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Council backs TIF support for proposed multifamily project at 400 South River Street
Summary
The City Council voted to support a TIF request for a proposed multifamily development in the 400 block of South River Street, and members emphasized the project should be taxable (not tax‑exempt) so it can generate increment for the TIF district.
The Batavia City Council on May 20 voted to support a tax‑increment financing (TIF) request for a proposed multifamily development in the 400 block of South River Street.
Council members discussed the project's location and how new housing could help address local housing stock needs. A council member said the site "is close enough to have easy connections to downtown" and argued the project would provide housing types the city lacks. Another council member described the use of TIF to turn a previously undeveloped site into taxable property that would generate increased property tax revenue for the district.
Councilors emphasized a preference that the project be structured as a taxable property rather than a tax‑exempt development so it would produce TIF increment. One council member noted the TIF district in question expires in 2039. The council approved the motion to support the TIF request; the roll call recorded 13 yes votes and 1 absent.
What the council did not finalize: council members discussed terms and next steps but did not adopt a final development or incentive agreement at the meeting. Staff and developers will return with more detailed financials and the formal agreement language for future council consideration.
Why it matters: supporters said the site is an opportunity to add housing close to downtown and that a taxable development could replenish TIF revenue; opponents did not register a formal objection during the council discussion at this meeting.
Next steps: staff will continue negotiations with the developer and present formal TIF terms, compliance conditions, and any required agreements to the council for approval.
