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Chicago Tribune
21-05-2025
- Business
- Chicago Tribune
Ribbon cut for renovated downtown building; ‘Waukegan is open for business, growth and innovation'
Before Mikki Schuk was one of the first developers to see potential in downtown Waukegan five years ago with the purchase of the massive former Blumberg Furniture store, he saw possibilities on the city's south side. In both cases, Shuck plunged ahead, thrived in his adopted hometown — he immigrated from Ukraine in 1999 at 27 — and kept going further. A multi-use building he renovated on Washington Street will soon sport a grocery store in the city's core, and a restaurant will open nearby. Waukegan Mayor Sam Cunningham first met Shuck during his initial term as the First Ward alderman 20 years ago. He saw how the developer could turn a dilapidated building back into a winner, and he has seen it several more times since with downtown projects. 'Most people talk about their ideas,' Cunningham said. 'He does what he talks about. He sees an opportunity, and he does something about it. He is what Waukegan needs in our downtown.' Shuck and Cunningham gripped a large pair of scissors to cut a ribbon opening his latest development in conjunction with Waukegan Community Development Partners Monday at 38 North Genesee Street, setting in motion the initial part of a potential $315 million project. 'This three-story mixed-use building — with six modern apartments and a commercial space — is more than just a structure,' Schuk said. 'It's proof Waukegan is open for business, growth and innovation. It's a place where people will live, work and contribute to our community's energy.' Though the apartments are gut-renovated and the Venezuelan restaurant will be new when it is ready in approximately six weeks, the original long blue sign affixed to the exterior wall spelling 'restaurant' in white letters on a blue background remains. A fixture in downtown Waukegan for more than half a century, the sign first welcomed diners to the Lakeview restaurant — a family-style diner — and later a Chinese restaurant before it sat vacant for a long time. 'I had it restored,' Shuck said. 'I brought in a painter who does restorations and restored its original look. It brings a little bit of the old Waukegan to the new Waukegan.' Downtown and lakefront development were a priority for Cunningham during his first term in office between 2017 and 2021. Losing in 2021, he regained the mayor's office this year, was inaugurated May 5 and it remains a priority. The current project reflects his vision. 'Adding high-quality residential housing is essential to creating a vibrant and thriving community,' Cunningham said. 'We're not just building for today, we're laying the foundation for Waukegan's future and for generations to come as we rebuild Waukegan.' Part of two renovations to start the $315 million project bringing 700 housing units and 70,000 square feet of commercial space to downtown Waukegan — the other is the former YMCA at the northwest corner of County and Clayton streets — Shuck made the first happen alone. After the city approved the first two buildings, the partnership was negotiating with the city about participation when Shuck said the owner of 38 North Genesee grew impatient. He closed the deal himself, and oversaw the renovations. With one apartment leased, Schuk said there are four one-bedroom apartments with two 1,450-square-foot units renting for $560 per month. The other pair are 1,560 square feet and will rent for $585 a month. There are a pair of two-bedroom units renting for $680. They are 1,650 square feet. In September of 2023, Schuk renovated a four-story building on Washington Street, a few blocks from the new venture. With three apartments on the upper floors, the ground floor was dedicated to commercial space. A 'high-end' grocery store will open on the ground floor as soon as an occupancy permit is issued by the city. Not long after Schuk arrived in Waukegan, development — but not downtown — was on his radar. He met Cunningham when the mayor was the First Ward alderman before renovating a mixed-use building on the city's south side. Cunningham was impressed. 'It was bad. He fixed it up with state-of-the-art cold storage. There were 20 units, and he got it to full occupancy,' Cunningham said of the building. 'He bought 110-114 South Genesee (downtown) and rehabbed some amazing apartments.' Purchasing the building on South Genesee Street — the onetime Blumberg furniture store — Schuk began his quest to help redevelop downtown. He became involved with the partnership led by lead developer Lowell Jaffe and Sam Yingling. In addition to the Genesee Street property, the partnership is renovating the former YMCA with 19 apartments on the top three floors, and 6,700 square feet of commercial space. Jaffee said as soon as a development agreement is signed with the city — he hopes it will happen in June — they will start with the rest of the $119 million first phase. Jaffe said the other three projects include renovation of the long-vacant 10-story Waukegan Building at the southwest corner of Genesee and Washington. Courthouse Square will complete the first phase, with a new mixed-use project with retail stores and 200 apartments on a city-owned parking lot kitty-corner to the former YMCA. A one-time bank building on Madison Street adjacent to the parking lot will be renovated with 75 dwelling units. 'We need to repopulate downtown Waukegan,' Jaffe said. Cunningham said an additional 500 to 700 housing units are needed in the downtown area to make it and the lakefront thrive. Jaffe said the partnership plans on 700. 'There is a need for affordable housing and the prices in Waukegan are already affordable,' Jaffe said.
Yahoo
08-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Primary election is May 20. Learn about First Ward Waynesboro Borough Council candidates
Pennsylvania's primary election is May 20 and one of the positions on the ballot is a First Ward seat on Waynesboro Borough Council. The First Ward runs from Church Street east to the borough line. Todd Blake and Janeen McChesney are running in the primary for the opportunity to be the Republican candidate in the November general election. Primary election is May 20: Learn about who is running for mayor of Waynesboro No Democrats are running for borough council. We asked the GOP candidates in the borough council to respond via email to these questions: What inspired you to seek this office? What do you believe are the top three issues relevant to the Borough of Waynesboro? Why should someone vote for you? Below are their responses, listed in the order their names appear on the ballot. Their responses have been lightly edited for clarity. Age: 54 Town: Patton I currently work for Volvo/Mack trucks in Hagerstown MD. I am a member of the UAW Local 171 which represents most of the blue-collar workforce. My everyday duties are to be a liaison between the company and the union. I am currently a Negotiator for the Mack Truck National Bargaining Committee and was part of the 2023 negotiations for the 5-year contract. I have been employed there from 2011 to present and prior to that I worked in the green industry for 15 years. I have served the Waynesboro Borough Authority for 2 terms and have really enjoyed being involved with the community. I want to make a difference in the community and while I am currently a member of the Borough Authority, I want to get more involved with all aspects of our wonderful town of Waynesboro. I have 2 children who are ages 17 and 21 and I want every child to be able to grow up in a safe and caring community. I enjoy helping people and working with them to help resolve issues and concerns they may have. If I feel there are areas that need improvement, I will work diligently to reach a solution. I believe in taking care of the things we enjoy. A goal of mine as a member of Borough Authority is to preserve and keep Waynesboro well taken care of. Including roads, parks, and other community spaces. Our town has done an amazing job with upkeep and I hope to encourage and help in any way I can. I hope in this position to be a voice for the people. Whatever the concerns may be, I want to facilitate a space where each person can be heard. My main goal is that we continue to create and maintain a place where all people can live safely and happily. As I have mentioned above, I enjoy where I live and the community that I have raised my family in. I want everyone to have the same opportunity. I will work hard with my fellow members for our community. Age: 36 Town: Waynesboro Education: Bachelor of Science: Counterterrorism, 2018, Liberty University, School of Government Bachelor of Science: Paralegal Studies, 2018, Liberty University, School of Law Juris Master: Legal Risk & Compliance, 2025, Liberty University, School of Law Waynesboro Area Senior High School, Class of 2007 Professional Experience: I am a Senior Product Manager for one of the world's largest Financial Technology firms, Fiserv, where I manage over 10 products. I work in a fast-paced environment where time management, prioritization, critical thinking, and leadership are pivotal. Before Fiserv I was an Appointed U.S. Navy Ombudsman where I served as an unbiased liaison to the command, service members, and military families. Further, I was an Appointed Naval Readiness Group President, where I led a board of five officers and four steering committees. I managed the military family programs for our ship's military community encompassing over 2000 service members and more than 2000 family members worldwide. I am the Founder and Creator of the Veteran's Wife Survival Guide, a resource created to help service members, veterans, and military families no matter where they are in their journey. I am President of the Combined Veterans Council and in charge of the Memorial Day Parade and Ceremony, Secretary of the Civil Service Commission, and Class of 2025 Leadership Franklin County Graduate. I have previously served on the Franklin County Planning Commission, and was on a task force in DC to help shape nationwide policies for our military small business owners. 'If not me, then who?' – 1st Lt. Travis Manion, USMC. If you see a problem, you have two choices, (1) sit back and do nothing and hope that someone else steps up to fix it, or (2) be the person that steps up. I choose to step up and be a part of the solution. I am inspired by my community, the one I was born and raised in, and the one I am raising my children in now. I have always had a helper mentality and want to lend a hand when I can. Local government offices play a pivotal role in our town's ecosystem, they control our taxes, our local ordinances, development, and affect our economy. I see on social media pain points that my fellow community members have touched on and their concerns have not been adequately addressed; the Council should demonstrate the collective success of our town, deliver on commitments made, and be a reflection of our community values. I think we still have room for improvement, and a fresh set of eyes and experience at the table can help rejuvenate and inspire others. Access to Human Services and Resources Many community members struggle to access human services and other resources or are simply unaware of the support available in Franklin County. A significant concern for residents is food insecurity, with one in nine county residents and one in six children affected.* The growing need for assistance with utilities, food, home repair, basic living items impact the community as a whole. *Source: FC Commissioners, 2024 2. Tax Funding Allocation A large concern for Waynesboro and Franklin County is tax revenue distribution. In 2022, the county collected $38.4 million in property taxes, with 79% allocated to criminal justice, including 31% for the Franklin County Jail. Housing an inmate costs $30,000 annually, while the yearly expense per student is $15,000.* *Source: Leadership Franklin County & Dr. Kim Eaton, 2025 3. Housing and Transportation Options As our town expands and attracts more residents, the demand for affordable housing — both low-income and middle-class options — continues to grow, making accessibility an increasingly urgent concern. Additionally, the lack of public transit creates serious challenges for those without a vehicle or the ability to drive, limiting their access to vital services such as medical care, grocery stores, and community resources. I would greatly appreciate your vote because I am someone who will genuinely voice your thoughts and concerns by communicating them to the other council members and will champion decisions that benefit the entire community. I will boldly pursue new solutions when the current approaches aren't working and will tenaciously defend those advancements. I will ensure open access to local government by live-streaming public council meetings, allowing all of Waynesboro to stay informed on current issues and promote open forum discussion to encourage participation. Since 2023, I have served on the Waynesboro Civil Service Commission, playing a key role in defining the rules and regulations that govern our police and fire personnel who serve our community. As President of the Combined Veterans Council, I've proudly organized Waynesboro's annual Memorial Day Parade and Ceremony since 2020, a testament to my leadership and planning. For several years, I have enjoyed coaching youth soccer, mentoring military service members and spouses, and volunteering with various community organizations — demonstrating my commitment to giving back to the community. Through Leadership Franklin County, I have built lasting relationships with local leaders and organizations, providing valuable connections I can leverage to support our community. Thank you. Polls will be open for in-person voting from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on May 20. Mail-in and absentee ballots must be returned to the Franklin County Voter Registration Office by 8 p.m. on May 20. Ballots must physically be in the office by that time, a May 20 postmark is not sufficient. Only registered Republicans and Democrats can vote in the primary election. Additional information, including sample ballots, can be found on the Franklin County website. This article originally appeared on Waynesboro Record Herald: Republicans Todd Blake, Janeen McChesney run for Waynesboro Council
