Palatine Considers New Development at Northwest Highway and Smith Street

The Palatine Village Council will be considering a new development near the intersection of Northwest Highway and Smith Street at its Monday meeting. 

The approximatley 6,700 square foot building, if approved, would include a Dunkin' Donuts with a drive-through, a Jersey Mike's sub shop and two retail spaces that have not yet been spoken for. 

The Palatine Zoning Board of Appeals unanimously approved the project that would be located at 205-207 W. Northwest Highway in mid-June. 

Residents who cross the busy intersection have expressed concerns about increased traffic in the area due to the new development. 

"Seriously? This is such a bad idea. It's hard enough to make an eastbound turn out of the McDonald's on to Northwest Hwy right now. Palatine needs this like a hole in the head," said SR in comments on the June 12 Palatine Patch article. 

Other readers expressed concerns for smaller businesses, such as Norma's Coffee Corner, that could be hurt by the competition nearby. 

"They don't seem to protect the small business's in Palatine. They act like it with their small business programs then they let the chains in that have greater capital/marketing and take away business from the last the mom and pop places that just can't compete," said Shawn. 

Still other readers believe the development is a solid proposal. 

Shawn said, "Free enterprise, freedom of choice, the people will decide if this is justified. The majority of the DD customers will already be traveling NW Hwy in the mornings. Hoping the Council agrees and we get rid of the grass lot."

A similar plan was proposed more than a year ago, which included a 7,700 square foot development including a Starbucks and a Charley's Grilled Subs restaurant, in addition to two more retail spaces. 

It was rejected 4-3 by the village council in January of 2012. 

The plan, which also included a drive-through for the Starbucks, received considerable criticism over its size and concerns relating to a perceived influx in traffic near the already congested intersection.