City of Darien Economic Development Committee met Nov. 3.
Here are the minutes provided by the committee:
1. Call to Order
The meeting was called to order at 7:03PM. Committee Members present were Bob Hahn, Lou Mallers, Angelo Imbrogno, Tom Papais, and Matt Weberling. Also present was City Planner Jordan Yanke and Alderperson Tom Chlystek.
2. Public Comment
Homeowner Bob Whaley made comment and thanked the Committee for their open discussion and attentiveness at its prior meeting in September. The discussion at the prior meeting pertained to future land use ideas for property located at the southeast and northeast corners of Plainfield Road and Clarendon Hills Road.
3. Approval of Minutes – September 1, 2022
Minutes were approved by unanimous consent.
4. New Business
a) Recap of Concept Plan Discussions
Committee held a general discussion and recap of the conceptual plan ideas that have appeared on the agenda during 2022. Committee reaffirmed the need to be proactive and entice developers to Darien and try to target existing commercial centers. Focal point of the discussion was Chestnut Court and next steps, the primary one being an appraisal so the City can have that to show potential developers.
The property at the southeast and northeast corners of Plainfield Road and Clarendon Hills Road was discussed again. Committee member Tom Papais provided a conceptual “pocket” park example for the property at the northeast corner. Alderman Tom Chlystek provided comment and support for the idea. Takeaway was that Alderman Chlystek would bring up the idea of the City purchasing the property at the next City Council meeting.
b) Annual Committee Update
City Planner Jordan Yanke stated that an annual update or report would be put together for January or February of 2023. The update/report would capture the Committee’s activities and accomplishments over the past year.
5. Old Business
a) EDC Duties and Tasks – Develop Working Strategy
i. Activities/Initiatives for 2023
Brief discussion ensued regarding initiatives for the Committee during 2023. Committee member Bob Hahn specifically mentioned the New Business License Welcome Package initiative and questioned if it’s still being done. Staff will look into status and bring the item back to the Committee.
b) Previous Follow Up/Hanging Matters
i. EDC Member Updates
ii. Staff Updates
Committee member Tom Papais gave an update on Chamber of Commerce events. One event specifically mentioned was the Casino Night. Staff gave brief update on current projects and businesses that are either new or prospective.
6. Next Scheduled Meeting
The next scheduled meeting is TBD but most likely will be rescheduled for Thursday, December 8, 2022.
7. Adjournment
Meeting was adjourned at 8:34PM.
https://www.darien.il.us/getattachment/af9be295-53d1-4b79-bf08-6a3de3efb8b6/Economic-Development-Committee-Meeting-November-3,-2022.aspx
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