West Cook News

Village of Brookfield Economic Development Commission met Sept. 18

Here are the minutes provided by the commission:

I. Call to Order

The regular meeting of the Economic Development Commission was called to order at 8:17 am

II. Roll Call

Commissioners Present: Moore, Richard, Valdez, Gatto, Mack and Curelo Commissioner Absent: Silva, Baader, Pardun

Others Present: Trustee Ketchmark, Village Manager Wiberg, Community Development Director Popovic

*Commissioner Richard joined the meeting at 8:35 a.m.

III. Approval of Minutes

Chair Valadez asked for a motion to approve the meeting minutes from August 21, 2024, as presented. Commissioner Mack moved to approved and the motion was seconded by Commissioner Curelo.

Motion Passed 6-0

IV. Old Business

Chair Valdez moved onto Old Business: Brookfield Shops – a retail incubator program for small businesses. Community Director Popovic noted that potential locations were discussed at the previous meeting, including the Village Hall, a vacant lot on Prairie and at 8 Corners at Progress Park. Since the village does not own the lot at Progress Park, and it is owned by First Bank of Brookfield, a lease agreement would need to be approved for the use of the space. At that time Commissioner Richard joined the meeting and indicated that he would be discussing the option of leasing the lot with the Board of Directors. It would be a shorter lease, between 3-5 years.

Commissioner Gatto noted that a 3–5-year lease would be sufficient for that location and that the Village could expand it later if they wanted to. Trustee Ketchmark stated that approximately 7-8 units might be able to fit on the lot with the doors facing out. Community Director Popovic noted that the concept of the incubator includes outdoor usage, indoor usage, and a combination. The project that mirrors the Berwyn Shops includes outdoor spaces, but that the Village can have as many or as little of the spaces as it wants. The project is intended to allow the Village to stylize it and organize it in a way that works best for the Village of Brookfield.

Commissioner Curelo noted that whatever is built should look aesthetically pleasing and not like a thrift store. Commissioner Mack stated that the proposal that was reviewed at the last meeting showed sheds that were tastefully decorated and looked aesthetically pleasing. Commissioner Silva asked what sizes were being contemplated. Village Manager Wiberg noted that the Village could choose any size that works but that a 15 x 15 shed is what was used in other municipalities with similar incubator programs.

Commissioner Gatto asked what the next steps would be to move this project along. Trustee Ketchmark noted that if this project were to start in 2025 the EDC would need to make a recommendation to the Board and allow the Board time to review it. Community Director Popovic noted that the first step would be to confirm with First Bank of Brookfield whether the Progress Park lot would be available to lease. Next would be a review of a preliminary cost estimate on the structures and a review of the cost of bringing electricity and bathrooms to the area. Commissioner Curelo asked whether the units would have running water. A discussion ensued about whether water would be included, and it was noted that the Berwyn shops did not have water. Community Director Popovic also pointed out that a selection for the first group of “cohorts” would need to be planned and the review process could include a “shark tank” type of interview process. There would also be a learning component to the Brookfield Shops, similar to that used in Berwyn for the cohorts to learn about setting a budget, having a business plan, etc.

Commissioner Gatto suggested that the EDC review the specifics at the next meeting once there was more information regarding how many could fit at Progress Park and whether the lot would be leased to Brookfield.

Motion to move it to the next EDC meeting was made by Commissioner Mack and seconded by Commissioner Gatto. Motion passed 6/0.

V. New Business

Community Director Popovic stated that a new applicant for the Property Improvement Grant has applied for 9039 Monroe LLC (9039 Monroe Ave) at 8 Corners. She noted that a modified application was submitted the morning of the EDC meeting, with a request from the owner to consider the changes. The updated application was then shared with all the commissioners.

Commissioner Valdez asked for a motion to review the new application that was turned in on the morning of the meeting. Commissioner Gatto seconded that motion. Mr. Chris Watland, the owner of the building, presented the updated application and stated that he and Szewai Lee purchased the property on May 10, 2024. They intend to occupy 9037, 9039 and 9041 for a children’s play space called Winnies and were before the Planning and Zoning Commission in July 2024. Village Manager Wiberg asked if the other units were occupied in the building and Mr. Watland responded that two additional tenants also occupy the building: an architect and a teen counseling center. He stated that the tenants were long term tenants and will likely continue to use the space.

Mr. Watland noted that they were requesting a PIP grant to assist with the cost of making the following: front facade improvement, including commercial windows and doors, installing 3 larger storefront windows, installing 3 commercial doors with transom windows, and doing a limewash of the facade bricks with Romabio limewash system. The benefits of installing larger commercial windows and glass commercial doors will meaningfully improve the front façade, according to Mr. Watland. The larger storefront windows will provide a better pedestrian view of retail merchandise for sale. Further, the transom windows above the doors will replace the unsightly plywood covering the A/C unit holes and uninviting storm doors. He believeslimewashing the brick will provide a cleaner look to the facade and be more inviting to pedestrian traffic.

Village Manager Wiberg noted that the unit had requested PIP assistance two years ago and asked whether it would be appropriate to consider another application. Mr. Watland noted that that the previous PIP grant only changed out the rotted wood windows on one of the units and painted that section. He proposes that he do the entire building and upgrade it. Community Director Popovic noted that the Village Attorney reviewed the question of the previous PIP and concluded that the previous PIP grant does not carry over to the new owner who is trying to rehab the entire building.

Mr. Watland pointed out that the benefits of the wood trim that the previous owner did would be maintained and that the structure would be whitewashed. Commissioner Richard asked whether Mr. Watland would be willing to consider doing the entire building and upgrading it. He explained that the First National Bank of Brookfield could do a loan for $40K to help accomplish that goal. He noted that the applicant could use the entire grant amount of $20K from the Village and would have access to another $40K from the Bank, which would make the entire building more consistent, cleaner, and nicer looking.

Commissioner Gatto pointed out that he was concerned that only half of the building would have new doors and window treatments under the current application. Mr. Watland noted that he would entertain doing all of the building and asking the tenants as well. Commissioner Gatto pointed out that only half of the building would be upgraded. Commissioner Richards noted the same. Commissioner Gatto stated that the building would increase in value and look aesthetically more pleasing if it was all upgraded at the same time. Commissioner Valdez noted that it seems that there is consensus to move forward with the PIP but with the additional recommendation, if the owner agrees, to include the maximum PIP. Trustee Ketchmark pointed out that if Mr. Watland agreed to the additional upgrades, then he would have 2 weeks to update the application to include 7 windows and doors. Village Manager Wiberg pointed out that he would be leaving $8K on the table if he did not accept the recommendation since the village can match up to $20K and the bank would loan, interest free, an additional $40K if needed.

Commissioner Valdez stated that if the Commissioners agreed, and to avoid going back to the EDC with revisions, the applicant could submit an updated application subject to the recommendation of $20K directly to the Village Board. Trustee Ketchmark reiterated that the applicant would have 2 weeks to put together another proposal that would include all of the doors and windows. Mr. Watland stated that he would be willing to do that and that he felt comfortable that he could get that done in the next two weeks.

Commissioner Valdez requested a motion for a recommendation that the application be updated to include all of the windows and doors. Commissioner Moore made the motion, and it was seconded by Commissioner Gatto. Motion passed 6/0 in favor.

The next item on the agenda was the Theatre Building. Community Director Popovic noted that the EDC could set standards for what the area could use and provide a recommendation to the Board on how to evaluate any future developments for future developers; This would allow for a consistent standard to be used when reviewing proposals. Trustee Ketchmark noted that the goal would not necessarily be to raze the site but to put something there that would be called “_____at Brookfield Theatre.” He noted that the inside of the building was carved out and did not include any facets of the previous theatre; Whether it would remain standing would be up to the final developer. The building has been standing as a hub of the downtown for 30-40 years. Commissioner Gatto noted that it would be nice to maintain the historical façade but to review other development options that were consistent with the Comprehensive Plan and that would meet the density requirements. Trustee Ketchmark noted that the triangle site, when it is completed, will have approximately 30 units. Commissioner Richard noted that the goal is to increase density, and that a mixed-use development would make sense, given the zoning designation. Commissioner Gatto noted that property taxes and the cost of construction would impact the development. Commissioner Gatto noted that it would be beneficial to have an outdoor space and that it would make sense to have a restaurant/bar at the property. Commissioner Valdez noted that the area was zoned for indoor assembly, retail sales, mixed use, eating and drinking establishments. Commissioner Gatto stated that the village does not want a blanket RFP because it would receive proposals that were not viable; We want good and solid developers. Commissioner Richard noted that the RFP should be opened to all developers. Trustee Ketchmark noted that speaking for himself, the Board purchased this building and are looking at more than what looks good on the site but what could help the whole district. Commissioner Gatto noted that more density is needed in that location. Commissioner Richard noted that developers should not be restricted in their proposals and that all should be able to submit the required items when RFPs are issued. Commissioners Gatto and Curelo agreed that certain guidelines, such as proof of funds and letters of intent, should be included in the RFP. Commissioner Valdez asked if there was a recommendation to table the item until the Commissioners could visit the building.

Motion made by Commissioner Gatto and seconded by Commissioner Richard to table the discussion until the next meeting. Motion passed 6/0 in favor.

VI. Community Development Department Report

Community Director Popovic raised the topic of resurrecting a conversation from a few years ago about a pocket park on Grand Ave on vacant land between the buildings. Drawings of a potential pocket park were distributed. The commissioners discussed revisiting the topic at the next meeting when additional information was obtained.

Motion made by Commissioner Gatto and seconded by Commissioner Moore.

Motion Passed 6/0 in favor of tabling the topic until the next meeting.

VII. Commissioner Reports

No Commissioner reports.

VIII. Public Comment

No public comments.

IX. Adjournment

Motion to adjourn made by Commissioner Valdez; Seconded by Commissioner Mack.

Meeting adjourned at 10:01 a.m.

https://brookfieldil.civicweb.net/document/168432/