Ahead of Evanston’s November budget process, the city’s Economic Development Committee approved using tax increment financing funds for businesses to receive up to $5,000 to improve their outer appearances. Most of the eligible businesses are near the intersection of Chicago Avenue and Main Street.
Although the committee’s members approved the item with a unanimous vote, some members were miffed by the proposal and questioned whether using city funds for the outer appearances of a handful of businesses could indeed raise the property value of the buildings they are housed in, as is the goal for any tax increment finance district, city councilmember Devon Reid said.
In a memo to the committee, Evanston’s Economic Development Manager, Paul Zalmezak, said, “A number of Main Street businesses have reported that the construction project (of Ryan Field) had a negative impact on their revenues this summer. Some have sought direct reimbursement for the reported losses. City policy does not provide funding for businesses or residents impacted by construction.”
Business owners aren’t the only people in Evanston who have voiced their opinion on construction trucks spreading dust throughout the city. At a Sept. 20 Northwestern University/City Committee meeting several Evanston residents raised complaints about the dust and potential health hazards that it could bring to people who live near the designated truck route. A Northwestern University representative said that the university has launched a page for residents impacted by the dust to sign up for a free car wash voucher.
Under the proposed $240,000 grant program, which will still need approval from the City Council, businesses will be able to expense the city up to $5,000 for facade cleaning, signage, awning and storefront glass and doors. Businesses with more than three locations will not qualify for the funding. Funding for it will come from the Chicago/Main TIF fund, with Evanston city staff estimating there are 18 eligible businesses for the grants in the district.
Evanston City Councilmember Bobby Burns (5th) said using TIF funds for cleanup and improvements for businesses could “hit a sweet spot” for investment in the local community.
“I think when TIFs work well there’s a balance of investments like these, where it’s just an investment in the TIF area — not necessarily a TIF that will result in a higher assessment and a collection of more taxes — but that’s an investment of the area, which is also important,” Burns said.
