Why Wouldn't a Community Want a New Business? Let's Talk

Earlier this week I got an email from Ald. Josh Deabel calling my attention to the fact that Silliker Inc., a four-decade-old consulting laboratory, was leaving Chicago Heights.

Deabel was personally affected, partly because it was a company he used to work for.

In that email the alderman raised a really interesting point: Communities should find out what local business need and try to help them remain a part of our community.

Our city's history as an industrial juggernaut is no more a secret than its recent economic struggles. Every business that leaves the Heights acts as a reminder that a complete recovery will be a long and hard struggle.

At the same time, over in South Chicago Heights, village board members expressed concerns about a new opening up because it would be in "direct competition" with the Long John Silver's and Kentucky Fried Chicken in the area.

So, Chicago Heights is about to lose a successful business and South Chicago Heights is gaining a successful business, but elected officials are upset in both towns.

Let's talk about this.

Can any town afford to see a new business opening as a negative, or are South Chicago Heights officials right to be concerned?