Burr Ridge board backs Cook County 6b tax abatement support for 144 Tower Drive despite timing concerns

Burr Ridge — The village board on July 14 voted to approve a resolution supporting a Cook County Class 6b property‑tax incentive application for 144 Tower Drive, a site on the Cook County side of the village.

Evan outlined how Cook County’s Class 6b program reduces assessed value for industrial properties to encourage investment; under the schedule explained by staff the county needed municipal support by July 16 to accept the application. "Class 6b lowers assessments significantly for a period of years," Evan said, summarizing the program’s tax‑reduction mechanics and the county timetable.

Sean King, representing the property owner through the firm Ryan, told trustees the owners plan roughly $750,000 in improvements — parking lot, HVAC and roof work — and argued that without the incentive the building could become difficult to lease when two long‑term tenants face upcoming lease renewals. "They've committed to substantial tenant improvements and want to remain competitive in leasing the building," King said.

Trustees pressed the petitioner on past use of incentives and whether the owners had conducted due diligence when they bought the property. One trustee asked why the extension was needed now; others raised concerns about precedent and the short notice. Evan and King said the application and supporting materials were submitted previously and that Cook County makes the final determination.

The board voted to approve the resolution supporting the county application. The village’s action is advisory; Cook County will decide whether to grant the 6b abatement.

What's next: Staff said it will document the owner's written commitments to the planned improvements and return any requested specifics to the board; the county will make the final call on the 6b application.