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Downers Grove council approves Linda Kunze Plaza contract, advances auto‑dealership PUD and redevelopment agreement on first reading
Summary
The council unanimously approved a contract with Copenhaver Construction for Linda Kunze Plaza renovations and advanced a PUD amendment and a redevelopment agreement for a consolidated dealership at 330 Ogden Avenue (DJJ Chicago LLC) on first reading; staff said TIF reimbursements will occur after full project completion.
The Village Council unanimously approved a contract with Copenhaver Construction for the Linda Kunze Plaza/Main Street Train Station project, voting to proceed with construction work scheduled to begin after the July 4 holiday. Acting Mayor (Commissioner Sadalski‑Fugate) called the roll and each commissioner voted in favor of the contract.
On first reading, Community Development Director Stan Popovich and Village Manager Fielman presented a planned unit development amendment and master sign plan for 330 Ogden Avenue (including the 4241 Florence Avenue parcel). The proposal would demolish existing buildings, consolidate parcels, and construct a roughly 22,000‑square‑foot consolidated dealership and service building housing three dealer identities. Popovich described requested sign modifications that would increase allowable total signage from 300 to 400 square feet and permit up to three code‑compliant monument signs (36 sq ft each, up to 10 ft tall). The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval at its May meeting.
Staff also presented a redevelopment agreement with DJJ Chicago LLC (Fields Auto Group), stating key terms were consistent with earlier agreements with Gold Coast Exotic Imports: demolition of the two buildings at 310 and 330, completion of parking at 4241 Florence Avenue, operation of three dealerships, and a project completion deadline of June 30, 2028. Manager Fielman confirmed TIF reimbursements tied to the project will be paid only after the entire project is complete, consistent with the village's long‑standing practice, and noted the council had previously extended the TIF expiration to accommodate the schedule.
The village attorney indicated ordinances to adopt the PUD amendment and to approve the redevelopment agreement will appear on a future active agenda for final action. No council member requested additional public hearings beyond the standard process; staff indicated the project includes drainage mitigation measures and coordination with the homeowners association for riprap and landscape repairs.
With the contract approved and the PUD/RDA advanced on first reading, the next steps are ordinance introduction and a future vote on the PUD amendment and redevelopment agreement after required notification and any outstanding technical reviews are completed.
