UPDATE, Oct. 3, 2017 / Twenty-five speakers signed up for the public forum to address City Council prior to the presentation by Ryan Companies at Tuesday’s City Council meeting. Jim McDonald, Vice President of Development for Ryan Companies, made a case to move forward with approval of the developer to facilitate a community engagement process, complete market and technical studies, develop a land use concept and create a financial plan.
After thoughtful speakers, pro and con, and continued City Council deliberation, Councilwoman Judy Brodhead (click here to watch the archived video of proceedings) put forth a very long and detailed motion in favor of Ryan Companies’ proposal to manage the community engagement. The much-debated vote was called near the end of the three-and-a-half hour meeting, 8-1 in favor of moving forward.
Seated at the dais, from left, are nine elected Naperville City Council members John Krummen, Becky Anderson, Rebecca Boyd-Obarski, Judy Brodhead, Mayor Steve Chirico, Paul HInterlong, Patty Gustin, Kevin Coyne and Benny White. Councilwoman Anderson cast the dissenting vote.
As is customary at City Council meetings, Mayor Chirico is flanked by City Manager Doug Krieger and City Attorney Mike DiSanto.
(FYI: Naperville City Council members are seated at the dais according to seniority and number of votes received in the last Consolidated Election. For example, Councilwoman Brodhead and Councilman Paul Hinterlong are the longest-serving. Council members now are limited to three 4-year terms.)
Above / Jim McDonald from Ryan Companies addresses City Council regarding the “placemat” that illustrates the four proposed phases of the 5th Avenue Redevelopment Process Plan. The plan won approval, 8-1.
According the placemat hand-out, Phase I of the 5th Avenue Redevelopment Process Plan will begin with a Community Engagement Kickoff from 6-8PM Mon., Oct. 16, followed by another meeting from 7:30AM to 9:30AM Tues., Oct. 17. Both meeting will be held in the lower level of the Naperville Municipal Center, 400 S. Eagle Street.
UPDATE, Sept. 5, 2017 / After lengthy deliberation and comments from more than a dozen residents, the City Council postponed whether to approve Ryan Companies, a Minneapolis-based company with an office in Naperville, until 7PM Tues., Oct. 3. The development process started early in 2017 by engaging interested developers and individuals of all ages (high school students to senior citizens’ groups) to come up with ideas to revitalize approximately 13 acres of city-owned or leased land near the railroad tracks. The site could be redeveloped for a mix of residential, retail, entertainment and a variety of other uses. The public is welcome to attend and comment.
UPDATE, Aug. 28, 2017 / City Council Chambers filled almost to capacity for the first round of public City Council workshops to identify the developer for the Fifth Avenue Development. The Mayor and City Council will vote on whether to approve Ryan Companies during their regularly scheduled meeting beginning at 7PM Tues., Sept. 5. The public is welcome to attend and comment.
Above / When you visit the City’s website with the listing of Boards & Commissions and their members, it features a memorable quote attributed to Margaret Meade: “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” Thanks to all residents who take an interest in civics.
The Naperville City Council is set to host a workshop at 6PM Mon., Aug. 28, regarding the proposed Fifth Avenue Development.
The workshop is planned to hear from residents and will be held in City Council Chambers in the Naperville Municipal Center.
In recent months, a task force or scoring committee appointed by the Mayor Steve Chirico had been evaluating eight developers who applied to an RFQ issued about three months ago in order to narrow the list. All members of the task force agreed on one developer and a recommendation for Ryan Companies was presented to City Council at their meeting on Aug. 15, 2017.
After some council members expressed concerns about a lack of transparency in the process, they opted to table the discussion and host a workshop for public input before making a decision regarding the developer.
The property under consideration includes 13 acres along Fifth Avenue, near the Metra train station and east of Washington Street in downtown Naperville. The site could be redeveloped for a mix of residential, retail, entertainment and a variety of other uses. Back in January when the project again was put into the spotlight with eight acres, Mayor Chirico urged the community to dream big.
This workshop also will begin addressing the Home Rule Sales Tax.
FYI / According to the City’s website, at 5PM Mon., Aug. 28, the Financial Advisory Board will meet to respond to City Council financial requests as well as review the Home Rule Sales Tax enacted in 2015 with a two-year sunset. Three City Council Budget Workshops are slated for this fall: October 30; November 13 and November 27. Final Budget Approval is expected on December 5.
