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Oswego board approves incentives for Bay 54 cocktail lounge and Taco Dali Cantina
Summary
The Village of Oswego approved economic-incentive awards for two downtown businesses: A2T Hospitality's Bay 54 (57 Main St.) with about $142,000 in improvements and a $32,000 loan, and TD Cantina's Taco Dali (123 Washington St.) with a roughly $63,500 buildout and a grant request just under $22,000.
The Village of Oswego board on July 15 approved two separate economic incentive agreements aimed at bringing new dining and nightlife to downtown.
The first ordinance approved authorizes an economic incentive and a loan agreement with A2T Hospitality and related entities for Bay 54 at 57 Main Street. Staff described about $142,000 in projected building improvements; the applicant is also seeking a $32,000 loan to cover furniture, fixtures and initial inventory. Dan Thomas, who said he owns A2T Hospitality and operates The Lewis in Saint Charles, described Bay 54 as a "bar lounge that is a restaurant" focused on a cozy, event-capable environment. He said the project will be completed in phases, with an initial floor of about 80 seats and a target opening in late September or early October.
The board then approved a second ordinance authorizing an incentive agreement with TD Cantina Corporation for a Taco Dali Cantina at 123 Washington Street. Applicant Ilda Rodriguez told trustees the project has an estimated build-out cost near $63,500 and that she is requesting just under $22,000 in grant funding for eligible expenses including exterior signage and a new walk-in cooler. She said much equipment was removed from the prior tenant space and that she has already invested substantially in new equipment, and that the business hopes to open in August pending permits.
Staff recommended both awards after financial review; trustees discussed neighborhood impacts, signage, and whether incentives should prioritize unique or highly desired uses. Multiple trustees praised the projects as consistent with downtown economic development goals. Both motions passed by roll call with the members present; Trustee Torres was recorded absent during roll call earlier in the meeting.
