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Oswego board approves two downtown incentive agreements, $173,752 comp‑plan contract and $4.7 million bill list
Summary
At its July 15 meeting, the Village Board unanimously approved two downtown economic-incentive awards (for Bay 54 and a Taco D'Ale concept), approved a $173,752 contract with Lakota Group for a comprehensive plan update, and approved the bill list totaling $4,705,583.32.
The Village of Oswego Village Board on July 15 approved multiple items aimed at downtown economic development and long-range planning, including two incentive packages for incoming businesses, a contract to complete an updated comprehensive plan, and the regular bills list.
Downtown incentives: The board approved an economic incentive agreement and loan for A2T Hospitality Group to open a cocktail lounge called Bay 54 at 57 Main Street. City staff said the project involves about $142,000 in building improvements and a $32,000 loan request to cover furniture, fixtures, equipment and initial inventory. Staff recommended approval after a financial review; trustees approved the ordinance by roll call.
Dan Thomas, owner of A2T Hospitality, told the board the concept will not be a typical bar. “We are not that establishment down there,” he said, describing Bay 54 as a lounge with a curated, seated experience and capacity plans that start at roughly 80–85 seats for the first-floor space and a future second-floor expansion tied to an ADA lift.
The board also approved an incentive agreement for TD Cantina Corporation (owner Ilda Rodriguez) to open a restaurant concept in the former TapHouse space. Kevin (staff) said the project’s total cost is about $63,500 and the applicant requested roughly $22,000 in grant funding to pay for a new walk-in cooler, permanent exterior signage and related improvements; Rodriguez told the board she has already invested significant capital, saying she had “already spent over a $150,000” on the fit-out and new equipment. Staff said signage and the walk-in cooler are grant‑eligible and that the signage will be processed as a straightforward permit rather than triggering a PUD amendment.
Comprehensive plan contract: The board approved a professional services agreement with the Lakota Group of Chicago for $173,752 to complete a comprehensive plan update. Rod (village staff) told the board that the village terminated an earlier consultant contract and returned to applicants from the earlier procurement; the Lakota team said it will emphasize in‑person outreach by going to festivals and community events in addition to focus groups and staff interviews.
Bill list and consent agenda: The board approved the July 15 bill list in the amount of $4,705,583.32 and adopted a consent agenda that included minutes, an economic-development incentive criteria resolution and several ordinance items related to subdivision/development regulations, variances and a PUD amendment.
Votes at a glance - Ordinance approving economic incentive agreement and loan — A2T Hospitality Group / AHB 345 Enterprises LLC (57 Main Street): approved (roll call unanimous). Key details: ~$142,000 improvements; $32,000 loan backed by personal guarantee and fixtures/equipment collateral; staff recommended approval. - Ordinance approving economic incentive agreement — TD Cantina Corporation / Denver Capital LLC (123 Washington Street): approved (roll call unanimous). Key details: total project cost ~$63,500; requested grant ~$22,000 for walk-in cooler and signage; applicant describes combining Taco Dali and higher-end “La Colonia” elements. - Resolution authorizing professional services agreement — Lakota Group (comprehensive plan): approved. Contract amount: $173,752. - Bill list (dated 07/15/2025): approved. Total: $4,705,583.32. - Consent agenda (G1–G7): approved as read; items included committee and regular minutes (06/24/2025), closed-session minutes (approved but not released), a resolution amending economic‑development incentive criteria, and ordinances amending subdivision regulations and granting variances and a PUD amendment.
Board members and staff said the approvals advance downtown revitalization aims and short-term occupancy of vacant storefronts. Several trustees expressed enthusiasm for the Bay 54 concept and welcomed the Taco D’Ale team; one trustee noted repeated public online commentary about restaurant types but said attracting businesses that bring outside customers is a stated objective of the incentive program.
Ending: The approvals clear the way for Bay 54 to take occupancy on Aug. 1 and begin a fall buildout, and for the Taco D’Ale concept to pursue permits and an expected August opening if permitting proceeds on schedule.
