Above / Back in December 2018, dozens of local residents and public officials gathered at stations during an open house at Calvary Church to learn about the draft of the Route 59 Corridor Future Land Use Plan. Overall, the most-asked questions regarded TIFs, incentives and the impact of residential development on the student population. (PN File Photo 2018)
The Aurora City Council approved on Tuesday (Feb. 18, 2020) an intergovernmental agreement (IGA) between the City and Indian Prairie School District 204 which sets procedures and guidelines for the use of development incentives in the Route 59 Corridor.
District 204’s School Board approved the agreement last week.
“District 204 is appreciative of its partnership with Aurora,” said Indian Prairie Superintendent Dr. Karen Sullivan. “We have a strong agreement that supports the economic development of the city while providing the necessary resources to educate our students.”
The mutually beneficial agreement is the culmination of months of planning and negotiations between the City and the District spurred by current redevelopment initiatives in the corridor and increasing interest for future redevelopment projects.
For the next decade, the IGA will govern the specific use of Tax Increment Financing (TIF) incentives and economic development communications between the City and District 204 for development activity in the Route 59 Corridor area with such stipulations as:
- TIF incentives will not be utilized as the first and only source of development incentives.
- TIF districts within the designated area will only last for 15 years, instead of the general 23 years.
- Any taxes generated from development within a TIF district on property that generates students will be considered surplus.
- The District agrees not to oppose such a TIF district during the Joint Review Board, and also agrees not to challenge the eligibility of a TIF district in court.
“Aurora is in the midst of a redevelopment renaissance and the Route 59 Corridor is a top priority for the City and a key focal point for developers,” said Mayor Irvin. “Education is also a top priority for my administration, and we want to do what is best for the City and schools in a collaborative way. This agreement with District 204 does just that and helps to strengthen our community.”
RELATED PN POST / School District 204 report regarding Rt. 59 Corridor Comprehensive Plan – Dec. 2018 – Feb. 2019
