Council backs Cook County Class 6B incentive for Alliance Estate Group at 441 N. 3rd Ave

Economic development staff presented a request on April 6 to support a Cook County Class 6B real estate tax incentive application for Alliance Estate Group LLC, owner of a 24,970 square‑foot industrial facility at 441 North 3rd Avenue.

Susie Aguilar, the city’s economic development manager, said the proposed $250,000 investment would be completed by the second quarter of 2026 and that the applicant has identified WLC Group as a tenant that will operate a truck terminal and service fleet at the site. Under the Class 6B framework, the property’s assessed value would be reduced from 25% of market value to 10% for 10 years with scheduled step‑ups thereafter.

Aguilar presented a 12‑year tax projection showing three scenarios: A) no change ($703,094 total tax revenue), B) new investment without a 6B ($2,600,000), and C) new investment with a 6B ($1,200,000). She said the applicant requested a waiver of the city policy that normally requires a minimum of 30 new full‑time positions, proposing instead a commitment to 15 existing employees plus 15 new full‑time positions within two years.

Councilors discussed vacancy timing and whether the property would meet Cook County vacancy thresholds; staff said the prior tenant vacated in the third quarter of 2025 and the county allows consideration of special circumstances when vacancy has been under 12 months. After questions, the council voted to support the applicant’s Class 6B request; Alliance Estate Group will proceed to the county for final approval.