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Huntley Board approves façade grant for Dairy Mart to add safety planters along Route 47
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Summary
The Village Board approved up to $6,000 in Façade Improvement Assistance reimbursement for the Huntley Dairy Mart to install heavy concrete planters at the Route 47 frontage as a safety measure; trustees pressed staff on planter spacing, anchoring and aesthetics before voting 6‑0.
The Village Board voted unanimously April 27 to approve a Façade Improvement Assistance Program grant for the Huntley Dairy Mart at 10706 N. Route 47 to install large concrete planters along the Route 47 frontage as a protective barrier.
Director of Development Services Charles Nordman told the Board owner William Dunn requested grant assistance to place concrete planters approximately 48 inches in diameter and 30 inches tall; staff estimated eight planters would cost roughly $12,000. Under the Façade Improvement Assistance Program the project would be eligible for reimbursement of up to 50% of the cost with a per‑project maximum reimbursement of $10,000, which in this case yields a maximum Village reimbursement of $6,000.
Trustees asked detailed questions about planter siting and durability. Trustee Niko Kanakaris asked whether planters would sit on the Dairy Mart property or in the State right of way; Director Nordman replied the planters would be on the Dairy Mart property though the two northernmost planters would be close to the right of way and that staff will confirm exact locations with a plat of survey. Kanakaris and Trustee Mary Holzkopf recommended adding concrete fill or bollards to keep planters from moving; staff said the planters weigh about 1,700 pounds empty and could weigh considerably more when filled, and agreed to explore additional anchoring options.
Trustees and staff also discussed spacing and landscaping. Trustee Holzkopf asked whether tighter spacing could deter children from running between planters; Nordman said the planters were about 3 feet apart but could be moved closer together. Mayor Timothy Hoeft said he favored the 3‑foot spacing and encouraged parental supervision near the intersection. Trustee Harry Leopold expressed concern that tightly spaced planters could look like a "jail" and suggested decorative chains as an alternative.
The Board approved the façade grant 6‑0 (mover: Trustee JR Westberg; second: Trustee Niko Kanakaris). Staff noted that if the grant is approved the petitioner must sign the Façade Improvement Assistance Program Agreement and that final planter selection and exact siting will require coordination with Village staff and a recorded plat of survey.
The Board’s approval funds are available in the FY23 Downtown TIF District No. 2 Façade Improvement Assistance Program, which carries $50,000 in the FY23 budget.
The Board did not approve specific planter models at the meeting; staff will return with finalized specifications and placement details for administrative review under program rules.