Darien Official Wants Focus On Retail

DARIEN, IL — Darien Alderman Eric Gustafason made no bones Tuesday on his views about the city's economic development efforts, saying more needs to happen.

Others defended the city's work, particularly that of the Economic Development Committee, which formed two years ago.

In comments to the City Council, Gustafson noted the loss of XSport Fitness to Downers Grove.

"I was really hoping the Economic Development Committee would be a little bit more proactive in attracting businesses, but in order to raise the bar, I prepared a job description for a new position or a contractor that would be in charge of retail business attraction and development. I'm going to discuss this more at budget meetings."

He said he also was working with the city on attracting marijuana businesses into Darien, the type of recruitment that a narrow council majority supports. So far, no such retailers have set up shop locally.

"We're going to have to get really competitive," Gustafson said.

Alderwoman Mary Sullivan said the committee has done a "tremendous" job during the pandemic.

"They shifted gears from the initial plan to help sustain Darien businesses. They did a major reach-out to existing businesses," Sullivan said. "It was extraordinary to give the businesses the support they needed and help them stay."

Gustafson replied, "The comments I've been getting is that these (committee) meetings are constantly being canceled."

Mayor Joseph Marchese said Gustafson should be careful where he is getting his information.

Sullivan said the December meeting happened.

"I didn't see you there," she told Gustafson.

The next meeting is set for Feb. 4. Sullivan said other city committees also canceled meetings during the pandemic.