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Glenview debates addition of drive-thru lanes
The Walgreens at Phingsten and Willow Roads is hoping to add a drive thru to its facility. | Joel Lerner~Sun-Times Media
Updated: December 30, 2012 6:09AM
GLENVIEW — While drive-thru lanes for Walgreens pharmacy at Willow and Pfingsten roads move closer to approval, Glenview officials may allow them in the downtown business district as well.
At 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, the village board will consider Plan Commission recommendations to go ahead and build drive thru lanes at the Walgreens on the building’s east end that would require demolishing three adjoining storefronts. The three businesses include Supercuts, Beauty Mark and a vacant storefront.
Village trustees are also reviewing several downtown codes that limit drive thrus in general throughout the village. Trustees became concerned following a consultant’s report from U.S. Equities in the spring that limitations on drive-thrus and ground-floor stores were “overly restrictive,” thus reducing customer foot traffic.
U.S. Equities pointed out that many “desirable retailers” would not consider downtown Glenview without the option of creating a drive-thru.
Other restrictions U.S. Equities raised concerns about included downtown regulations that only allow ground-floor retailers on Glenview Road with service and professional offices on upper floors, but rules are more flexible on Waukegan Road.
Consultant Andrew Norman urged trustees to consider the service businesses, such as drop-off dry cleaners, that could support existing retail with more foot traffic. Least supportive of retail sales were doctor and dentist offices, chiropractors and commercial and corporate offices, which could locate to upper floors.
At 7 p.m. Dec. 6, Glenview Plan Commission will review the proposed downtown code changes.
“The major change would be moving to more first-floor services,” said Don Owen, deputy village manager.
“Retail-only has not worked in these economic times,” said Village President Kerry Cummings.
U.S. Equities provided village trustees a list of potential service businesses for ground floor stores, like personal training studios and health and fitness clubs that were described as more supportive of surrounding retail.
The list also included music, dance, photo and art studios, print and copy shops and tutoring and day care centers.
The report also noted money was needed for store improvements and remodeling of older buildings with outdated layouts and streets with insufficient parking.
Other negatives were a lack of organization between downtown business owners and landlords, small street banners and unappealing facades and vacant storefront windows.
U.S. Equities also is advising village planners on how to develop the former Dominick’s site, the Glenview Fire Station and Village Hall, all on Waukegan Road.
