Centennial Park West has run a multi-year operating deficit since ticketed shows began in 2019, village staff told the Board of Trustees, and a public commenter warned the venue may also require substantial work to meet federal accessibility rules.

At the board’s meeting, an unidentified staff presenter summarized revenues and expenses dating to 2019, saying cumulative concert-related expenses exceeded $2.6 million while revenues totaled about $700,000, producing an estimated net loss of roughly $1,880,000. The presenter said the venue’s construction cost was $12.5 million and that 20-year debt service is projected at $930,000 annually with operating costs of about $250,000 a year.

During the agenda-related public-comment period, Michael Henry said he obtained engineering plans and an engineer’s letter showing the concert center lacks required accessible entrances, curb cuts and an ADA-compliant path under the railroad. Henry said fixes could “roughly” cost between $2,500,000 and $5,000,000 and warned of potential federal fines beginning at $75,000 for a first violation and rising thereafter.

Trustees responded with a mix of concerns and context. Trustee Lawler and others criticized the absence of a business plan before construction and urged that any future village amenity include a formal business-case analysis. Trustee Healy defended some of the venue’s intangible community value during the pandemic, saying special events had civic benefits that are hard to quantify. Trustee Malani and other trustees said a mix of paid and free events and a revised operating model will be considered in next year’s budget.

Village staff told the board the 2026 budget will include a more detailed feasibility study and that the village will restrict large headliner bookings while it seeks a sustainable program for the asset.

The board did not take a vote on a policy or funding change for Centennial Park West during this meeting; members said they expect deeper budget review and staff recommendations during the 2026 budget process.