West Cook News

Village of Brookfield Economic Development Commission met March 19

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 8:31 a.m.

II. Roll Call

Commissioners Present: Baader, Curelo, Gatto, Mack, Moore, Richard, Sharenow, and Valadez

Commissioners Absent: Pardun

Others Present: Trustee Ketchmark, Village Manager Wiberg, Community Development Director Popovic, and Management Analyst Rife

III. Approval of Prior Meeting Minutes

Chair Valadez asked for a motion to approve the February 19, 2025 Meeting Minutes. A motion was made by Commissioner Richard and seconded by Wendy Moore to approve the minutes of the February 19, 2025 meeting. The motion passed unanimously.

IV. New Business

1) Discussion of Property Improvement Grant Request for 9118 Broadway

Discussion Commissioner Curelo recused himself from the discussion and vote regarding this agenda item. Linda Tischler, owner of Tischler’s Finer Foods, was present to represent the business.

Community Development Director Popovic introduced the PIP (Property Improvement Program) application submitted by Linda and Dennis Tischler. She indicated that the applicants are seeking PIP funding to support updates to the building’s signage and exterior appearance, with the goal of enhancing the overall aesthetic of the property. She explained the proposed scope of work includes painting the existing red roof black, refreshing the central striped wall, and replacing outdated signage with a more modern design. The total estimated cost of the improvements is $10,000, with 50% ($5,000) requested through PIP funding. Director Popovic noted that the application currently includes only one contractor quote; however, the applicant has committed to providing a second quote to meet program requirements. Popovic highlighted the use of the tagline “Uptown Market” as a thoughtful addition to the signage. Ms. Tischler shared that she was born and raised in Brookfield and mentioned that the distinction between “Downtown” (Conference Blvd area) and “Uptown” (the store’s current location) was a common way people identified those areas.

Director Popovic mentioned to the Commissioners that while the provided renderings show the updated signage, they do not reflect the proposed black roof. She then asked the petitioner to confirm the roof material, and the petitioner responded that it is a composite material that is suitable for painting. Popovic then invited Commissioners to ask questions or provide comments regarding the proposed scope of work. There were no additional questions or comments. The Commissioners unanimously expressed their support for the proposed improvements.

A motion was made and seconded to approve the PIP application for Tischler’s Finer Foods at 9118 Broadway Avenue. The motion carried unanimously.

2) Discussion of Rental Registration Program

Community Development Director Popovic introduced the idea of implementing a Rental Property Registration Program. The proposed program would require all residential property owners to register both single-family and multi-family rental properties. The goal of the program is to enable the Village to better track rental housing, ensure compliance with safety and building codes, and hold property owners accountable for maintaining safe and habitable conditions. Regular inspections would be a keycomponent of the program.

Commissioner Gatto expressed support for the concept but advised against implementing the program at this time, citing the already high cost of rent in the community, with current ceilings approaching $2,399. Commissioner Curelo agreed and voiced concerns that the program could inadvertently contribute to increased housing costs. Director Popovic noted that the Village currently has a vacancy ordinance in place for commercial properties that are partially or fully unoccupied. Commissioner Mack asked whether rental properties that are already in compliance could be eligible for a fee waiver under the proposed program.

Commissioner Richard questioned whether this aligns with the goals of economic development. He suggested that the Village consider looking at communities further west and mentioned that LaGrange does not currently have a rental registration program. Commissioner Gatto agreed and recommended looking at a community such as Clarendon Hills. He also mentioned that DuPage County addresses compliance issues through permitting and suggested the Village consider utilizing DC Baldwin/Fire in a similar manner. Director Popovic responded that while this approach is used, it has not proven effective in ensuring compliance among residential rental properties. Commissioner Gatto also suggested incorporating the age of a building as a condition for the program. Commissioner Valadez agreed with Commissioner Richard's perspective, emphasizing that economic development should remain a guiding objective. In response, Commissioner Gatto posed the question of how to revitalize aging housing stock, suggesting that a registration program could be part of a broader development strategy. Commissioner Richard stated that many long-time property owners manage their properties well and there would be some pushback. Commissioner Valadez suggested tabling the discussion for the time being. Trustee Ketchmark recommended gathering community comparisons for further discussion.

V. Community Development Department Report

1) Brookfield Shops Update

Community Development Director Popovic provided an update on the Brookfield Shops project. She announced that the six retail vendors have been selected and shared a PowerPoint presentation highlighting each business. The selected vendors include a holistic wellness business offering plant based products, an organic jewelry business, a coffee vendor, a clothing shop, a cake kit company, and a bookstore.CD Popovic noted that while vendor selection is an exciting milestone, there is still substantial work ahead to reach completion. This includes the installation of ADA-compliant ramps and landscaping improvements. She also shared that vendors will participate in a series of training sessions and workshops covering topics such as marketing strategy, merchandising, and financial literacy to support their success. She emphasized that the coming weeks will involve aggressive efforts to meet project deadlines, with a Soft Opening planned for May 31 and a Grand Opening scheduled for June 6.

VI. Public Comment

None.

VII. Adjournment

A motion to adjourn was made and seconded. The meeting ended at 9:27 a.m.

https://brookfieldil.civicweb.net/document/173782/EDC%20Minutes%20(03-19-25).pdf?handle=3AC4AEB9CDC44A1786E8255396DCF9A4