Developer 'Definitely' Needs Elmhurst's Help

ELMHURST, IL — The developer of a townhome project made the case Monday for why he should receive city help. City officials seemed willing to give it.

Elmhurst resident John Pembroke is proposing a 36-unit townhome development at 240 W. Lake St. The property has been vacant for a dozen years, once the site of a Ford auto body shop.

On Monday, Pembroke told a City Council committee that he would offer a "great product at a great price." But he said the project would "definitely" need city help.

His company, Island Construction, is seeking $971,000 in assistance from a city tax increment financing district, or TIF — $585,000 for water and storm sewer, $360,000 for fee waivers and $26,000 for a city alley, according to its application.

In its application, Pembroke said the property in question is the last significant vacant parcel in Elmhurst. It could be the "catalyst to drawing future interest" in the Lake Street area, he said.

Pembroke said in the application, "If not now, when? If not Island, who?" The area, he said, is blighted and in need of major development to jumpstart the TIF.

He said in the application that any developer of the property would seek city assistance, adding that the city has met several others about the land over the years. He also said extending water and storm sewer would benefit all the property owners along Lake Street, not just Island Construction.

The entire townhome project is expected to cost nearly $16 million. The argument for city assistance is that in the long run, the property would produce far more property tax money than the vacant land would. The property's 2020 tax bill was about $11,000.

At Monday's meeting, members of the council's Development, Zoning and Planning Committee supported TIF money for the project.

Alderwoman Dannee Polomsky said the townhomes sounded like a good project, especially knowing that the property has sat vacant for so long.

Alderman Mark Mulliner added, "I think it's a good ask. I'm glad to see something go in there."

The full City Council would ultimately make the decision on assistance.

The developer originally sought $1.7 million from the TIF, but the city indicated it would not approve that request. The issue was discussed in a July meeting of the committee.