During a recent city council meeting, members engaged in a robust discussion regarding the potential development of city-owned properties, particularly focusing on the Fifth Avenue area in Naperville. Councilman McBroom initiated the conversation, emphasizing the need to revisit development discussions that had stalled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. He highlighted the importance of understanding current commuting habits and the city's financial challenges, including a projected $5 million budget cut from the state.

Councilman Holzauer expressed support for McBroom's proposal, noting that the area lacks the well-planned development seen in other communities along the train line. He urged caution against offering excessive tax incentives to developers, advocating for a balanced approach that would enhance city revenue without compromising taxpayer interests.

Councilman Kelly, who had previously been involved in development discussions, cautioned against repeating past mistakes. He stressed the necessity of engaging key stakeholders and the community early in the process to ensure that their voices are heard and considered. He suggested that the council should first establish clear goals before directing staff to develop plans.

Several council members echoed the sentiment that community input is crucial. Councilwoman Taylor recounted her experiences from previous development efforts, emphasizing the need for transparency and genuine engagement with residents to avoid the pitfalls of past projects.

City Manager Gregor proposed taking time to outline a roadmap for the development process, suggesting that the council should first gather community feedback before moving forward with specific plans. This approach aims to prevent the misalignment of expectations that had previously hindered development efforts.

Ultimately, the council reached a consensus to direct staff to provide a high-level overview of potential uses for the Fifth Avenue properties, along with a proposed process for community engagement. This decision marks a renewed commitment to revitalizing the area while ensuring that the community's needs and concerns are prioritized in future development discussions.