It’s been in the works for nearly two years.
Finally, a plan to construct a new Metra train station in Arlington Heights is on track, objections to some of the provisions notwithstanding.
In recent weeks, concerns have been raised about plans to include a McDonald’s restaurant, a bakery and a newsstand in the station. Some commuters and residents suggest adding the restaurant to the Union Pacific Northwest line facility would attract children, possibly creating a safety hazard.
“I see these kids ride their bikes, and they’re careless as it is,” said Tessy Jamnik, an Arlington Heights woman who has a 9-year-old son. “If it’s right in the train station like that, they’re going to think it’s a convenient spot downtown.”
But municipal officials said they do not believe such a risk exists and there are no plans to postpone construction this summer.
The station, estimated to cost nearly $4 million, is to be constructed on a parking lot between Dunton and Vail Avenues, about a block west of the current station. As a key component of the plan, traffic signals were changed at the crossroads of Arlington Heights Road and Northwest Highway, allowing vehicles to enter the crossing while trains are stopped.
The change was intended to alleviate traffic congestion at one of the busiest intersections in Arlington Heights, which becomes even more crowded in peak traffic periods.
Trustee Virginia Kucera voiced her concerns about including McDonald’s in the new train station when the Village Board approved the plan as a package on Feb. 16. Kucera said she was not opposed to having a sandwich shop in the station but said she was worried about McDonald’s because the restaurant’s advertising was often geared toward children.
“I’m very worried about that age group where they really think that they’re independent,” she said. “They may run into problems with the train tracks.”
Arlington Heights Mayor Arlene Mulder said although she appreciated residents’ concerns, there is not going to be any added risk at the new station.
“This was not taken lightly,” she said. “That’s certainly something that needs to be carefully watched.”
Jim Stadelman, McDonald’s area real estate manager, said the restaurant would have a smaller menu with the basic choices that most McDonald’s offer.
“We would envision that any children riding the train or shopping in Arlington Heights would be with caring parents,” he said.
