[{"_1":2,"_99":-5,"_100":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6322059,"mediaKeyId","2348359-00b306ff9962b10f969e1140e0362e32","parentId",2348359,"title","Residents ask council to help keep Landmark School in public use as district lists property for sale","audioSeconds",594,"startMs",46000,"endMs",640000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2348359-00b306ff9962b10f969e1140e0362e32&start=46&end=640","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2348359-00b306ff9962b10f969e1140e0362e32/thumbnail_46000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6322059/Mchenry/McHenry-County/Illinois/Residents-ask-council-to-help-keep-Landmark-School-in-public-use-as-district-lists-property-for-sale","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6322059-3a6f695d3b653b5c3596db06f6bae4cb/orig.mp4?Expires=1776327386&Signature=HVMNHe918Jpn1F74XmCfK8KH33gL4SPzWdMojvWrxnN987Qi3RXJ93cFbseYtFVax~DLmv4-wAhm0h~IyMqmhbx9-mqNKSzXMSbwbXVrIYZn~KY-P~pQd1T95t-anAXi5g4ig4GaxAQRguNWTAVBd1z6c3iO2OsmQwgdgfx~A3R2MDsPBS1DW2nrFoPvOHbit8d6IhC9qLOAGAGUbaa9Vu7V5Mx8-RVcLnVAgJO6Ae2tAjmqYdTrgH2qOhQ82TnUWfNzWF17NiZVx8nqRZyXe8c3J38IqP3yGSxMX6k8I2AQOL-ShO-ZWHuX721sKldkjRH~9leq05j6Pdnaq4Iw-Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City Council of Mchenry, IL","date","2025-02-20T00:29:04.977Z","article","A resident group planning to publicize the sale of Landmark School asked McHenry City Council members to “keep an open mind” about preserving the building for public use after the local school district placed the property on the market.

Jeff Bridal, who said he represents an informal group of volunteers, distributed a packet of historical materials and asked the city to consider ways to encourage a sale that maintains the Landmark School as a public facility. “We are hoping to pursue its sale for public use — that Landmark School remain a public use facility,” Bridal said, explaining the group is circulating the request to preservation organizations and historic‑property real estate lists.

Bridal outlined the group’s objectives: preserve the property’s historic character and distinctive architecture, return the site to an active community role, and use the building to enhance local vitality and tourism. He said the group had contacted the National Trust, Landmark Illinois and the Illinois Historic Preservation Office to raise awareness.

City staff noted a Landmark Commission meeting was scheduled the next evening and that the commission would receive public input on the site. Staff did not report any formal city proposal or purchase commitment during Monday’s meeting.

Why this matters: the loss or adaptive reuse of local historic public buildings can shape downtown character, tourism and community programming. Residents asked council members to consider the school’s cultural value during any redevelopment discussions and to look for ways the city might help keep the building accessible to the public.

Next steps: Bridal said the citizen group will continue outreach, and the Landmark Commission planned to discuss the property at its next meeting; no formal city action on acquisition or protection was reported at the meeting.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","2 18 25 Council Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","A group of residents urged the council to help preserve the Landmark School building as a public‑use facility after District 15 listed the property for sale. The city’s Landmark Commission will discuss the site at a meeting scheduled the following evening.","taxTitle","Mchenry, McHenry County, Illinois","taxId",56189,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6322062,"McHenry council approves Fiesta Days schedule and a string of permits, licenses and public works contracts",913,881000,1794000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2348359-00b306ff9962b10f969e1140e0362e32&start=881&end=1794","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2348359-00b306ff9962b10f969e1140e0362e32/thumbnail_881000.jpg","/articles/6322062/Mchenry/McHenry-County/Illinois/McHenry-council-approves-Fiesta-Days-schedule-and-a-string-of-permits-licenses-and-public-works-contracts","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6322062-33d7cc38613cee4bdeb6ff5ea527c168/orig.mp4?Expires=1776327386&Signature=SN8uDjTKzboHI4Sz~LiQACyj~YgYKB5iW6ysZEiPZazi0yh2FuErb8QaARuhe3DU-iq~AbR6edn1LeHKkwyMkzsnQxR8ZBWz-co3qinYfKh4ChPRsp0kYRFdMLfq4-8xJHzkS8T4T8~loD3D-NGQ1xHr7Nvyk18-hvvJGviVXoy8V25a9amJlYuEY-Rhnb6ac-VysLzxN6Y4uQfShbATRcv4MQxUadCgWYRm4rovMcU4fCfUWl4TtQS8UOxmAZOH8WoAy1DC8LuZvM4DdPZVEH-mNGYMQMzo32GCapvNdQGtAjr6V1l9P498aBfa-4pA19Z3CQOECnyZlNuT1eOQWg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The McHenry City Council on Monday approved the chamber’s Fiesta Days schedule and a set of related permits, then moved on to approve two liquor-license transfers and city infrastructure contracts.

Fiesta Days (consent item 5B): Alderman Sainte moved and Alderman Miller seconded approval of the McHenry Area Chamber of Commerce’s Fiesta Days event schedule as presented, including use of city parks and services, a special-event liquor license and a fireworks display on Sunday, July 13. Concerns were raised in public comment about alcohol availability, a proposed VIP tent offering hard liquor on Friday and Saturday, and music end times adjacent to residential neighborhoods. Molly Ostap, president of the McHenry Area Chamber of Commerce, defended the event and said the festival is a long‑standing fundraiser that supports many free community events. After council discussion the motion passed and the council approved the event as presented.

Liquor-license transfers (6A, 6B): The council approved a Class A liquor license for Wade’s Wave Inc. (Buddy’s Pizza location at 1138 N. Green St.) and a Class C package-liquor license for B & R Petroleum LLC at 4713 W. Elm St. Both votes passed on roll call after brief staff remarks that no issues were identified during review and representatives for the prospective licensees were present for questions.

Caine Avenue water-main replacement (6C): The council accepted the low bid from Ganziano Sewer and Water for $377,520 with a 10% contingency ($37,752) for the Caine Avenue water-main replacement. Director Adams explained the project stems from a water-main failure in January 2024 under the Union Pacific rail line. The railroad’s permitting and construction requirements — including track monitoring, specialized flagging and a continuous “bore/jack” operation beneath the tracks — were cited by staff as reasons the lowest responsive bid exceeded the staff’s original estimate. The contract and contingency were approved as presented.

Berryville Road resurfacing (IGA): The council authorized the mayor to sign an intergovernmental agreement with Prairie Grove for the Berryville Road surface transportation program project, subject to deletion of a city‑attorney review clause after the mayor disclosed a potential conflict of interest. Staff said the McHenry County Council of Mayors had recommended combining two nearby municipal projects into one to streamline STP funding administration. Councilors discussed which municipality should lead the project and confirmed IDOT standards will govern construction and weight limits. The motion carried.

Why this matters: The Fiesta Days vote preserves a long‑running local festival while underscoring resident concerns about alcohol use and noise at public events. The water‑main and resurfacing approvals address near‑term infrastructure repairs and multi‑jurisdictional coordination that the city said are necessary to maintain water service and road condition.

Votes at a glance: the council approved the Fiesta Days event schedule and permits; approved liquor licenses for Wade’s Wave Inc. and B & R Petroleum LLC; awarded a $377,520 contract (plus 10% contingency) for the Caine Avenue water‑main replacement; and authorized the Berryville Road resurfacing IGA.","The council approved the Fiesta Days event schedule (with use of parks, policing/public works support and fireworks), two liquor-license transfers, a water-main replacement contract and an intergovernmental agreement for Berryville Road resurfacing after public discussion of alcohol at events, noise and project details.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6322067,"McHenry council opens study of three proposed TIF areas, asks staff to bring outside expert",1167,6353000,7520000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2348359-00b306ff9962b10f969e1140e0362e32&start=6353&end=7520","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2348359-00b306ff9962b10f969e1140e0362e32/thumbnail_6353000.jpg","/articles/6322067/Mchenry/McHenry-County/Illinois/McHenry-council-opens-study-of-three-proposed-TIF-areas-asks-staff-to-bring-outside-expert","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6322067-fc5f0bf56985249ca6dad0f9cd51403e/orig.mp4?Expires=1776327386&Signature=Id5PXDWmdijfbw5KAsohwOaA9o8KSeI7cMQQSsiOPDKjDANYR9mhYew9iu8~A~VI5t3w11aYKJLHUZhaV6pO-KDKtGVNGA-08BvxH0RG3myZRiQGxqh6N301vxJWdwzQO5qXbtliD8fUo374nRjn526WghR~MzYoLXXidojbw3sBpDuBA~~s91xJlZgX3ldkgSJ~xLwptQ~jh-i4rmjdIJZxGbqZZrEZuvQH~9SQOo6sMwM2bUf5VnC7nntYOl42OGhCCVI-sDdxRJBrUQQX5FgBJ2zWOE46hd0ZqytfBDpBJFkjZmlmrh6Jh79lL5caWPt2oNybwSE~beiCDgY5ew__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City staff on Monday outlined preliminary maps for three possible tax-increment financing districts and told the McHenry City Council the step would be a long, technical process that requires outside expertise and time.

City Administrator Suzanne led the overview of how a TIF works as a geographically focused tool that “captures new tax growth generated by improvements within the district and then reinvest[s] that directly into critical infrastructure such as roads, utilities and redevelopment projects,” she said. Economic Development Director Doug Martin then reviewed the three study areas and the specific redevelopment challenges staff said they face.

The Richmond Road area centers on the former Kmart/Sears block and several adjoining shopping centers that staff described as physically and functionally obsolete. Doug Martin said the pair of adjacent centers together include about 150,000 square feet of vacant space and that the former big-box building has sat vacant many years; “the reuse or division of the big‑box building is extremely costly,” he said. West Route 120 includes many undersized former residential lots that are now zoned commercial and would require aggregation or substantially different development formats to be viable. The third, a broad Main Street/Front Street/Bull Valley Road corridor, combines pockets of legacy industrial uses, vacant land and aging commercial parcels that staff called candidates for redevelopment assistance.

Staff emphasized that establishing a TIF district requires a parcel‑by‑parcel feasibility study, joint review board meetings with other taxing districts and legal and consulting work. “This is the very first conversation,” Suzanne said. She estimated a realistic timeline of six months to a year to prepare and implement a district if the council elected to move forward.

Council members pressed staff on taxpayer impact and process. Alderman Glab asked for calculations showing how a TIF would affect the average homeowner’s tax bill and said residents should understand that TIF revenues derive from local property tax growth rather than an outside funding stream. Alderman Bassi said she was “not comfortable having national chains included in the TIF” and questioned whether portions of the proposed areas meet the statutory threshold for ‘‘blighted’’ or ‘‘conservation’’ conditions.

Several council members said they wanted more technical information before making a policy decision. After extended discussion, a majority of the council directed staff to arrange a Committee‑of‑the‑Whole briefing by an outside TIF consultant to explain mechanics (including the “but‑for” requirements, eligible uses and likely costs of consultant work) and to answer council questions. Mayor (unnamed in the record) and staff agreed the presentation should include examples of how other taxing bodies are affected and typical consultant cost estimates; council members asked staff to forward suggested questions in advance to the consultant.

Staff said they would compile materials and reach out to consultants familiar with Illinois TIF law; possible firms mentioned in discussion included those the city has used for redevelopment work. Suzanne told council she would return with a scheduling proposal, cost estimate and list of candidate consultants. In parallel, staff will continue preliminary parcel analysis but did not plan to prepare a formal TIF ordinance until the council gave further direction.

Why this matters: the council’s existing downtown TIF has funded Riverwalk phases and other infrastructure projects; proponents and staff told council that a similar tool could unlock redevelopment of long‑vacant shopping centers and other underused parcels. Critics flagged the risk of shifting future incremental tax growth away from schools and other taxing bodies for the length of a TIF term and asked for clear modeling before any commitments.

Council next steps: staff will solicit and present a consultant for a focused briefing, produce a short fiscal model illustrating tax‑impacts on a sample $300,000 home, and return to the council with a recommended public meeting schedule and, if requested, a formal feasibility contract.","City staff presented conceptual maps for three proposed tax-increment financing (TIF) districts — Richmond Road (former Kmart area), West Route 120 and a large Main Street/Front Street corridor — and the council directed staff to arrange an outside consultant briefing before any formal action.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Residents ask council to help keep Landmark School in public use as district lists property for sale

McHenry council approves Fiesta Days schedule and a string of permits, licenses and public works contracts

McHenry council opens study of three proposed TIF areas, asks staff to bring outside expert