Fox River Grove approves up to $35,000 façade grant for All Marine at riverfront property

The Village of Fox River Grove Board of Trustees voted Oct. 21 to support a façade grant of up to $35,000 for All Marine, owner-occupied riverfront property at 104 N River Road. The grant was approved unanimously after discussion of eligible expenses and project timing.

Assistant Administrator Bechler told the board that staff had reviewed the improvement list submitted by the petitioner and found about $70,000 of eligible expenses and roughly $41,000 to $54,000 ineligible expenses under the village façade program guidelines. Jessica, an All Marine employee who lives in the village, said the building currently "looks abandoned" and that the proposed exterior improvements would revitalize the riverfront entrance and welcome residents and visitors.

Jessica and owner Michelle Streit said the project would begin next spring and could take about eight to 10 months to complete. Trustee David Joseph asked whether the work would be completed in phases; Administrator Soderholm explained the façade grant is a one-time payment issued upon project completion and only after paid receipts are submitted. Trustee Andrew Migdal said he supported a $35,000 grant (approximately half of identified eligible expenses). Trustee Migdal moved the grant approval; Trustee Devin Hester seconded. Roll call was unanimous and the motion passed. Staff said they would draft a grant agreement for future board consideration.

The minutes do not list a final contract, schedule of disbursements, or detailed itemization beyond the eligible/ineligible expense estimates; those details are to be determined during agreement drafting and are not included in the meeting record.