Hello everyone!!!
I currently live in the Berwyn-Area, however I have my business located in Downtown Forest Park. My dilemma is simple: I have to move out of the place my business currently resides. I am weary about the move, however am looking into Riverside and Berwyn properties. My challenge here is are there going to be rises in the neighborhood? I grew up there, so of course there's a soft-spot in my heart for Berwyn. However, I'm on the fence about my business being there. Here are the 2 options I've come up with:
1. I move my place there. People from surrounding areas discover the beautiful homes and lower prices in Berwyn once they travel from wherever to come to my place.(Keep in mind all of my clientele is either in FP, Oak Park, or Riverside.) Then, slowly but surely, the neighborhhod skyrockets, and my COMMUNITY and business is okay.
2. Or, to play devil's advocate, I could open my place there. People wouldn't come to Berwyn to patronize my place. After a while it goes down the tubes, and eventually fizzles into nothing. End all and be all is that Berwyn stays the same-depressed and overlooked by young urbans as myself.
Now, there's no sure-fire research out there that I can use as a safety net. However, my gut tells me that so many business owners are afraid of the same thing as I am, so they opt not to open their places there. And the end result is nothing-the same old places that don't drive people into town. So, in my heart of hearts, I feel there is an opportunity for the uprising up "newness" to enter the community-the Metra is centrally located, there are buses, etc. to get around, 15 mins. W of the city, etc. And the condos are being built like I eat Ice Cream in the summer.(Unhealthy amounts.)=P No offense to all of the "Oldies-but-Goodies" who may be reading this, but Berwyn needs young blood. I would hopefully be one of many some day. We need Yuppies here, and I'd love to own the undertaking of bringing them in. Yuppies spend money, and money makes towns and businesses thrive. There's absolutely no reason why Berwyn shouldn't be the next Oak Park. Forest Park did something great and turned a dump into a cute little town. I want Berwyn to do the same.
So, my question is to all of you: Yay or Nay on a new business taking a chance in Berwyn? And if you vote yes, then where would you advise?(Cermak Rd. is busy, however the clientele would be different, I feel. Ogden Ave. is also busy, but again, different. And there are no main thouroughfares in the "Boutique/Downtown Business" district, but that seems to be the only place where there would be a lot of walk-by traffic.) Thank you all for your input!!!!
I would take a long hard look at Roosevelt Road.
There is a streetscape project happening which will improve the walkability.
You also have Bohdi Thai, Wishbone, Fitzgerald's, Turano's, Turco's, the gelato place, Horribles, Friendly Tap, the newly remodeled Buona and other places that I might have forgotten. You are close the the south Oak Parker's and the north Berwyn population. The street gets good traffic (not as much as Cermak, but certainly more than the Depot). Depending upon the nature of your business, it might be a good fit.
Exactly-the nature of my business would be terrible, as I would be directly competing with another business right down the street. I get the logic behind your suggestion, but after toying with the idea myself, Roosevelt wouldn't work because of the above fact. (Okay, it could, but I'd have to REALLY pull some strings or something.)
OK. Enlighten me. What kind of business are you talking about? That will help me tell you what part of town. Maybe you do want to move right next to competition. Surely Berwyn wants you to move here.
BRoWN-
Unfortunately I can't reveal that info as of right now. To make a long story short, it is unknown that I will be moving. I am not ready to let people know just yet, so I have to keep things very close to me. But, I am thinking I will be watching the Depot district very carefully, as I like that part of town. And, as I think more and more, I like that there are a lot of small businesses over there. That means you know who's around you, etc. And the Metra is right there, so visibility to commuters is a HUGE plus. (I need commuters in my business-that's a must.)
P.S. to OakParkSpartan
I forgot to mention that if I were on Roosevelt Rd. then people wouldn't be invited into the town to see all of the homes, etc. That's where I'd like to take things in the "Big Picture." Come to my place, and while you're here, notice the homes around you, and buy one! ;D
In my opinion as a business owner there are several pieces of important information that anyone would need to make an educated decision when it comes to relocating a business.
First, What type of business do you have?
Second, How far will your current customer base travel?
Third, What type of market does your current business appeal to?
These are just some of the many questions we asked ourselves when we were looking at locations to open up our store. I am curious as to what your answers are. Only then could I say yes or no. I own a business in Berwyn & find that we have a great customer base that has been very supportive of our growing business. So from my personal experience regarding our business I would say that Berwyn is a great place to relocate to. Good Luck no matter what you decide.
Quote from: MMB on April 26, 2009, 06:44:44 PM
Exactly-the nature of my business would be terrible, as I would be directly competing with another business right down the street.
...Roosevelt wouldn't work because of the above fact
You're moving the one and only Burger King out of Forest Park? How dare you!!!
Quote from: bonster on April 26, 2009, 08:28:44 PM
Quote from: MMB on April 26, 2009, 06:44:44 PM
Exactly-the nature of my business would be terrible, as I would be directly competing with another business right down the street.
...Roosevelt wouldn't work because of the above fact
You're moving the one and only Burger King out of Forest Park? How dare you!!!
lol. funny you say this Bonster. I believe opening a mom and pop fast food joint with better burgers right next to a burger king is a good biz strategy.
Quote from: tlcnurse on April 26, 2009, 07:54:52 PM
I own a business in Berwyn & find that we have a great customer base that has been very supportive of our growing business. So from my personal experience regarding our business I would say that Berwyn is a great place to relocate to. Good Luck no matter what you decide.
Tonini's fills a huge void in Berwyn, IMO.
I'm sure there's a nice base outside of town (plus those who loved D'Andrea's), but your business is unique, and again fills a need we've had in the Depot District for quite a while.
The real reason Tonini's is great, though, is the people who work there.
</done ass kissing>Now back to MMB...
Quote from: BRoWN on April 26, 2009, 08:35:49 PM
Quote from: bonster on April 26, 2009, 08:28:44 PM
Quote from: MMB on April 26, 2009, 06:44:44 PM
Exactly-the nature of my business would be terrible, as I would be directly competing with another business right down the street.
...Roosevelt wouldn't work because of the above fact
You're moving the one and only Burger King out of Forest Park? How dare you!!!
lol. funny you say this Bonster. I believe opening a mom and pop fast food joint with better burgers right next to a burger king is a good biz strategy.
I agree. Parky's was (is) overrated. Kings & Queens had the best gyros this side of Pete's, no doubt, but went down the tubes as Nicky's unfortunately.
Quote from: bonster on April 26, 2009, 08:48:58 PM
Quote from: BRoWN on April 26, 2009, 08:35:49 PM
Quote from: bonster on April 26, 2009, 08:28:44 PM
Quote from: MMB on April 26, 2009, 06:44:44 PM
Exactly-the nature of my business would be terrible, as I would be directly competing with another business right down the street.
...Roosevelt wouldn't work because of the above fact
You're moving the one and only Burger King out of Forest Park? How dare you!!!
lol. funny you say this Bonster. I believe opening a mom and pop fast food joint with better burgers right next to a burger king is a good biz strategy.
I agree. Parky's was (is) overrated. Kings & Queens had the best gyros this side of Pete's, no doubt, but went down the tubes as Nicky's unfortunately.
YEp. Know the competition.......then set your goals and sights on their customer base. That's target marketing to me! Then.......only after that....advertise and market to new customers.
It would help to know what your biz is,
if I were to help you...
You are throwing thoughts to the wind,
and that shows poor business management.
If price is driving your move, you are in deep trouble
as any retail/landlord concern would do whatever is
needed to keep you where you are at.
Quote from: MMB on April 26, 2009, 07:10:02 PM
P.S. to OakParkSpartan
I forgot to mention that if I were on Roosevelt Rd. then people wouldn't be invited into the town to see all of the homes, etc. That's where I'd like to take things in the "Big Picture." Come to my place, and while you're here, notice the homes around you, and buy one! ;D
There are some nice homes in North Berwyn too. I'd still take another look at Roosevelt. You do have a lot of commuter traffic along Roosevelt, and you have high density and upscale area in South Oak Park.
What's happening to the beef place that was going to open in the DD?
Quote from: pkd50 on April 27, 2009, 07:26:48 AM
What's happening to the beef place that was going to open in the DD?
Under construction as we speak.
MMB you really need to throw us a bone as to what type of bus.
Quote from: pkd50 on April 27, 2009, 07:26:48 AM
What's happening to the beef place that was going to open in the DD?
pkd50- The beef place is still being worked on and the last I checked is schedule to open in a couple of months.
MMB- My answer to you is Yay on opening a new business in Berwyn, and here is why.
1) Berwyn has a few business zones each with its own unique characteristics giving you different options to find a place that is right for you. Roosevelt Rd has some well established businesses and is across from Oak Park, Cermak Rd has the foot traffic and is working toward full Mainstreet status, Ogden is more of a car oriented area & the Depot District is quaint and geared toward that one of a kind type of business.
2) The BDC under Tony Griffin is accessible and forward thinking. If you can tell them your criteria they can make location suggestions based on facts, help out with landlord negotiations and even provide some funding through TIF.
3) Rental is relativley affordable when compared to other nearby communities.
4) Community Support, and for this one I can only provide my personal experience. As you know I own Over The Rainbow in the Depot District. My business has been blessed with a core group of Berwyn families that actually care about how our business is doing. They promote us to their friends and worry about us over the winter months. They make suggestions and let us know where we need improvements. I don't know if this is the case else where but I do know from talking to the other businesses in the Depot that it is the norm here.
I hope this helps you in your decision making process and if I can help in anyway please let me know. I would be glad to also give you a tour of the Depot if that helps.
Quote from: bonster on April 26, 2009, 08:28:44 PM
Quote from: MMB on April 26, 2009, 06:44:44 PM
Exactly-the nature of my business would be terrible, as I would be directly competing with another business right down the street.
...Roosevelt wouldn't work because of the above fact
You're moving the one and only Burger King out of Forest Park? How dare you!!!
Did I miss something? When did Burger King move TO Forest Park?
As long as it's not a methadone clinic, I'm all for new business coming to the Depot.
Quote from: Hogzilla on April 27, 2009, 02:56:02 PM
As long as it's not a methadone clinic, I'm all for new business coming to the Depot.
+1
Quote from: Hogzilla on April 27, 2009, 02:56:02 PM
As long as it's not a methadone clinic, I'm all for new business coming to the Depot.
What if it's a drive-thru?
This is a little out of the box. What would be so wrong with a restaurant opening up in the plaza.
Home Run Inn comes to mind. Genos East. Pompai? any one of these restaurants will make it there.
Many have been put in big strip malls. How many people go past that intersection in a week.
One good solid establishment will revitalize that whole area, and I think many of the other stores in the plaza will benefit.
Giordano's?
As long as McDonald's is there, no other restaurants will be opening in Cermak Plaza. You can thank the Plaza management for that--that's the deal they cut. Just more people who don't live here and don't give a crap about Berwyn.
I did not know that........ We need to remember that the next time Flight starts crying about the problems he has leasing space.
Think about it. You are going to limit the amount of tenants who you rent to because of one tenant. Restaurants probably make up at least 25% or more of available space on Cermak road. Now you are going to give that up for one tenant who would probably take the space anyway. Why would they not change the language of that lease to be limited to specific franchises like Burger King, and so forth.
Non competes are common all over. I know a gal who has a cafe
at 75th and Lemont road, same deal there save for the stand alone
Home Run Inn.
Great.
So we're stuck with McDonald's ONLY in that plaza for the foreseeable future?
I'm lovin' it.
When that McDonalds moved in there were still grills at Walgreens and Murphys....if my memory is right. That non-compete lease must have been signed later with the newer management. BTW-It may be only a five year lease.
McDonald's non-compete is for a ridiculous number of years. Leases on the smaller stores like Discover is something like twenty. I'll see if I can find the info in my notes.
@Tony,
McDonald' change their lease, that's funny.
Yeah Terri ....check it out. I'll admit I'm often full of shit. I just want to eat popcorn and watch Berwyn go after Ronald McDonald. McDonalds may not even care about the clause anymore. They're probably more interested in non compete employee contracts.....ya can't have kids stealing their thousand island recipe.
Quote from: Terri on April 28, 2009, 11:31:04 AM
McDonald's non-compete is for a ridiculous number of years. Leases on the smaller stores like Discover is something like twenty. I'll see if I can find the info in my notes.
@Tony,
McDonald' change their lease, that's funny.
I'm sorry Terri. What I meant was why would they not change the lease offer before they signed it. They still would have taken that location. If they would say no, don't you think someone else would say yes. Walgreen's would have been all over that piece if it was available at the time. Burger King, and even without the incentives, Chile's would have a superior location better than what they have now.
That is one of the best locations in the area.
Corporations get carried away with some of their contracts. I had a real estate company the was selling their building and business to another real estate company. Because the buyer had a side business with phone card sales, and distribution, they put in the contract a non-compete with phone cards. Which the seller did not even know what a phone card was. The deal got done. But really the two different businesses had nothing to do with each other. They just sometimes over do it.
I'd certainly like to know what exactly this non-compete says. Does it say "any restuarant?" What about donut shops, cafes, delis, Pizza, BBQ, Mex food, Etc Etc etc. Does it include indoor playgrounds? McDonalds latest BS is to step on the Starbucks model. They've tried McRibs.....even McPizza .....and failed. This actually is a huge obstacle leasing the plaza space. I wonder if the owner and management wants out of this ASAPin these tough economic times. That's a gateway to Berwyn! That non-compete needs to be flushed down the McToilet.
Why should McDonald's prevail if it is a non-QSR (quick service restaurant)? Boy, whatever lawyer on the Plaza side that agreed to that stipulation ought to be let go. No wonder the Plaza is a pit these days. Used to be such a wonderful shopping destination back in the day.
McRibs didn't fail; they're seasonal...and good! I could go for one now.
So how does the Dog Wagon figure in to this non-compete clause?
(http://www.berwyntalk.com/smf/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=2969.0;attach=5615;image) (http://www.berwyntalk.com/smf/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=2969.0;attach=2230;image)
Dog Wagon gyro
Plaza management should show some nads. I doubt
Mickey D would pull out over a non renewal of a non compete.
However I highly doubt that there are any restaurant entities
wanting to get into the plaza.
So...was the Dog Wagon grandfathered in, or is the non-compete only for free-standing structures on property?
Mike?
The seasonal McRib is a marketing ploy. They've created a demand for a sandwich that would not last if on the menu all the time. Its overpriced and has NO RIBS! That sandwich is a quick trip to the McToilet. Who knows wtf those are made of.
Tony La can't sell a house let alone complete a commercial lease.
The McDonalds lease was signed back in 1982. The lease is recorded on the property. Go look it up before you shoot your month off. Ground leases where a tenant builds their own store typically run for 20 years plus a number of options. There has been a really great piece of land at the corner of Oak Park and Cermak. Why haven't we put a restaurant there. There is all kinds of vacant spaces that could be knocked down across the street. Once again why haven't the retailers been banging on the door? Back to McDonalds, why is it that every business that is already in Berwyn and doing very well you guys knock. What is the matter with McDonalds? Oh that's right - they aren't trendy enough. My understanding is that this McDonalds does real well, pays sales taxes and doesn't ask for a lot in return.
Quote from: BRoWN on April 28, 2009, 02:02:00 PM
The seasonal McRib is a marketing ploy. They've created a demand for a sandwich that would not last if on the menu all the time. Its overpriced and has NO RIBS!
Why would you want ribs on a sandwich?
If it is a marketing ploy and they keep bringing it back I'd hardly consider it a failure.
By that standard the Shamrock, Orange (Citrucel), and Egg Nog shakes are failures as well.
Now...The McDLT - that was a failure.
Me, I'd like to see the old McDonald's coke sniffing spoons brought back.
Quote from: OptimusSlime on April 28, 2009, 02:14:54 PM
Back to McDonalds, why is it that every business that is already in Berwyn and doing very well you guys knock. What is the matter with McDonalds? Oh that's right - they aren't trendy enough.
Quit with the "you guys" bullshit. I love McDonald's. Not as effective a laxative as say, White Castle, but effective nonetheless.
Quote from: OptimusSlime on April 28, 2009, 02:14:54 PM
Tony La can't sell a house let alone complete a commercial lease.
The McDonalds lease was signed back in 1982. The lease is recorded on the property. Go look it up before you shoot your month off. Ground leases where a tenant builds their own store typically run for 20 years plus a number of options. There has been a really great piece of land at the corner of Oak Park and Cermak. Why haven't we put a restaurant there. There is all kinds of vacant spaces that could be knocked down across the street. Once again why haven't the retailers been banging on the door? Back to McDonalds, why is it that every business that is already in Berwyn and doing very well you guys knock. What is the matter with McDonalds? Oh that's right - they aren't trendy enough. My understanding is that this McDonalds does real well, pays sales taxes and doesn't ask for a lot in return.
I am not knocking mcd. They have done very well. Typically a lease is 20 years. Except by your own account that means they are in the 27th year of a 20 year lease. Again I don't know who you are. And I don't know the specifics of the deal. If what you are telling me is true. And there is a noncompete in the lease. It appears that someone underestimated the value of that location in my humble opinion.
It is also my experience when someone attacks me they way you did, they don't feel good about the deal either. Pretty defensive for a non involved party I must say.
And Slime........as for not being able to sell a house. I am the only agent in Berwyn, Cicero, LaGrange,NR. I could go on and on who has a LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD WHICH I RECEIVED 2 YEARS AGO.
Quote from: bonster on April 28, 2009, 02:50:22 PM
Now...The McDLT - that was a failure.
I kinda miss the McDLT. And whatever "parts" get crammed into the McRib mold, it brings back good memories. I get one every time McRib Season rolls around.
QuoteI love McDonald's. Not as effective a laxative as say, White Castle, but effective nonetheless.
I dunno ... I think Mr. Taco takes top prize in that competition in these parts.
lol. "You guys" are funny. "All you people" deserve to have a McRib on me.
Quote from: bonster on April 28, 2009, 02:50:22 PM
Now...The McDLT - that was a failure.
Failure? Are you kidding? The Hot stayed Hot, and the Cool stayed Cool!! Genius! ;D
(but that packaging was some serious land-fillage)
http://www.youtube.com/v/UTSdUOC8Kac&hl=en
Slime,
Not blame anyone for anything.....just trying to bounce some ideas off each other and maybe come up with something no one else thought of.
We all have Berwyn's best at heart. Attacking any one of us is not moving in a good direction.
You have to admit we have some unique people on this forum. I learn much from everyone here. Even the ones I don't like.
MMB, do you see what happened once you could not tell us what biz you were in? It turned into an "All things McDonalds" thread. Anybody remember the McJordan and the Beef Wennington? How about they bring Berwyn that McLobster and McCrab? Most importantly, they need to give us back the rest of Cermak Plaza.
Quote from: BRoWN on April 28, 2009, 05:02:15 PM
MMB, do you see what happened once you could not tell us what biz you were in? It turned into an "All things McDonalds" thread. Anybody remember the McJordan and the Beef Wennington? How about they bring Berwyn that McLobster and McCrab? Most importantly, they need to give us back the rest of Cermak Plaza.
Let's see what we DO know.
MMB's business competes directly with an existing business on Roosevelt Rd. The owner lives in Berwyn. The business relies on foot traffic.
He/She feels the business would also attract people to the area.
I think we can rule out liquor related businesses. Team Blonde was mentioned, so it's out.
Brown Cow enjoys the same kind of support that OTR does. SFAIK, there are no antique stores on Roosevelt.
So what's left? Moss, Heels, M.Santana, deedee&edee, Girlicious, Accents by Fred, Two Fish, Todd & Holland, Baubo's, Chix with Sticks, Old School Records, Flavour.
Process of elimination of things on Roosevelt...it's one of the boutique shoe stores? My guess is http://www.heelsboutique.com/home.html (http://www.heelsboutique.com/home.html) Heels.
Quote from: tony la on April 28, 2009, 04:50:22 PM
Slime,
Not blame anyone for anything.....just trying to bounce some ideas off each other and maybe come up with something no one else thought of.
We all have Berwyn's best at heart. Attacking any one of us is not moving in a good direction.
You have to admit we have some unique people on this forum. I learn much from everyone here. Even the ones I don't like.
Your comment about Flight sort of seems accusatory!
What do you know about commercial leases?
I think slime summed it up!
You have a company paying taxes, viable business. You (with obviously zero commercial expertise from your comments) think you know what or if mcdonalds is a good deal. you know the old saying about opinions? You think you know more than Michael Flight? Please!
I really was not talking to you mailman. My conversation was constructive. I am just suggesting that we don't get caught in that noncompete again if at all necessary.
I have done quite a bit of commercial leases and sales. Absolutely nothing is standard. I would love to get home run inn in there, or something similar.
Mailman.....I really don't know what your issue is with me. I want to improve our community. I certainly hope that is your wish also. :-* :-* :-* :-* :-*
Mailman,
Final warning. You've stalked Tony for months. Knock it off or you are gone. Clear?
Nobody has suggested ANY business at the Plaza should leave. Meanwhile, there is an assumption that Flight and the owners......and Berwyn.. should take another look at McDs lease. Look, any additional restuarant would have to build a new kitchen anyhow but its worth checking into with the empty spaces to lease. IMO this about leasing space. Leasing space IMO also works toward cleanup of the property.
A good solid restraunt like what I have mentioned would also help the existing businesses.
It would be nice to see people going to eat and then spending some time at the local stores.
The two go hand in hand. Like the food court idea. I know there is no non compete in the food court.
Quote from: tony la on April 29, 2009, 11:38:03 AM
A good solid restraunt like what I have mentioned would also help the existing businesses.
It would be nice to see people going to eat and then spending some time at the local stores.
The two go hand in hand. Like the food court idea. I know there is no non compete in the food court.
Yes.....they help create traffic and the impulse buy for the surrounding retailers. Many food courts have non-competes in regards to menu items though.
Actually a food court concept would be perfect
for the DD. Most existing stores would work well size wise
and the newer retail opening under the condos and parking
garage could house the larger operations.
Give people choice and you create destination.
I can dream can't I?
Pompai would be the envy of every surrounding town.
Quote from: tony la on April 29, 2009, 12:31:20 PM
Pompai would be the envy of every surrounding town.
There is a Pompei 3 miles up the road at Harlem and Lake. That ship has sailed.
Quote from: Bear on April 29, 2009, 12:29:52 PM
Actually a food court concept would be perfect
for the DD. Most existing stores would work well size wise
and the newer retail opening under the condos and parking
garage could house the larger operations.
Give people choice and you create destination.
I can dream can't I?
I don't think there's enough traffic for a "food court" concept in the DD. Once Brando's is open you'll be set (as long as they live up to Novi/Mr. Beef/Bear standards)
There's tons at Harlem/Cermak which could be well-served by a similar, well-planned concept.
As it stands, just getting
into the Dog Wagon is a pain in the ass.
In order for covenants not to compete to be held enforceable, they have to be judged to be reasonable in two aspects: 1) length of time, and 2)the scope of the restriction. What is deemed to be "reasonable" is objective and varies from case to case. Courts are generally not too crazy about these covenants because of the effect that these covenants have on competiton and free enterprise. Unless McDonalds gave the landlord some huge consideration, I don't think that a covenant for 20 years that excludes all restaurants would be upheld if challenged. Maybe like Brown pointed out, there might be some menu restrictions that would be ok, but to ban all other types of restaurants for 20 years... in my opinion, I don't think that would fly.
Its not who knows more than Michael Flight as much as McDonalds knowing more about commercial leases....than just about EVERYONE. Then again, McDs likely got this exclusive on "auto-pilot." Probably standard practice for them to draw up non-competes. Again, they likely don't even care that the non-compete is there for the Plaza location. Its not a rural town with 3 fast food choices miles from the next town off the interstate. McDs is a smart company and they must know another restaurant at Cermak Plaza is not going to hurt sales. It certainly puts a damper in Berwyns economy though.
Quote from: BRoWN on April 29, 2009, 12:55:07 PM
Its not who knows more than Michael Flight as much as McDonalds knowing more about commercial leases....than just about EVERYONE. Then again, McDs likely got this exclusive on "auto-pilot." Probably standard practice for them to draw up non-competes.
Do you know of any other locations where Mickey D's has done this? I can't think of one. Mickey D's is usually nestled in with a shitload of other grease pits, diners, and what have you...
And...did the Dog Wagon exist at the time of this supposed non-compete clause? Mustn't be too restrictive for that joint to do business in the Plaza.
That or McD's sees them as "non-competition." ;D
Similar to the "Ask Bobby" thread, maybe someone should "Ask Michael."
For what it is worth. If I was doing the leasing for Mcd, I would absolutely try for a noncompete with my first offer. I'm pretty sure it is their standard operational procedure to ask that in a lease offer. I would probably ask for dedicated parking for Mcd only. Maybe even the first 5 years with no triple net. If they said no, I would still take the property because it is a solid location.
Cook county has many offices they lease in many buildings in the area and they are pretty much sweetheart deals with the owners.
There is a guy named Bill Cellini who has made a fortune in the state of Illinois by buying and building office buildings in the state with leases already done before the building is out of the ground. They are sweetheart deals. Com Ed and a few other utilities are pretty good for that.
Many people may or may not know that there was a restaurant in that same location over 40 years ago that flourished without a noncompete lease.
I'm not saying this is a sweetheart deal. But it is a deal that is killing that plaza if everything what has been said is true.
Cellini will go down with the Blago deal, he is the main prize.
Fitzgerald has him by his gonads. Another example of
fat, sassy, and stupid. Songs will be sung pretrial.
"Yo, Adrian...I did it for youse."
Not to change the subject but Cellini is a prime example of how real estate and corrupt politics can make you a fortune. This guy owns a ton of office space in the state, all leased to different state departments in sweetheart deals.
Imagine you having the inside knowledge that a state agency is in need of say 100,000 sf of office space and you have the inside track on not only acting as the leasing agent but the landlord also. This guy has been allegedly doing this for over 40 years. If you look at who he gives money to it is everybody.
The information out in the open is nothing compared to the stuff that no one sees.
The guy is in his late 70's. But his whole family is in the business with him. He has gone way past what I am talking about now.
Back in the 80's, I remember reading about him leasing property to the state. It could have been purchased several times over for the sweetheart deal he got.
Quote from: mailman7 on April 29, 2009, 10:09:42 AM
Quote from: tony la on April 28, 2009, 04:50:22 PM
Slime,
Not blame anyone for anything.....just trying to bounce some ideas off each other and maybe come up with something no one else thought of.
We all have Berwyn's best at heart. Attacking any one of us is not moving in a good direction.
You have to admit we have some unique people on this forum. I learn much from everyone here. Even the ones I don't like.
Your comment about Flight sort of seems accusatory!
What do you know about commercial leases?
I think slime summed it up!
You have a company paying taxes, viable business. You (with obviously zero commercial expertise from your comments) think you know what or if mcdonalds is a good deal. you know the old saying about opinions? You think you know more than Michael Flight? Please!
OPS...So let me guess. Everytime I come on here and post my thoughts on this "public" forum and God forbid I disagree with Mr. La, that's considered as stalking and personally attacking him? Please explain how what I said is stalking.
My best wishes are at heart when it comes to this community. I just have issues with people who "think" they know everything. When Mr. La makes accusations against certain people on here, it's ok, BUT the second someone comes on and challenges Mr. La, you get threatened and or booted. I'm sure I'm not the only one who feels this way.
My comment about the Cermak Plaza was sincere. You have someone looking to possibly move a business into this town and certain people want to "attack" the Cermak Plaza again. If there was no McDonalds there, then they would be complaining that there's no McDonalds. People have bitched on here before at how bad the old Walgreens looks and now that they made an improvement they still want to complain. You want to talk about certain businesses moving in there, then go get them if you know so much. That's my suggestion to Mr. La. I don't see businesses banging down the door to move in there. Is it the Cermak Plaza's fault because Circuit City went out of business? What about Service Merchandise. What about the fact that Walgreens wanted to make a bigger and better facility, plus the enhancement of the property? Now you have some vacancies. OPS...you're the first one to use the economy as an excuse as to why we can't find something for Oak Park and Cermak and you have been noted on here defending O'Connor and the economy. If you're going to run a "non-bias" site here, then why not just let people talk and discuss their opinions? People are attacking others here all the time, yet for some reason you feel a need to personally protect Mr. La.
You rarely participate except to jump on Tony.
offtopic
MMB, you should look into both the Depot District and Ogden Ave. The DD is definitely getting some foot traffic during the day, thanks to places like Over the Rainbow and Tonini's Italian Market. At night, Olive or Twist and James Joyce bring in a good amount of business, as well as La Notte. We definitely need more businesses in the DD. Also, parking is ample at night and on the weekends. During the day it's a bit of a pain, but that should ease up a bit whe the parking garage is complete.
Ogden Ave also has a myriad of businesses. Both foot and car traffic is heavy. You may have a problem with parking, but that depends on if you will be in a strip mall or not.
Also, since more and more people from the Chicago neighborhoods are moving in, you will get a lot more foot traffic. Walk into OoT on a Sat afternoon -- 2 cars outside, 15 people at the bar because most of them walk over.
I personally think that the DD is a better choice. It's a little more confined than Ogden Ave. Good parking. It will help the other businesses, which you want because that can only help you too.
Quote from: cozynite on April 30, 2009, 12:46:36 PM
Also, since more and more people from the Chicago neighborhoods are moving in, you will get a lot more foot traffic. Walk into OoT on a Sat afternoon -- 2 cars outside, 15 people at the bar because most of them walk over.
Great point. I've never NOT had parking for OoT, even when the joint's packed.
James Joyce on the other hand...