Straub Speaks Out Against 'Boardroom Bullying' on Chase Bank Deal

Burr Ridge Mayor Mickey Straub said public comments about the Chase Bank agreement at the June 10 board of trustees meeting equated to "rehashing of old news" and, citing another resident's words, "boardroom bullying."

Straub used a chunk of his weekly Friday Wrap YouTube address to discuss his support of the special use permit for the Chase Bank headed to 150 Burr Ridge Pkwy., and the fee-in-lieu-of-sales-tax agreement tacked on that has been the source of disagreement among trustees.   

READ: Trustee Says Burr Ridge Mayor 'Out of Line' Before New Chase Bank Approved

Straub said going against the special use permit would have been "irresponsible and political," and could have led to a lawsuit against the village. The $12,000-per-year fee paid to the village by HBG Corporation, the landowner, will provide needed revenue to the village, according to the mayor.

"Besides that, a bank is a great choice for that lot which has remained empty for 15 years," Straub said. 

Several residents took to the microphone during the opening public comment portion of last week's meeting to opine on the Chase Bank fee in lieu as well as Janet Ryan Grasso's decision to vote on the measure despite campaign contributions made to her husband's past campaigns by HBG's president.

READ: Trustee Janet Ryan Grasso Defends Chase Bank Vote

It was Straub's idea to amend the village's public comment procedures so that comments at the beginning of the meeting must relate to agenda items in an effort to keep meetings more efficient. That change was voted down by trustees at last week's meeting.

READ: Change to Burr Ridge Public Comment Procedure Voted Down

"As a result, with only one item voted on, the meeting still lasted almost two hours," Straub said. "Oh well."    

The Friday Wrap, which also includes an update on Red Mango heading to Burr Ridge and Straub's recent run-in with Blackhawks head coach Joel Quenneville, can be viewed in its entirety above.