Economic Development & Neighborhood Renewal

COMMISSION FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND NEIGHBORHOOD RENEWAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING SUMMARY Thursday, May 17, 2018 I. Call to Order Meeting was called to order at approximately 5:41pm. II. District 219 Education to Careers Program Trustee McCreery introduced Lisa Etilson and Chris Paul from High School District 219 who gave a presentation on the Education to Careers Program and how the Niles Business Community might be able to help with these programs. The efforts of Kiddie Kingdom and their assistance with these programs was highlighted as an example of what a Niles Business can and does do to help. III.Approval of Minutes Minutes of the October 5, 2017 Meeting were unanimously approved. IV. Façade Grants – Review Policy Morton Grove Policy and Program was presented for consideration. After a discussion Staff was instructed to market our current program using the Morton Grove Program as a model. V. Land Use Policy Ross gave a report Municipal Land Purchase and how it can be utilized to encourage redevelopment within a community. After some discussion a motion was made to advance a Land Purchase Policy to the Village Board for consideration. This motion was approved unanimously VI. Niles Economic Development Update Ross gave an update on Village of Niles Economic Development activities. The highlights were:  Grainger Land Purchase Update  Feasibility Study for potential Metra Station has begun  Leaning Tower Bells will be restored and are very historic  Golf Mill Park/Greenwood bank building property is to be developed jointly with the Park District into a community festival/recreation area with a detention facility. MWRD has awarded the Village $2 Million in grants for the stormwater construction pertaining to this project. VII. Share/Ask Something Trustee McCreery gave a quick update of the 3 sub-committees activities. Iwona Filipiak told us about a developer (Im-Bug) she has introduced to the Village of Niles who is currently developing large mixed-use developments in Poland and they are interested in exploring opportunities in Niles and we showed a presentation video from this developer. The Mayor recommended the book “Our Towns” for all to read. VI. Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 7:35pm.