Village President Cathy Adduci | Village of River Forest Website
Village President Cathy Adduci | Village of River Forest Website
Village of River Forest Economic Development Commission met Aug. 13
Here are the minutes provided by the commission:
A special meeting of the Village of River Forest Economic Development Commission was held on Wednesday, August 13, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. in the Community Room of Village Hall, 400 Park Avenue, River Forest, Illinois.
1. CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL
Chairman Brown called the meeting to order at 6:03 p.m. Meeting started by calling roll. Upon roll call, the following people were:
Present: Chairman Cuyler Brown and Commissioners Carr Preston (6:06), Scott Elza, Raj Chiplunkar, Tim Brangle and Elizabeth Muhr
Absent: None
Also Present: Assistant Village Administrator Jessica Spencer and Executive Director Marion- Burton of the Oak Park-River Forest Chamber of Commerce (via Zoom)
2. PUBLIC COMMENT
There was none.
3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - MAY 7, 2025 AND JULY 9, 2025
A MOTION was made by Commissioner Brangle and seconded by Commissioner Chiplunkar to approve the minutes from May 7, 2025 and July 9, 2025. By a voice vote, the motion passed.
4. CONTINUED DISCUSSION REGARDING BUSINESS COMMUNITY RETENTION/SUPPORT STRATEGIES AND COMMUNICATION COMMUNITY
Executive Director Marion-Burton provided an update regarding the Business Networking event that is in the works for September 17th at Byline Bank. He also noted that there will be more updates coming from the Chamber in the coming weeks. Chairman Brown and Commissioners Elza and Muhr indicated that they would like to attend. Chairman Brown noted his appreciation for the activities for the River Forest businesses in recent months.
Chairman Brown invited the commissioners to introduce themselves for the sake of the new members.
Assistant Administrator Spencer advised on the Open Meetings Act guidelines, generally.
5. GENERAL DEVELOPMENT UPDATES
Assistant Administrator Spencer noted that JLL has requested additional information from interested developers on the Madison Street property. The expectation is that the details will be submitted shortly and the next steps will be made available in the coming weeks. Chairman Brown asked what role the EDC might have in the process of the property development. He reiterated the Commission's position on finding the right development for the Village, considering the character of the community.
Regarding Lake and Lathrop, Assistant Administrator Spencer advised that there is a court date on September 12. No further updates regarding the foreclosure proceedings are available at this time. The Receiver has ordered new screening for the fences that will be installed soon.
First Watch has been issued their Certificate of Occupancy and are ready to open. The Grand Opening date has not been provided to staff yet, but its anticipated to be around Labor Day.
Assistant Administrator Spencer updated the group that one business is in the final stages of the Façade Grant program.
She also reminded the commissioners of the North Avenue resurfacing project. Chairman Brown would like to talk about the Village's relationship with Elmwood Park and how they have developed North Ave business district.
Commissioner Brangle asked what is the Village doing to support the businesses in the area, specifically North Avenue, to help use these vacant spaces Chairman Brown offered to identify a list of vacant properties and work to find the property owners.
6. OTHER BUSINESS
There was none.
7. ADJOURNMENT
A MOTION was made by Commissioner Preston and seconded by Commissioner Brangle to adjourn the meeting of the Economic Development Commission at 7:19 p.m.
https://www.vrf.us/uploads/cms/documents/events/08.13.25_EDC_Minutes_Signed.pdf
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