Elmhurst Losing Patience With Downtown Firm

ELMHURST, IL – Elmhurst officials this week urged a downtown firm to move quickly with its project to improve a property.

They noted the city approved an agreement with New Home Star, 145 W. Second St., more than five years ago.

Under that deal, the city was in line to give New Home Star $335,000 in economic development money – $85,000 of which the company has already received. The money comes from a downtown tax increment financing district.

Officials said they were frustrated a vacant gravel parking lot still remains on the property, which remains out of compliance with city code.

The deadline to complete the project is next month.

New Home Star, which has branches around the country, maintains its corporate office in a building on the property.

On Monday, New Home Star representatives asked a City Council committee to extend the agreement for another two years, according to meeting minutes. They said the pandemic delayed the work.

Mayor Scott Levin said the planned project was good for Elmhurst, but said two years was too long to allow the gravel lot. He suggested six months.

The company's representatives said six months was too soon and that a year would be better.

Alderwoman Emily Bastedo said the city's patience was wearing thin because of the delays, according to the minutes.

Bastedo requested the lot be used for public parking after 5 p.m. and on weekends. The representatives said they were open to that idea, noting they already have such an agreement with the nearby Fitz's Pub.

Assistant City Manager Michael Kopp recommended adding milestones for different parts of the project such as zoning, permits and construction.

Alderman Mark Mulliner agreed with that idea, recommending city staff meet with New Home Star to establish a timeline.

Members of the Development, Planning and Zoning committee agreed for that meeting to be arranged. They said they would then address the issue at their next meeting.