Hoffman Estates is losing thousands of dollars in sales tax revenue because traffic and safety concerns are keeping people away from two shopping centers on Roselle Road just south of Golf Road, officials said.
During a meeting of the Transportation and Road Improvement Committee Monday, police rejected a proposal to use officers to control traffic at Hoffman Plaza and Golf Center because of safety concerns.
Village officials sought other options for the centers after Cook County officials denied the town’s request to install traffic signals. Last year, police reported nearly 200 collisions at entrances to the two shopping centers.
“The only safe way to drive in there is in a tank,” Trustee Ed Frank said. The situation got worse after Roselle Road was widened two years ago to six lanes from four, he said. People driving across the road from one plaza to the other must cross six lanes.
“Even I’m reluctant to go shopping at the Jewel at certain times of the day because I can’t get in there,” said Frank.
Police said they could be held liable if a collision occurred while they directed traffic at the intersection. The cost of supplying officers during heavy traffic periods was estimated at $145,600 per year. Village officials said they would investigate possible new exits from the shopping centers and consider forming a committee to address concerns of business owners.