Village moves forward on downtown redevelopment: 42‑unit proposal introduced and $54,500 TIF feasibility study approved

A developer team returned to the board with a revised concept for the village‑owned former Village Hall site on Main Street: about 42 rental apartments above roughly 5,000 square feet of first‑floor commercial space.

Architect Mark Korynsky said the design was revised after prior feedback to better match downtown character, orient retail to Main Street and provide resident access that supports street activation. He said a survey and zoning review confirmed the building can comply with build‑to and height standards, but he acknowledged the project needs roughly 50 additional parking spaces beyond the 14 on‑site stalls and will rely on municipal parking to meet the shortfall.

Trustees welcomed the design as a way to enliven downtown but repeatedly emphasized parking, loading, handicap access and potential impacts on municipal lot availability for downtown events. Trustee comments also urged the developers and staff to coordinate on parking designations and to avoid making downtown businesses worse off by dedicating municipal stalls to private residents without safeguards.

Separately, the board voted in regular business to authorize a contract with SB Friedman Development Advisors to study feasibility and eligibility for a downtown tax increment financing (TIF) district. The SB Friedman contract is $54,500; Jim Moran and staff said that cost is eligible for reimbursement from TIF proceeds if a district is later created. The resolution passed on a 6‑0 roll call vote.

The developer said he will return with refined parking solutions, loading and unit mix options, and staff will work with a TIF consultant to evaluate whether a downtown TIF is feasible and what boundaries would be appropriate.