Rte. 22 retailers in survival mode

Rte. 22 retailers in survival mode
Originally published Tuesday, Nov. 28, 2006

By Nadia Malik
Daily Herald Staff Writer

After months of construction delays, nine business owners along Route 22 in Buffalo Grove decided it was time to take some action.
The group met Monday evening to figure out ways to promote the Woodland Commons shopping center. The business owners said they've been struggling ever since the Illinois Department of Transportation began working to change Route 22 from two to four lanes.
"(The construction's) delayed so much, and we don't know what's going on," said Andrew Cardaras, owner of Michael's Chicago Style Red Hots.
The contractor's most recent deadline is up this month. Now, the road may not be open until spring.
"It's a struggle of survival," said Warren Michaels, owner of the Michael Thomas Salon and Spa. "We're all working very hard to survive in a tough situation."
To try and counteract the shoppers who have left for other more convenient locations, the owners are planning a grand re-opening for Woodland Commons when construction finally does end.
They also tossed around promotional ideas to make the best of their situation.
Joe Brucato, owner of Exposure Tanning, said since the parking lot is so big, it could be used to sell trees or pumpkins during the holidays.
The owners also plan to meet with the village to make sure enough pressure is being put on IDOT to complete the project as soon as possible.
"If I had known the road construction was going to be this lethargic, I would have definitely though twice about buying this business," said Bracato, who purchased Exposure Tanning in January.
Elliott Hartstein, Buffalo Grove village president, said the construction has also directly affected the village, which owns the Arboretum Golf Club along Route 22.
"We certainly are empathetic to the businesses and the people who traverse Route 22," Hartstein said. "What we can do is continue to push IDOT, which we've been doing anyhow."
However, since the village doesn't have control over the state project, Hartstein said it's up to IDOT to press the contractors to finish the project.
"As frustrating as it is, we're fortunate to get the road done," he said.
"We don't want our businesses to be jeopardized; we have a mutual interest."