Costco will get the $5 million over 15 years through thevillage's sales tax rebate program if it produces sales tax revenuethat at least matches the amount generated at 1.3-million-sf beforethe departures of Ward's and JC Penney, another retailer thatexited its 198,000 sf earlier this year.

However, Costco should be up to the task, given its averagestore generates $110 million a year in sales, which would translateto $1.25 million a year in village revenue after it opens in fall2002. That would make it the village's top taxpayer.

"Over the past year, as the economy has slipped into recession,discounters and warehouse clubs have seen significant gains, haveeven been thriving, while traditional department stores andretailers have struggled," says Mount Prospect village managerMichael Janonis. "Older regional malls are at a turning point --either change or become obsolete. We are working with The Rouse Co.to see how we can help change Randhurst to meet the needs andpreferences of consumers. Randhurst is a vital part of our localeconomy and we need to take extraordinary measures to ensure itsviability."