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Board favors keeping historic caboose downtown, authorizes lease talks for temporary use
Summary
Trustees signaled a preference to keep the village‑owned caboose in downtown East Dundee and asked staff to pursue temporary leasing to allow a local operator to test a brick‑and‑mortar concept while permanent siting is explored.
Trustees discussed options for the village‑owned caboose at 16 East Main Street amid redevelopment plans for the lumberyard and a potential conversion of Myers Street to a public street. Village staff said the caboose may need to be moved to accommodate future street conversions but reported interest from local parties, including a railroad museum that has not yet confirmed availability.
Staff recommended exploring temporary leasing to a local operator (referred to in the record as Duke) to test a brick‑and‑mortar concept while a permanent solution is developed. Several trustees said they would like the caboose to remain downtown if feasible and suggested potential interim sites such as the corner of Hill and River or Depot Park, and asked staff to pursue lease terms and timeframes. One trustee noted maintenance costs and the need to avoid a long‑term financial drain if no private caretaker is found. Staff said they would prepare a lease proposal and return with options.
