On February 3 , 24 residents attended the “Coffee with the Mayor and a Trustee” event at Mundelein’s Crossroad’s Restaurant and Bar .   This month , Trustee Daniel Juarez joined Mayor Lentz at the event .  
   Here is a COMMUNITY RECAP of the topics discussed and related dialogue .  
    
   I KNOW THAT MUNDELEIN HAS A MIGRANT ORDINANCE NOW IN PLACE , HOWEVER , HAVE ANY BUSLOADS OF MIGRANTS ARRIVED IN TOWN YET?
   To date , Mundelein has not had any migrants arrive .   The Migrant Ordinance is intended to be a deterrent to dropping migrants at the Metra station and leaving them to fend for themselves .   Other municipalities have reported that the migrants are primarily children , and the drop offs violate child abandonment laws .
   Here is an overview of Mundelein’s Migrant Ordinance:
   Mundelein’s Migrant Ordinance requires chartered bus operators who propose to drop off 10 or more passengers at one time in Mundelein , to file an application with the Office of the Village Administrator . The completed application must include all required information submitted at least five calendar days prior to the date of the proposed disembarking date . Essentially , the Ordinance prohibits unscheduled buses filled with migrants to drop off the people and leave .  
    
   The ordinance also provides effective contingency planning and enhanced first responder preparation and safety , while ensuring migrant passengers are protected from the elements and receive care . If the charter bus companies do not follow Mundelein’s protocols , the bus will be impounded until financial penalties are paid . Bus operators could be fined $10 , 000 for any such stop , plus $750 per passenger .  
    
   The Ordinance can be viewed in its entirety by visiting:
   https://mundeleinvillageil . iqm2 . com/Citizens/Calendar . aspxand view the January 8 , 2024 Agenda Packet .  
   DOES MUNDELEIN HAVE A MASTER PLAN FOR PARKING GIVEN ALL THE CURRENT AND PROPOSED RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT IN THE DOWNTOWN?
   Parking is always an integral part of the discussion for any development project .   Mundelein’s master planning documents address public parking , as well .
   THE NEW COURTLAND COMMONS PARK IS MAKING SIGNIFICANT PROGRESS , AND IT IS STARTING TO TAKE SHAPE .   THE “ROLLER RINK” SHOPPING CENTER LOOKS LIKE IT NEEDS SOME ATTENTION .   IS THERE A PLAN FOR THIS AREA?
   The Village has addressed the Mundelein Shopping Center in several of its plans and documents , including the 2004 Transit - Oriented Downtown Plan , the 2011 Comprehensive Plan , the 2012 Master Redevelopment Implementation Plan ( adjacent planning area ) , the 2012 Zoning Ordinance , and the 2021 Comprehensive Plan .  
   The area has been a focus of much investment that followed the flooding of 2017 , which spurred the Mundelein Mayor and Board to take dramatic action to protect the residents west of Route 45 , the Downtown , and others impacted by the floods .
   The Village has also included the land within the Tax Increment Financing District that was approved in 2016 . TIF does not provide funds for new construction brick and mortar , but it is an excellent opportunity to assist with funds towards rehabilitation , land acquisition , demolition , site preparation , and public utilities .   This could be taken on by present owners wishing to invest in their properties or future owners/developers .  
   Staff continue to advocate the opportunities this site holds .   There are 5 property owners for the 6 parcels of land , excluding the former public works property .   There are several uses permitted by right , and the Village would be open to exploring a rehabilitation or redevelopment project with interested parties .  
   WHAT IS THE NORTH LAKE ENHANCEMENT PROJECT AND DO YOU HAVE AN UPDATE?
   In January 2018 , the Village Board created the North Lake Enhancement Program ( NLEP ) , which is a façade improvement program for 10 select properties on North Lake Street just south of Park Street that have high visibility in Downtown Mundelein . A component of the program also includes the proposed construction of a shared public parking lot over the rear parking areas behind these businesses . Each of the property owners has provided a cross - access easement for the proposed parking lot .
   The goal of the proposed public parking lot is to enhance the Park Street area’s aesthetics , improve parking flow , and create a more welcoming environment for visitors . The alley has high visibility , as it is a backdrop to the Park Street and Seymour Avenue area—a popular gathering space in Mundelein’s expanding Downtown .
   DOES MUNDELEIN HAVE PLANS TO INCREASE THE NUMBER OF ELECTRIC VEHICLES CHARGING STATIONS IN TOWN?
   At present , Mundelein does not have a proactive plan to add electric vehicle charging stations . However , electric vehicle charging stations are part of the discussion for all future developments in town .   Currently , there are two charging stations at the Village Hall , Bill’s Pizza has several charging stations , Jewel Grocery stores and there are others throughout town . Soon , charging stations might be mandated statewide , but this hasn’t happened yet .
   THE BANK TRIANGLE PRESENTATION WAS EXTREMELY INTERESTING , AND THE PROPOSED PLANS LOOK IMPRESSIVE .   WHAT HAPPENS NOW TO MOVE THE PLANS FORWARD?
   The Board of Trustees hired The Hezner Corporation consulting firm for assistance with planning and design concepts for this important development opportunity . During the presentation , the consultants shared their ideas on how to best redevelop or adaptively reuse the site . They communicated what’s possible for this nearly 6 - acre site in the heart of Mundelein’s downtown .   Soliciting input from these planning consultants provided a vision for the area . This greatly minimizes the time it will now take to go from concept to construction .  Now , Mundelein’s Community Development team will market the site to developers who have the capacity to develop/realize the vision .
   Other Notes
   THANK YOU , TRUSTEE JUAREZ
    , for taking care of the Public Works staff by partnering with La Rosita Grocery Store to purchase an appreciation lunch for the team .   That was a class act .
   MUNDELEIN’S DOWNTOWN IS GETTING BUSIER , AND THIS IS JUST GOING TO CONTINUE .   THIS IS GOOD NEWS! THE CHALLENGING NEWS: PARKING! IS IT POSSIBLE TO TALK WITH FAIRHAVEN MEDICAL TO SEE IF THE PARKING LOT CAN BE USED FOR OVERFLOW PARKING?
   This is private property .   The Mundelein businesses that might be interested in utilizing the parking lot are encouraged to speak directly to the property owner .   The Village cannot lead this discussion .
   PRIME REAL ESTATE - IS THERE ANY UPDATE ON THE WEICH’S PROPERTY LOCATED AT THE CORNER OF RTE . 60 AND RTE . 83?
   Mundelein just received word that the property just sold this month , but the Village has no further details other than the property sale .   The actual location of this property is considered “Unincorporated Mundelein . ”
   PARK STREET ENHANCEMENTS…BETTER AND BETTER!I think the improvements that Mundelein has made to Park Street over the years is transforming the downtown .   I propose expanding the entire street to a “Restaurant Row . ”  This is the perfect “TO GO” place in the summer months .   In the winter months , it’s still nice to visit the restaurants are so good and welcoming .   GREAT JOB , MUNDELEIN!
   SCOOTERS COFFEE IS OPENING IN MUNDELEIN!
     We are excited to announce that Scooters coffee is opening on Route 60! Scooters coffee is a drive - thru only coffee shop on the vacant lot between Associated Bank and Culver’s . Scooters , headquartered in Omaha , NE , has been expanding rapidly into Illinois . There are now over 500 franchises across 23 states .
   Here’s a brief background on the company:
    
   In 1998 , Scooter’s Coffee was born . Co - founders Don and Linda Eckles began an amazing journey when they opened their first drive - thru coffeehouse in Bellevue , Nebraska . Their keys to success: find a great location and stay committed to high - quality drinks , speed of service , and a BIG smile . Scooter’s Coffee is fortunate to have over two decades of success due to its commitment to the original business principles and company core values . Amazing People , Amazing Drinks…Amazingly Fast!®
   CHICAGO RAMEN NOW OPEN!
   Japanese Chef and Restaurateur Kenta Ikehata opened his first ramen restaurant in the Midwest several years ago and now Chicago Ramen is open in Mundelein at 404 N . Lake Street . Chef Ikehata was trained at Tsujita in Tokyo , a beloved artisan ramen brand , which was selected one of the best 10 ramen shops in Tokyo by the readers of Japan Times in 2019 .   Mundelein residents are already expressing their excitement for this restaurant .
   “
   So cute! Great broth and quality noodles! The staff was warm , and the overall atmosphere makes for the perfect date spot or casual friend hangout!
   ”
   “
   It was fabulous!  The thicker noodles had the perfect tender and chewy balance , the broth intense , dark , deep and full of vegetables , the pork melted in the mouth , and I loved the lime on the side of my tsukemen – a touch of California , perhaps?  Hats off to Chef Kenta Ikehata!  I’ll be back often
    . ”
   UPDATE ON THE POSSIBILITY OF THE GOLF SIMULATOR BUSINESS OPENING IN THE SPACE OF THE FORMER MUNDELEIN VILLAGE HALL?
   There is still interest in opening this business in the new building on the site of the former Village Hall . No further updates available at this time .  
   IS THERE AN UPDATE ON THE SPACE THAT ONCE HOUSED ROSATI’S PIZZA?
   This prime space is up for lease to interested parties .   Mundelein doesn’t have any further details at this point .
   MUNDELEIN HERITAGE MUSEUM SEEKING DOCENTS
    - The Heritage Museum is operational March - December .   They need two docents . The work schedule is once per month for three hours and the experience is very fulfilling .   Coffee attendees commented that the Museum displays are fresh , interesting , organized , and an asset to the Village . Interested in applying?  Send an email to
   info@mundelein . orgor call the Village Hall .
   MUNDELEIN COMMUNITY CONNECTION JUST LAUNCHED ITS NEW WEBSITE!
    Please take a moment to explore the organization’s website by visiting https://mundeleincommunityconnection . org/ .   Here , you’ll learn more about MCC and the events that they host . These events are the soul of our community! THANK YOU , MCC , FOR ALL THAT YOU DO TO MAKE MUNDELEIN A VIBRANT AND WELCOMING COMMUNITY!
   “A WAY OUT” PROGRAM - LIFESAVING HELP FOR PEOPLE STRUGGLING WITH ADDICTION .
   Please help us to continue to get the word out about a program that can be a lifesaver for those battling addiction . “A Way Out” is a one - of - a kind program that helps people who are addicted to drugs gain quick access to substance abuse programs and services 24 hours a day , 365 days per year at participating police departments across Lake County .   Those seeking help will NOT be criminally charged if they possess narcotics or paraphernalia . The Mundelein PD is a proud participant in this program .   To access help , simply go to the MPD ( or any participating police department in Lake County ) and tell the staff that you want to participate in “A Way Out . ” Law enforcement officers will take it from there and provide help accessing care and services . The program focuses on the core issue - ADDICTION . There is no need to fear arrest or prosecution for seeking help with this program . For far too long , addiction has been stigmatized and dealt with as a criminal issue . Addiction is a public health problem that needs to be addressed as such . The “A Way Out” program’s core mission is to HELP…NOT CRIMINALIZE a public health problem .   It is a groundbreaking program that we are proud with which to be affiliated .
   

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