The Grant Park Village Board had a lengthy discussion regarding a TIF agreement for renovations of the building at 109 West Taylor Street, but in the end, they did not vote on the agreement and instead decided to bring more stipulations back to the applicant.
Griffin Gate Farm, the applicant for the Taylor Street TIF agreement, purchased this building with the intention of putting a business in it. The building was discussed, along with photos distributed to the board, regarding the proposed agreement in April.
The historic building is located next to the library, and Trustee Gerry Morgan informed the board that the new owners have already put forth considerable work to improve it, including replacing the windows and some temporary maintenance work until they can secure TIF funding to complete permanent repairs.
Although the village did not disclose further information regarding the TIF agreement at this meeting, earlier reports from April disclosed that the applicant is asking for $320,000 in TIF funding.
Morgan advised that he has been working with the applicant, the TIF administrator, and legal since November on the TIF as there were a lot of things the owners needed to complete for the financing. It was added to the agenda for a vote as the administrator was satisfied.
They are asking for TIF financing to replace the roof, tuckpoint the brick, plaster work, flooring, plumbing, and electrical work. The goal is to renovate it and put a business in the location.
“Our main intent is to make our buildings look good,” Morgan added after explaining how TIFs function.
At that point, Village President Ben Detloff introduced the village’s building inspector, Chris Karstensen, to address the building.
Karstensen questioned the structural integrity of the building as he felt the pictures provided to the board did not look good. He advised that the board should want to make sure “the bones are good” in reference to the structure and said that he wasn’t trying to nitpick the applicant.
Trustee Morgan Whorrall inquired why the TIF application was so detailed, which Morgan replied that the applicant wanted to show all they had completed thus far. Whorral didn’t think she had received that much detail before, which Trustee Susie Wiedl agreed, but Morgan said they’re getting the same information, there’s just more with this project. He added that the TIF administrator at one point had inquired what had been completed upstairs, so that’s why that was included.
The board discussed requiring the applicant to have a structural engineer review the plans as a condition of the TIF.
Trustee Steve Brower also inquired about the feasibility of the timeline, which is estimated to be about six months. Morgan reviewed the proposed improvements and said he thought it would be possible if some of the contractors worked simultaneously. Originally, the applicant was hoping to be able to start in June, but that will now be moved out further since it was not approved at this meeting.
Morgan emphasized that awarding this TIF amount would not take away from other projects, and that the applicant would have to pay for improvements before they would be awarded TIF funds.
“In addition to it looking good, we want them to also have a business in there where they’re generating income and something that’s taxable, so we will be getting some sales tax, some gambling tax,” Morgan added.
Police Chief Carl Frey interjected and reminded the board that if there is gambling, they have to have a liquor license also, to which Morgan replied that the board added a license so one is available if they were to apply for one after renovations are complete.
The discussion concluded with Detloff advising Karstensen to work with Morgan on what the applicant needs to produce.
It’s worth noting that outside of being present for the Taylor Street building TIF discussion, Karstensen would be attending the meetings quarterly to provide updates about the goings-on in town. Some discussion occurred about various properties and Karstensen’s role at the end of the meeting.
Detloff reported that he spoke with Engineer Neil Piggush, and they are making progress toward park improvements. The original park sign will stay and an additional, new sign erected. They worked together with the Grant Park Foundation to come to an agreement about what trees could stay as well as the configuration of the park.
The Downtown Streetscape will soon be underway, with the first step toward construction moving a gas line. It is expected to take a year to complete, and Piggush found a grant that the village could apply for to recoup remaining engineering costs.
Later, Morgan advised the board that they have the 2026 appropriations ordinance before them for a first read. He encouraged questions and advised that any errors could be corrected up until the second read, which will take place during a public hearing on June 16.
With regard to streets and alleyways, Whorrall reported several updates and asked that if the public sees any downed trees or branches or American Flags that were placed for Memorial Day that the wind may have displaced, to contact the maintenance department; flags may be dropped off at the police department. Whorrall also encouraged business owners to maintain the property in front of their business, including weed removal.
Steve Brower reviewed community events, including the 5K Pancake Run Walk Ride event, as well as other upcoming events.
Before the meeting concluded, Trustee Dennis Martz brought up the path between Hilgert Drive and Dollar General. He also requested the purchase of a camera for the police department that had been extensively reviewed at the last meeting, but the board did not vote on because it was on the agenda as a discussion item and not a vote. The board did, however, approve a pay raise for part time officers to $26.00 per hour beginning June 1.
Finally, the board discussed the continued work on the Pepin property, the use of UTVs, the multi use path, and the building inspector’s role.
Stephanie Irvine is a freelance reporter.