Economic Development & Neighborhood Renewal

COMMISSION FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT & NEIGHBORHOOD RENEWAL MEETING MINUTES December 4, 2013 Persons in attendance: Chuck Ostman – Executive Director Ross Klicker – Associate Executive Director Mayor Andrew Przybylo Joe Bialko Mike Shields Steve Vinezeano Rich Wlodarski Alan Zielinski Cathy Spadoni – Secretary Also in attendance were Louella Preston, resident, and Tom Robb, reporter. I. Call to Order Chuck Ostman called the meeting to order at 4:05 p.m. II. Purpose – Goals and Objectives Mayor Andrew Przybylo stated that ten years from now he wants Milwaukee Avenue from Albion to Golf to be unrecognizable and Touhy Avenue from Caldwell to Lehigh to be remarkably different. With the new zoning ordinance we have the opportunity to transform the “hodge-podge” appearance of Milwaukee Avenue, our gateway, and the blighted areas on Touhy Avenue without hurting the Village financially. We need to expand on our existing programs and make Niles a real winner. Creation of this commission was triggered by the 2030 Comprehensive Plan, the Multi-Modal Transportation Plan, the possibility of losing Costco, and the fact that nothing has been done to help the neighborhoods. The work of this commission will be ongoing and has no boundaries, but we need to focus on Milwaukee Avenue and form-based zoning, the Touhy Avenue corridor and the neighborhoods. If we make plans now - plans that include culture and arts - we will be ready when the economic situation improves. The executive committee and stakeholders of this commission need to work with the experts and write grants, bank land and get the money flowing. Chuck Ostman added that, as time goes on, we can add to the list of topics the commission should address to promote economic development and neighborhood renewal.  Economic Development/Neighborhood Renewal December 4, 2013 III. Items for General Discussion a) Façade Program – Applications Submitted The primary goal of the Façade Improvement Program is to improve the appearance of Milwaukee Avenue by improving the building facades. This is a 50/50 grant program, with the Village paying up to $5,000 after the improvements are made. Improvements have to comply with our building and zoning requirements and we encourage the applicants to use architectural firms to design the facades. $20,000 is budgeted through April 30, 2014 and we hope to increase that amount to $50,000 next year. If the program is successful, this commission could make a recommendation that this is a viable program and should be funded at a higher level. We have three or four applications to date. We have sent newsletters to the businesses and are getting more inquiries. Staff will review the façade grant applications and will make recommendations to this executive committee, who will make the final decision to approve or deny. The façade grants will address existing conditions and make them better; the Camiros form-based code addresses redevelopment – a “wire frame” that gives a specific framework for a new business to fit into, thus reducing the length of the approval process and saving money. This will show that Niles is business-friendly. The Façade Program is first come, first served. At the same time, the Village can reach out to business owners to suggest taking advantage of the program. The Niles Chamber of Commerce could be a link between us and the businesses, and the program can be publicized in the Focus on Niles newsletter, our website and business enews. An application from Vito Cappiello at 8141-8143 Milwaukee Avenue to install a full, new facade was presented for approval. The Village has received a permit application. Because this project will cost more than $10,000, the maximum allowed amount of $5,000 will be paid. Community Development is working on the parking details. AYES 6 Bialko, Klicker, Ostman, Shields, Vinezeano, Zielinski NAYS 0 There being 6 affirmative votes, the application was APPROVED. b) RFP – Branding and Logo A priority of the 2030 Comprehensive Plan is to develop a new brand and logo for the Village – one that will convey a better image and identity. We have drafted an RFP to secure the services of a firm that specializes in branding and marketing that will suggest a new logo and brand that can be utilized for both economic and community development purposes while maintaining respect for the history and accomplishments of the Village. It was suggested that we don’t completely eliminate the All America City and Best Place to Raise Kids designations from the identity, but find a way to incorporate them in an updated way. Alan Zielinski made a motion, seconded by Mike Shields, to send the RFP to the Village Board of Trustees for approval. On voice vote, all concurred. The motion PASSED. 2  Economic Development/Neighborhood Renewal December 4, 2013 c) Special Events We will likely form a subcommittee to initiate ideas for more community events such as the recently held Bike Niles event and the tree-lighting ceremony. This can be an opportunity to link the business and residential communities, encouraging business sponsorship of these events. It is also an opportunity to promote involvement and create community spirit. Because staff cannot handle the additional work generated by these events, we will be looking to create a pool of volunteers from the community. We also need to find a place to hold Village-wide community events. These ideas will be discussed with the stakeholders. d) Dine-in Program This program has been modified to allow us to track its success. New ideas will be discussed with the stakeholders. It was noted that the Chamber of Commerce is an ally in this, but because they are a membership organization, their focus is on their members. e) Milwaukee Avenue Study – Form-Based Zoning Form-based zoning has presented new opportunities, and there is interest in redevelopment along Milwaukee Avenue. The next step in this process will be discussed further with the stakeholders. It was suggested that we look into solutions to the Chicago-owned section of Milwaukee Avenue - on the west side of Milwaukee between Harlem and Howard. f) Touhy Avenue Study The Touhy Avenue Study builds off the 2030 Comprehensive Plan assertion that arts and culture are an important aspect of the redevelopment. Houseal Lavigne’s report, which should be completed by the first of the year, will tell us what specific types of uses are best so we can develop a marketing plan for that corridor. IV. Open Discussion It was suggested and agreed that future façade grant applications include photos of the current facade. The Winter/Holiday Focus on Niles newsletter is the best one yet. Parking on Milwaukee Avenue should be addressed. Chuck Ostman will speak with Mayor Przybylo regarding the expected participation and contributions of the stakeholders. The stakeholders may be divided into sub-committees, i.e. special events, neighborhood revitalization efforts, etc. Examples of neighborhood renewal are establishing a community garden, improving lighting and signage. Mayor Przybylo and Mayor Callero before him have provided full support for these development plans. Leadership at the mayor level is very important to the staff so that things can get done. In order for this commission to be successful, we will determine over the next few months what the role of the executive committee is versus the entire committee. 3  Economic Development/Neighborhood Renewal December 4, 2013 It was suggested that the stakeholders be made aware of the 2030 Comprehensive Plan so we’re all on the same page. We can have copies available at the next meeting. VIPS are available to help at special events. Everyone needs to understand that these changes will not happen overnight. V. Agenda Items for Next Meeting The January meeting will include the Stakeholders (we are five short of the goal of 23 members) and will be mostly an orientation. Potential agenda items for the January meeting are: summary of first meeting; façade application; special events; Dine-In Program; Milwaukee Avenue Study; Touhy Avenue Study. VI. Next Meeting Date Wednesday, January 15, 2014 – 4:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers. We should plan for a 3- hour meeting. VII. Adjournment The secretary will forward the contact list and Open Meetings Act training information to the executive committee. This training should be accomplished by the next meeting. There being no further business to come before the Commission, the meeting adjourned at 5:58 p.m. 2013-2014 Ad Hoc Commission for Economic Development & Neighborhood Renewal Executive Committee Members Administrative Officers Members Chuck Ostman – Executive Director Steven Vinezeano – Village Manager Ross Klicker – Assoc Executive Director Joe Bialko – resident Cathy Spadoni – Secretary Mike Shields – resident Alan Zielinski - resident Ex Officio Members Mayor Andrew Przybylo Trustee Joe LoVerde 4