During a recent Northfield village meeting, discussions centered around the proposed construction of a new roundabout on Willow Road, with significant concerns raised by both officials and residents regarding its potential impact on local businesses and traffic flow.

One resident, advocating for the roundabout, highlighted its potential benefits, including reduced traffic congestion and improved connectivity to major expressways. He proposed relocating the roundabout a few hundred feet north of its current planned location, arguing that this change would preserve parking spaces and minimize disruption to local businesses. He emphasized that the current plan could lead to widespread dissatisfaction among residents, suggesting that the upcoming referendum would reflect this sentiment.

Conversely, another resident, Gina Fisher, expressed her apprehensions about the project, particularly regarding the loss of parking for local businesses. She pointed out that the implications of reduced parking had not been adequately communicated to the Board of Trustees or the community. Fisher stressed that the economic survival of local businesses could be at stake, urging the board to consider alternative solutions that would maintain both the aesthetic goals of the project and the vital parking needs of the area.

The meeting underscored a divide between the perceived benefits of modern traffic solutions and the practical concerns of residents about economic impacts. As the village moves forward with the roundabout project, the discussions reflect a broader dialogue about balancing infrastructure development with community needs. The board is expected to address these concerns in future meetings, particularly as they prepare for the upcoming referendum.