Resident asks where EDA 4 will sit; consultant lists parcel counts and explains TIF term change

At its Aug. 26 meeting, the St John Economic Development Commission held a public hearing on the EDA 4 project after a resident asked where the project would be located and whether it was a subdivision.

Randy Shelton said, "So we're just curious on the EDA 4 project. What subdivision is that for, and where is that located?" Greg, a representative from Baker Tilly, replied with map-based detail: "G30 is approximately a 157 single family units. Our G36 is a 134. G38 is approximately, 13." He explained the areas are lettered parcels that together form the EDA 4 footprint.

Greg also explained the town is taking advantage of a change in state law on tax increment financing: "So we're taking that 20 year TIF district and making that 25 year TIF district. So we're taking advantage of what the state's letting us take advantage of." He added that the change will allow the town to capture more revenue from the TIF district.

Shelton and other residents raised traffic and infrastructure concerns near the affected areas, noting growth off Joliet and increased congestion on local streets. The exchange included discussion of nearby roadways and the location of new subdivisions just north of 101st Avenue. No formal action on EDA 4 was taken at the hearing; the commission closed the public comment period afterward.