Glen Ellyn Business Leaders Support TIF District, Schools Say No

From behind her counter at Urban Chic Home, Beckie Nilles looks out her window facing and regularly sees "phenomenal" foot traffic along Pennsylvania Avenue in downtown Glen Ellyn. Nilles thinks this corner would benefit from a parking garage, just one improvement that could come if a tax increment financing district is approved by Glen Ellyn trustees. 

According to Village staff reports, currently reinvestment is only happening on a small scale and approving a TIF district would allow the village to realize the plans adopted in the 2009 Downtown Strategic Plan. Without TIF funds it's unlikely infrastructure projects -- a new train station, pedestrian underpass, parking garage, and streetscape improvements -- would happen.

But some of those impacted by the TIF are not in favor of the plan. Glen Ellyn School District 41 and Glenbard Township High School District 87 voted against the TIF in the December joint review boarding meeting. Although the school districts voted against the TIF, they're not necessarily against development in downtown Glen Ellyn.  

"We indicated that we would support the TIF district if the village would refund TIF surpluses to taxing bodies, allowing District 87 to abate taxes to our taxpayers. The Village of Glen Ellyn opted not to accept that condition," said Peg Mannion, District 87 community relations coordinator.

Although the school districts voted against the TIF, Glen Ellyn's business leaders believe it is essential for the future growth of Glen Ellyn's downtown. 

Janie Patch, executive director of Glen Ellyn's Economic Development Corporation, said the proposed downtown TIF district is an important economic tool because private developers can benefit from TIF projects instead of bearing all the financial costs associated with breaking ground for redevelopment. The TIF will also help Patch, as one of her main objectives is recruiting developers and potential business owners to open up in Glen Ellyn. Patch explained that attracting businesses to Glen Ellyn has become competitive with nearby towns like Downers Grove and Elmhurst. Approving the TIF would "kind of level the playing field," explained Patch. "This tool is invaluable." Last summer her group hosted trolley rides showing off Glen Ellyn's potential to developers and business owners. Patch said groups like these are paying close attention to the village's TIF talk and their next moves in Glen Ellyn are dependent on the outcome of the TIF. 

Mike Formento, executive director of the Glen Ellyn Chamber of Commerce, believes the tool is essential to Glen Ellyn's progress. The schools, railroad and downtown are three aspects of Glen Ellyn that cannot be overlooked, according to Formento. "These three jewels are what we have to protect and enhance," said Formento. This TIF district would allow for mixed-use properties and new partnerships, and Formento said attracting "anchor stores" to these locations will likely be the key to future success in downtown Glen Ellyn.

An important part of this redevelopment will be constructing parking decks, which Patch said is needed to accomodate growing traffic needs brought on by new businesses. 

Nilles is on board with the TIF plans because she said that's what "put Elmhurst on the map." And without more parking near her store customers are likely to drive somewhere else. 

"If people can't park they'll just leave," said Nilles. 

Village trustees are expected to vote on the TIF at the Feb. 13 meeting.