Board supports CPAP grant application for American Legion parking-lot project; asks staff to clarify ordinance

Sugar Grove — The Village Board signaled support for a $10,000 Commercial Property Enhancement Program (CPAP) grant application from American Legion Post 1271 to repair its downtown parking lot, and asked staff to return with a clarified ordinance so the program’s intent is explicit for future applicants.

Village Administrator Scott Coppell said the application seeks assistance for an estimated $33,000 parking-lot repair. The village’s updated CPAP-review committee, which includes Trustee Roscoe and President Stilwell, reviewed the project and recommended the board move the application forward. Coppell told trustees the proposal fits current program rules, which permit replacement or installation of sidewalks and parking areas.

Trustees raised concerns about precedent and whether CPAP funds should prioritize architectural or façade improvements over maintenance. Several trustees said the American Legion is a valued downtown civic institution and supported the grant, but asked staff to return with revised program language to clarify eligibility so future applications can be evaluated against explicit priorities. Trustees also asked staff to look into stormwater mitigation on or near the site; staff said they would evaluate whether catch basins or other stormwater work could be coordinated with the parking repairs.

Board members agreed they could approve the American Legion grant under the current rules and simultaneously bring back the CPAP ordinance for revision. No final grant check issuance was recorded at the meeting; staff will prepare the grant paperwork consistent with the program and return with an updated ordinance that clarifies whether maintenance-only projects are eligible in addition to architectural façade improvements.