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Board authorizes pursuing TIF 7 boundary expansion after debate over procedure and resident concerns
Summary
Trustees voted to authorize an expansion of the TIF 7 boundary to include specified parcels, but the item prompted extended debate over whether public hearings, joint review board notification and other procedural steps had been or would be followed; a developer described land uses and offered to build a road or donate land.
The Village of University Park board voted to authorize initiation of a boundary expansion for Tax Increment Financing district 7 to include specified PIN parcels, but the agenda item prompted sustained questioning by trustees and residents about process, public notice and potential land uses.
Trustees raised procedural concerns, citing Illinois Municipal League guidance that public hearings and joint review board review are required steps in the TIF process. One trustee said IML guidance indicates a redevelopment plan approved by the joint review board requires public hearings and taxation bodies be notified, and asked whether those steps had been completed. The village attorney/presenter replied that the authorization on the table is an initial step; subsequent steps include joint review board consideration and public hearings before a redevelopment agreement or ordinance would be adopted.
Several trustees and residents said they were concerned about possible industrial development and warehouse uses on the parcels across Cicero Avenue; one trustee said residents had objected to warehouses at prior meetings and requested a workshop for additional public input. Trustee Sonia Bell Jenkins urged readiness for measured development to bring housing and retail opportunities and to help reduce tax burden.
Developer Mark Good spoke from the podium and said land within the proposed expansion is designated for a mix of retail, residential and industrial uses and that he had offered to build the road to improve access but would also accept a village-built road. Village staff noted land and permit values associated with potential work were substantial and suggested carving out a community benefits agreement for future negotiations.
Despite procedural questions and at least one expressed opposition during roll call, the board approved the authorization to proceed; staff and the attorney said the authorization is a first step and that joint review board hearings and public hearings would follow.
What happens next: staff will take the authorized proposal to the joint review board and schedule the required public hearings and notices; any redevelopment agreements or ordinances would return to the board for final action.
