Homeland developer update

From: ccfcookcounty@yahoogroups.com
[mailto:ccfcookcounty@yahoogroups.com]
On Behalf Of ccfcookcounty
Sent: Monday, August 28, 2006 7:09 PM
To: ccfcookcounty@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [Concerned Citizens For Cook County] GSA Developer Site Visit
Update

A quick update on the proposed Homeland Security Building project.

Ten ccfcc met this morning with the intention of witnessing the
GSA's site visit to the Business Park. The group was adorned with
hats and t-shirts that read: "Rational Security: Keeping the Home
Soil Friendly". Also in attendance were Jay Anderson of the Cook
County News Herald, Mike Littvin, EDA Board Member, and Jim Johnson,
County Commissioner. EDA Director Matt Geretschlaeger arrived,
addressed the gathering and answered several questions from the
group. No significant new information was acquired during the Q&A
session but he did stress that there is required to be a public
hearing before any property sale within the Business Park. At 9:15
two SUV's arrived and MG quickly excused himself. It is unclear what
words were exchanged but rather than complete the site visit at that
time, the developers did not enter the park and drove away,
presumably to another site. Two ccfcc members attempted to follow
them, but did not have enough lead time. Shortly after their quick
exit, members of ccfcc contacted Tim Kennedy via cel phone. Mr.
Kennedy is a broker for one of the developers as well as a city-
appointed member of the EDA board. He confirmed that he was at that
time meeting with the developers at an undisclosed site, presumably
near "Hedstroms". Mr. Kennedy also declined to state whether more
than one additional site was on the groups' schedule for the day.

The ccfcc assembly split into shifts throughout the day. Between
9:30 and noon two ccfcc reported that M. Geretschlaeger and
architect Russell Zenk drove into the business park site. Also
during that time period, M. Geretschlaeger and city attorney Don
Davison arrived at the park and asked an excavator working on the
road to name the number of people stationed at the site and their
names. It is unclear why they needed that information or what the
intention of their visit may have been. At approximately 1:40pm, M.
Geretschlaeger returned to the site with the developers, where they
were met by three ccfcc members. The actual site visit encompassed a
drive to the top of the new entrance road to the Cedar Grove
Business Park, approximately 10 minutes. It was clear that the
developers were not interested in fielding questions or having any
contact with concerned local citizens, and left without rolling down
the SUV windows. The windows on both vehicles were tinted so we
could not confirm who was in attendance.

It was agreed that the ccfcc presence throughout the day
successfully made the point that people are concerned about this
project and are watching the process and involved public officials
very carefully. If you are able to attend the GM City Countil
meeting this Wednesday, please do. The open commentary period begins
at 4:30pm sharp.

Thanks and keep up the good work!
SLD