out of line. I'm sure it's more convenient in your snarky world-view to label all Mill-Creek homeowners as hysterical and racist, but the reality is that we have legitimate concerns.
Jeff Ward
3:30 pm on Monday, July 9, 2012
Jeff,
That only proves you can get idiots at any price and they come in all colors - my point! We have the same kind of crap in our neighborhood where there are absolutely no rental properties.
And I do think you have legitimate concerns, but I've only heard 1 or 2 of you actually voice them. I know it's hard to believe, but in between having fun with Mill Creekers (which is always a worthwhile endeavor) I'm telling you exactly what you need to do to fight city hall.
Go in like a raving bunch of lunatics with only "me, me, me" arguments making many of the arguments I've already heard and it's gonna be an uphill battle. Be calm, collected and factual and you've already won.
Jeff
Jeff Ward
3:41 pm on Monday, July 9, 2012
Mill Creekers,
Another thing that few folks understand is the concept of keeping your powder dry. That ridiculous reaction to the prospect of some of children being shipped to Fabyan School has not helped your cause here.
Now that there's something that really could be a cause of a concern, some county board members and fellow citizens will simply label you as "those crazy Mill Creek folks who are against absolutely everything."
And then they summarily dismiss you.
You have to pick your battles even in anticipation of a battle that no one knows is coming. If you fight everything, you'll end up losing them all.
Jeff
wwels
3:56 pm on Monday, July 9, 2012
The other thing that few folks understand is that Jeff's whole shtick is to get clicks and comments. Easiest way to do that is take the unpopular side of a controversial topic, throw in a few insults alluding to racism and watch the comments pile up.
We take the bait every time, haha.
Jeff Ward
4:14 pm on Monday, July 9, 2012
Now, now! I don't write anything that I don't believe. And it isn't an insult if it's true.
That said, I always appreciate reader comments.
Jeff
Peter D
12:56 pm on Tuesday, July 10, 2012
Can't we all be friends? I live in Geneva and reside in Eagle brook. I have lived here since 1971 and moved to the Eagle brook subdivision in 1995. I am the original owner of my home...I also own a business which is located in Geneva and have 53 employees most of which reside in Geneva... I am considered a "non-Genevan" because I live in Eagle Brook ?
ken loebel
8:21 pm on Tuesday, July 10, 2012
Old Snooties who like to feel important dislike youthful west-siders. Old Geneva vs. New Geneva. I think it angers some that their corn fields where fire flies used to migrate were converted into swimming pools, golf courses, and homes. Whatcha gonna do?
Matilda B
3:13 pm on Wednesday, July 11, 2012
I thought Eaglebrook was within the City limits? Don't you have an alderman?
Jeff Ward
3:24 pm on Wednesday, July 11, 2012
Matilda,
Eaglebook is indeed in Geneva. Though it's not part of Mill Creek, they too think they're a step above the rest of Geneva.
Jeff
Phyllis Zboril
9:14 am on Wednesday, July 11, 2012
Jeff, If this many Mill Creek residents are horrified at the idea of living near a large apartment complex, then what makes you think that prospective Mill Creek home buyers won't feel the same way? Property values definitely will decline if homes become difficult to sell. As I'm sure you are aware, Geneva (and Mill Creek in particular) tends to attract like-minded people with vastly different values than those who are attracted to cities like Evanston, so I think your comparison has little merit. Obviously, diversity is not what attracts people to Mill Creek. In fact, I believe the lack of such diversity is what appeals to those who chose to live in Mill Creek, and Geneva in general. And from reading the above comments, it's become clear that socioeconomic diversity is what they fear the most. This is what will drive potential home buyers away from Mill Creek, and cause current residents to throw up the "For Sale" signs. Declining property values will thus be a self-fulfilling prophecy that Mill Creek home owners can only blame themselves for.
J.O.
9:38 am on Wednesday, July 11, 2012
As a MC resident - I wish MC was more diverse.
However, what is the need for a 400 apt complex at Friendship and Keslinger?
Shodeen already has approval to build 100-200 apartments near the MC market. It has already been approved, already been planned for. Right now, there is no need to build an additional 400 units next to Richardson Electronics. If the demand is so high inthe "town center" of MC - why not build those apts you already can, see if you can fill those up, and if there is still greater demand, then see if you can rezone. Heck, you may have teh need for commercial space at that time.
How does adding 800 people and 500-600 cars in that one spot benefit the community? (Shodeen argued that people who would live in these apartments (1) would have few children to add to the crowding schools and (2) would *walk* to the LaFox train station. Apparently, they are expecting only transient bachelors with no cars to pay luxury rental prices in the middle of nowhere in order to hoof it over to the train station. The amount of people who will walk to the LAFox train station will be roughly the same as the number of people who currently ride their unicycle to the train station.
Plus, all the people who bought in Tanna (up to 6 months ago) were told that the area in question was zoned for commercial. Times change, but changing 75 "work live" spaces into 400 apts is major change, and a bit of a bait and switch on Shodeen's part.
Jeff Ward
9:56 am on Wednesday, July 11, 2012
Phylis,
That's a great comment as you spoke the truth a bit more subtly that I did.
But where I will disagree is despite that different Evanston attitudes, the folks in my neighborhood barely noticed those apartments. And there were hundreds of units just south of our house.
People, even Mill Creekers, will eventually get used to it and there will always be people willing to live there.
Personally, I'd like to see Mill Creek secede from the the U.S. and form their own country. I'd pay good money to see that.
Jeff
Katie Rose
9:49 am on Wednesday, July 11, 2012
I am 17 years old and I have lived in Mill Creek for 15 years. I normally don't care about what goes on in our town or on this website, but I need a hobby so I decided Geneva news and politics would be entertaining. This is the first article I've read and I'm already disgusted. I have not read any of your other articles but after this one I'm sure the rest are all just as unpleasant and obnoxious. I learned more from the comments left by others than what your article stated. I think you should spend more of your time obtaining facts and information instead of saying pointless and snarky remarks that are not entirely valid. You think because I grew up in Mill Creek I'm not part of the town? You're wrong. We still pay taxes, work, and go to school here. I have probably done more for this town than you have so again you should really get better facts and stay away from such unimportant slander. And as you said in a previous comment it isn't an insult if it's true. So I'm sure you will not be offended by my helpful tips. (:
Jeff Ward
10:01 am on Wednesday, July 11, 2012
Katie,
You really need to get out of Mill Creek more!
All I meant by that line is, despite what most Mill Creekers think, not a single one of them reside within the boundaries of the City of Geneva.
You do not pay taxes to the city of Geneva. The Geneva Police will not respond to a Mill Creek Call. You do not have a Geneva Alderman. You cannot vote for a Geneva Mayor. You are not in Geneva Township.
Yes you attend Geneva schools, but that's because D304 goes beyond the boundaries of Geneva.
You may mentally be a part of Geneva, but you're not a Genevan. It's a simple statement of fact and some might say it's a point in your favor.
Jeff
Katie Rose
10:24 am on Wednesday, July 11, 2012
Again you should focus more on the information. Residents of Mill Creek pay taxes for Geneva schools, the library, and the park district. Also, I am aware that I cannot vote. I am underage. However, when I turn 18 I will be sure to vote republican. I personally think you have Mill Creek envy.
Jeff Ward
10:32 am on Wednesday, July 11, 2012
Katie, Katie, Katie,
Please note that I said you pay no taxes "to the City of Geneva." The schools, libraries, and parks are always their own entities and, especially out here in the boonies, their boundaries tend to range far afield.
And my point wasn't that you couldn't vote (thank God!), it was that, as long as you live in Mill Creek, you will never be able to vote for a Geneva alderman or mayor.
Again, one of Mayor Burns favorite things is when one of you geography addled mill creekers threaten to vote him out of office. His somewhat less snarky response is always something along the lines of, "good luck with that!"
Jeff
Chris
10:28 am on Wednesday, July 11, 2012
AMEN!!!! FINISH BUILDING THE "PLANNED" UNITS IN THE VILLAGE CENTER BEFORE YOU START ANOTHER PROJECT!!!
Why the big rush to start another project when the Village Center in Mill Creek has gone unfinished for years??? Finish what is planned 1st then go on from there....
Chris
10:49 am on Wednesday, July 11, 2012
Jeff...
Were you at the meeting in Mill Creek on Monday???
Jeff Ward
10:52 am on Wednesday, July 11, 2012
Chris,
No! I value my life.
I did get the full rundown from Drew Frasz and some of the reporters that were.
Jeff
J.O.
1:44 pm on Wednesday, July 11, 2012
If Mill Creek isn't in Geneva - why are you expressing an opinion on it? This is the Geneva Patch - not the Blackberry Township Patch.
Chris
4:08 pm on Wednesday, July 11, 2012
Jeff...you are such a tool...I don't blame you for hiding your face in Mill Creek. I've never seen someone throw an entire community under the bus simply because of where they live. You have a record of showing your true racism.
Jeff Ward
4:26 pm on Wednesday, July 11, 2012
Chris,
If I could literally throw them under the school bus, I would!
And you've finally ferreted it out! I'm biased against white folks!
Jeff
peter D
6:25 pm on Wednesday, July 11, 2012
Jeff,
Evanston is a terrible place to live and grow up.....The people who come from that city are all dirt bags..... Ooops did I just stereotype everyone that lived in Evanston? I sound like you Jeff. You make Archie Bunker look like a boy scout...
Jeff Ward
6:32 pm on Wednesday, July 11, 2012
Peter,
No! You have that wrong. Archie Bunker would want to live in Mill Creek!
Jeff
angela
7:24 am on Thursday, July 12, 2012
Hey Jeff why so bitter? We here in Mill Creek purchased these homes and have every right to have a say in what multi-purpose properties.; whether apartments or commercial business is built in our neighborhood. We personally had our kids living in Humbolt Park in downtown Chicago before we came out here. We are not racist and we welcome diversity. We just want to raise our kids in a safe place. Pretty simple. It isn't a race thing..... it is a business transaction that could have certain resale consequences for us in the future. BUSINESS. You are a ignorant jerk. I love the class warfare tone. Very positive! You don't know all the people that live in Mill Creek and you have no place to judge.
Jeff Ward
8:00 am on Thursday, July 12, 2012
Angela,
Why don't you say what you really feel about me next time?
It's in the words that Mill Creekers resort to. Instead of using rational arguments against the apartments like water infrastructure and traffic issues, they employ terms like, "not taking ownership," "more crime," and "low income."
And we all know what that really means.
And I keep trying to tell you folks that I'm an opinion columnist who gets paid to pass judgment!
Jeff
John Doe
3:03 pm on Thursday, July 12, 2012
The tone of this discussion is disturbing.
Mr. Ward,
I agree that the path to success is being rational.
Mill Creekers, I agree the apartments are a bad idea. Your school is already near capacity, you do NOT have a local police department, and something like this does not belong on a rural road, however; "you know what that brings..." is a lame argument.
Mr Ward, I do not understand why you are taking liberties for entertainment and not helpfulness. I also do not understand the connection to Eagle Brook. I live in neither, but if you are cleverly accusing Mill Creekers and those in Eagle Brook for snobbery, It appears to me you are doing the same. Prejudices go up and down the food chain, you know.
Jeff Ward
4:47 pm on Thursday, July 12, 2012
John,
Perhaps a suggestion to lighten up might not be a bad idea.
The only reason I mentioned Eagle Brook is because of Ken L's whimsical posts. Well, that and they have an entitlement mentality as big as Montana.
Sometimes, mirroring behavior is the best way to make a point!
Jeff
Kimberly Kozar
3:21 pm on Thursday, July 12, 2012
So, how did the meeting go - from the residents perspective? You all know I've been involved in communication within the Mill Creek community for many years and I will go on record for saying from the very first issue of the Mill Creek Messenger, organized communication is key! I encourage the same in my work place and my family. You guys have to get it together, Jeff has given you some valuable insight as to how you can methodically and reasonably make your voice heard. Just like most communities, there are many amazing, talented, and wise business oriented as well as creative minds in Mill Creek. Put it to good use, get organized and you will find you have a very powerful influence on policy and decisions within your community. You have the ability to smooth out the many bumps you have yet to face in the roads of Mill Creek's future. The first thing I'd do, is get Ken Loebel to run as Mill Creek Mayor!
Jeff Ward
4:49 pm on Thursday, July 12, 2012
Kim,
You've caught on to the really ironic thing here. Though I'm giving these folks the keys to the fighting city hall kingdom, they'd rather focus on me and my liberal (pun intended) use of hyperbole.
Killing the messenger is always so much more fun than looking in the mirror.
Even though I can't vote in Mill Creek, in the true and traditional Chicago style, I'll be voting for him at least four times!
Jeff
ken loebel
3:36 pm on Thursday, July 12, 2012
If we are only a measley commonwealth then could the title be Super Mayor?
Kimberly Kozar
4:41 pm on Thursday, July 12, 2012
I suppose the next thing you'll ask for is a cape!
Jeff Ward
4:50 pm on Thursday, July 12, 2012
Ken,
Should my long-suffering editor assent, my next column will encourage Mill Creek to secede from the union. So, forget about mayor, I'll personally nominate you for king of Millcreekia!
Jeff
Paul ruby
6:48 am on Tuesday, July 17, 2012
Ken,
You have my vote.
Brian Schneden
4:26 pm on Thursday, July 12, 2012
Jeff,
Methinks thy paint brush is too large.
Jeff Ward
4:51 pm on Thursday, July 12, 2012
Brian,
Sadly, when it comes to Mill Creek - and Geneva in general - it's not nearly large enough!
Jeff
Sandy Kaczmarski
7:24 pm on Thursday, July 12, 2012
The last comment was deleted because of profanity. Unnecessary. C'mon folks, let's be civil.
Peter D
8:20 pm on Thursday, July 12, 2012
Jeff,
I wonder what neighborhood Jeff lives in and what year the home was built..... It would be funny if he lived in one Mr. Schodeen's original Geneva developments. Jeff care to answer or are you afraid of pitch forks and torches rushing to your front door?
Jeff Ward
8:33 pm on Thursday, July 12, 2012
Peter,
No problem! My first Geneva house was built by Joe Keim in Pepper Valley and I regret moving out of it. It was and probably will be the best constructed house I'll ever live in.
The second Geneva house was built by Kimball Hill who were such complete morons they went out of business. I would prefer a Shodeen house to anything Kimball Hill has ever built - but that's not setting the bar too high.
Jeff
dave
6:10 pm on Saturday, July 14, 2012
Jeff the last time I entered Mill Creek I miss the sign that proclaimed only like minded white Republicans are allowed past is point. The sign went on the say the only exceptions being allowed are if you are here to mow someones grass, clean a pool, collect the garbage, deliver the Geneva Republican, drop off our school children or here clean one of the many mansions.
You may think that this is to much to put on one sign, maybe overkill. Lets get succinct.
NO DEMOCRATS ALLOWED!!!
ken loebel
8:57 am on Sunday, July 15, 2012
For the 75% of the population that believes the old 2 party system is corrupted, ourdated, and rigged... independents THRIVE in Mill Creek...just need to be careful about the left and right extremists!
ken loebel
9:10 am on Tuesday, July 17, 2012
Super Mayor declares today is Mill Creek Tuesday! Celebrate safely and keep cool! Let'all do a Mill Creek Rain Dance...in Mill Creek style!
ken loebel
9:52 pm on Thursday, July 19, 2012
Rain dance worked - now let's do a property tax reduction dance!