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Roselle board backs $300,000 TIF inducement to help open meat-smoking business at 225 E. Irving Park Rd.
Summary
The Village Board directed staff to pursue a $300,000 TIF incentive for redevelopment at 225 East Irving Park Road, agreeing in principle to split the payment 50% at closing and 50% on issuance of a certificate of occupancy; staff was asked to return with clawback and contract terms.
The Roselle Village Board on March 9 directed staff to negotiate Tax Increment Financing assistance of up to $300,000 to support redevelopment of 225 East Irving Park Road, the site of the former little market, and asked staff to return with draft clawback terms.
Planner Caitlin presented the request for the petitioner, saying the owner, identified in the presentation as Assad John, plans to open a meat-smoking business called Carnivore US that will include retail, wholesale and a restaurant counter. "The biggest ... the property owner is kinda grappling with is that fire suppression, which is an estimated $200,000 to $300,000 cost," Caitlin said, and noted additional tenant improvements and exterior work are planned. She said the owner is under contract to purchase the property for $1,250,000 and estimated total project costs of $1.7–$2.0 million.
Caitlin told the board the village expects new sales and food-and-beverage tax revenue of about $30,000–$45,000 annually based on the petitioner’s estimates and comparable local businesses, and projected property tax increment from the site over the life of the TIF at roughly $210,000. She described the $300,000 request as about 24% of the project’s estimated total cost, in line with prior TIF offers.
Board members discussed disbursement mechanics and protections for village funds. Mayor Pawlowski summarized the board’s direction: "I think what we've got then from direction is we do a $150 upfront upon the closing of the property and the $150 on a certificate of occupancy being issued." Trustees asked staff to draft clawback language and other options — such as forgivable loans tied to years of operation or revenue thresholds — and to work with the village attorney on the legal structure.
Assad John, who approached the podium to speak, told the board he had run successful pop-up events and hoped to open by June or July. "I really wanna open up June, July," he said, adding he would find an upfront payment helpful to manage renovation costs.
The board did not vote on a final agreement at the meeting. Staff will return with recommended contract language, proposed clawbacks and an implementation plan for the 50/50 disbursement structure so the board can consider a formal vote at a future meeting.
