Speak Your Mind Monday Regarding Elmhurst's Proposed Fourth TIF District

Elmhurst residents will have a chance to be heard Monday, Aug. 6, at a public hearing on the proposed North York Road tax increment financing district.

Elmhurst City Council will hear the public's opinion on this potential fourth TIF district in town at its regularly scheduled meeting at 7:30 p.m. at 209 N. York St. The city says the TIF is needed to spur development on the north end of town, but representatives of School District 205 and the Elmhurst Park District with regard to how it will affect their tax revenue.

The proposed TIF would begin at the on the south and continue to Grand Avenue on the north, and include the new at York and Industrial Drive, as well as the old Steven's Steakhouse property and other vacant businesses.

TIF districts freeze assessed property values for local taxing bodies for up to 23 years to encourage redevelopment in areas considered blighted. TIFs generate new revenue through new construction in the TIF district, or if the township assessor increases the assessed value of the properties in the TIF district. The difference between the frozen property value and any new assessment or growth goes into a TIF fund. The city then uses this money to pay for any public improvements or to help finance redevelopment projects in the district.

The Hahn Street development is currently part of TIF 1, and the city is which will freeze tax revenue for local taxing bodies for an additional 23 years. Two additional TIF district also are under consideration, at . Approval of all those under consideration would bring the total number of TIF districts in Elmhurst to six.

Also on the City Council Agenda

Aldermen will recognize the fire department's Fill the Boot program and this year's Ruth Strand Poster Contest winners.

ComEd will then present a storm preparedness update, which will be followed by public comment. Members of the public are invited to speak for up to three minutes on any topic.

In addition to approval of minutes and accounts payable, the consent agenda includes the following topics:

• Reappointment to Elmhurst Economic Development Commission of Kurt Warnke and Steven Moskal
• Mary Queen of Heaven 5-k event Oct. 20 (This item will be referred to the Public Affairs and Safety Committee for review.)
• Development of a formal TIF incentive application process, as requested by aldermen Michael Bram, Diane Gutenkauf and Paula Pezza (This item will be referred to the Finance, Council Affairs and Administrative Services Committee for review.)
• Approval of a bid for $151,414 from J. Gill & Co., the lowest of six bidders, for the Schiller/Palmer parking structure maintenance repairs
• Approval of a bid for $164,750 from Apollo Trenchless Inc., the lowest of four bidders, for the atrium force main replacement project
• Approval of a liquor license request for , 555 S. York St.
• Approval of Elmhurst College Taste of Elmhurst event Aug. 30 for college students
• Approval of Immaculate Conception's Block Party Aug. 25
• Approval of an ordinance amending the city code with regard to film production. The proposed ordinance states: "No person shall engage in, participate in or initiate any film, still, and/or video, production activities anywhere in the City, including the interior or exterior of public or private property, without having obtained a film production permit from the City in accordance with the procedures established in this Article. … Category 'A' permits shall apply to multiple-day filming. Category 'B' permits shall apply to single-day filming."
• Approval of an ordinance removing one Class RSB liquor license as a result of Mimmo's Pizzeria choosing not to renew its license for 2012-13
• Approval of resolutions authorizing work on the Schiller/Palmer parking structure and the atrium force main replacement, as described above

Following the consent agenda, aldermen will hear any updates from elected officials.

They will then vote on placing a referendum on the Nov. 6 ballot asking voters whether an elected officials should be The issue has since Mayor Pete DiCianni announced last year that if elected to the DuPage County Board, he would retain his position as mayor. An attorney hired by the city recommended the issue be put to voters.