Council reviews options as purchasers sign agreement for former school; city weighs park purchase, rezoning and Main Street projects

Councilors reviewed multiple redevelopment items clustered under city goals: a private buyer has executed a purchase and sale agreement for the former school property, the city is evaluating whether to pursue purchase of land for a public park and staff outlined related rezoning and Main Street implementation steps.

Staff said a private group (Cascade/Phil Higgins group referenced) signed a purchase agreement for the school building and is seeking financing. Councilors noted the city lacks the resources at present to buy the property and said the city’s leverage would come from zoning control and potential urban‑renewal resources. Staff and a councilor recommended meeting with the prospective buyer after the budget process to understand their financing and timeline.

On zoning, staff said rezoning the school and the Villa Park area to public or park zoning would facilitate park use and events; no rezoning application has been filed yet, and staff indicated they would be proactive once a buyer or the council initiates the process. Councilors also discussed Destination Dundee/Main Street work: staff reported grant applications for downtown signage are pending and that a downtown parking plan has been adopted; staff are working with partners on design and maintenance funded by grant sources where possible.

Council directed staff to continue outreach with the purchaser, to coordinate with the parks stakeholder group and to bring rezoning steps and funding options back to council during the budget cycle.