Lake County Gazette

City of North Chicago Economic Development/Planning/Zoning Committee met Feb. 5.

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

Alderman Smith called the meeting to order.

ROLL CALL:

Present: Jackson, Evans, Allen, Smith, Murphy, January

Absent: Coleman

I. DISCUSSION OF COMPREHENSIVE PLAN PRESENTATION:

Taylor Wegrzyn, Economic & Community Development Director explained the planning contractors from The Lakota Group; Vice President Siraj Asfahani, Senior Economic Development Strategist Josh Bloom and Sam Schwartz Planner Company provided a presentation for the Comprehensive Plan. The last one was adopted in year 2016. The goals and themes were Phase II of the project.

Mr. Asfahani explained that actionable realistic strategies were moving forward to the future.

Mr. Bloom explained had carried out an assessment in the City and a high concern with property taxes.

It was 25% higher than Winthrop Harbor. He had viewed the homeownership; currently was 33% and the goal was to increase to national average to 65%. The strategies and goals were to increase homeownership for more stable neighborhoods. Following would be strategies achieving them. He provided various examples. Halsey Village was an important future housing site. There were more generational and multi-generational families adjusting to their housing types. The need was to leverage the impact of non-profit housing developers and how to train more tradespeople to carry on the mission.

There was importance and desire for additional retail diversity within the City; moderate consumer spending and creating retail competition with neighboring communities. The pertinent goals were within the industrial segment retaining them; nurturing ensuring relationships understanding their needs from the city; cultivating and business growth that serve key industries; retail grocery and restaurant options throughout the City. There were advantages with and disadvantages for businesses to compete without videogaming.

Alderman Smith asked how it could be resolved; Mr. Bloom stated his opinion over time should be phased out. The more pragmatic approach required capping some number for videogaming licenses.

Alderman Evans questioned his suggestion; Mr. Bloom explained was a long-term plan up to 20 years and the city goals managing it carefully. Alderman Evans clarified currently there were many gaming licenses in the city. Mr. Bloom suggested incentivizing as there was a potential adverse effect on the new businesses from gaming; limiting permits issued for a 6-month period and observing its impact.

He offered to review the topic later. The focus was pertaining to the retail development in the downtown area.

Alderman Smith suggested short-term related improving the city image of downtown and holding the landlords accountable.

Alderman Evans asked who should be cleaning the properties in front of businesses; the Mayor clarified it was the city’s responsibility “curb-to-curb.” Alderman Evans suggested incorporating fines from the Economic Development Department ensuring owner accountability. Mr. Bloom considering could be a case-by-case basis, the type of debris and could be determined accordingly.

Alderman January suggested was a code enforcement problem and specific responsibilities of certain individuals. The inspector needed to observe the areas needed. The Mayor explained. Alderman January strongly stated the need of monitoring and maintaining the City.

Alderman Smith suggested bike share on the path.

Alderman Murphy left at 8:37 p.m.

Alderman Murphy returned at 8:41 p.m.

II. DISCUSSION OF RESOLUTION APPOINTING LOCAL GOVERNMENT DIRECTOR – LAKE COUNTY LAND BANK:

Chief of Staff, Greg Jackson asked to appoint the current Economic & Community Development Director, Taylor Wegrzyn as the Director replacing previous one in that position for Lake County Land Bank.

Alderman January moved, seconded by Alderman Allen that the Economic Development/Planning/Zoning

Committee Meeting stand adjourned.

ROLL CALL:

Ayes: Jackson, Evans, Allen, Smith, Murphy, January

Nays: None

Absent: Coleman

The meeting stand adjourned at 8:50 p.m.

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