===== PDF PAGE 1 ===== [Extraction: embedded PDF text] WHERE HISTORY & PROGRESS MEET Downtown Revitalization Commission Monday, June 22, 2026 - 6:00 p.m. West Chicago City Hall - Council Chambers 475 Main Street West Chicago, IL 60185 A G E N D A 1. Call to Order 2. Roll Call 3. Approval of Minutes: May 27, 2026 4. Recommendation for a Downtown Revitalization Vision & Mission Statement 5. Recommendation for use of Form-Based Code 6. Discussion of Downtown Revitalization Priorities, Barriers, and Implementation Strategies 7. Status Update: Downtown Modernization & Beautification Project 8. Introduction to Food Truck Regulations 9. Public Comment 10. Adjournment 475 Main Street T 630.293.2200 Daniel Bovey MAYOR West Chicago, Illinois F 630.293.3028 60185 westchicago.org Viviana Ramirez CITY ADMINISTRATOR ===== PDF PAGE 2 ===== [Extraction: embedded PDF text] WHERE HISTORY & PROGRESS MEET DRAFT MEETING MINUTES Downtown Revitalization Commission Monday, May 27, 2026 - 6:00 p.m. 1. Call to Order Chairperson Salzman called the meeting to order at 6:02 p.m. 2. Roll Call Members present included Chair Salzman, Commissioners Beebe, Kolode, Myers, Phalen, and Rodriguez. Commissioners Ballines, Espinosa, and Sabathne were absent. Other individuals present included Business and Community Relations Director Kelley Chrisse, Interim Director of Community Development John Sterrett (arrived 6:10 p.m.), Otto Rodriguez, and Mohammed Smith. 3. Approval of Minutes Commissioner Phalen made a motion to approve the draft meeting minutes from April 27, 2026 and seconded by Commissioner Kolode. Motion carried unanimously by voice vote. 4. Status of Downtown Efforts Director Chrisse provided the Commission with information on efforts currently taking place in the downtown. Ms. Chrisse briefed the Commission on the Downtown Modernization & Beautification Project. Ms. Chrisse provided details on the events of the project that have taken place to date and the timeline of tasks that still need to be completed. The anticipated completion of the entire project is end of 2027. Ms. Chrisse also provided the Commission with information on staff’s Economic Development Work Plan, specifically items that are related to downtown development and revitalization. City staff continues to work with developers interested in mixed-use and townhome development on the Central Main Street corridor. The Plan also calls for concept review of the West Washington Street development. Staff extensively promotes the financial incentive programs including the Retail & Restaurant Grant and the Downtown Investment Program. Quarterly meetings with downtown business owners and property owners have been occurring to improve communication with these entities. There have been ongoing programs to activate the downtown with events and arts/placemaking activities. Finally, the expansion of uses in the downtown is incorporated into the Work Plan. Mr. Sterrett went through the zoning code efforts that have taken place with a focus on downtown revitalization. This includes previous approvals such as allowing outdoor dining on the public sidewalk and permitting specialized instructional uses, such as yoga and cooking classes. Work has been done to draft a framework for allowing food trucks in the 475 Main Street T 630.293.2200 Daniel Bovey MAYOR West Chicago, Illinois F 630.293.3028 60185 westchicago.org Viviana Ramirez CITY ADMINISTRATOR ===== PDF PAGE 3 ===== [Extraction: embedded PDF text] downtown within the public right of way. This item will be for future discussion by the Commission. Finally, form-based code has been introduced as a potential replacement for traditional zoning on the city-owned properties on the Central Main Street corridor slated for redevelopment. 5. Approach to Redevelopment Mr. Sterrett gave an overview of two different approaches to redevelopment – incrementalism and highest and best use. Each of these approaches offers its own benefits as well as challenges. Incrementalism Incrementalism approaches downtown (re)development as the accumulation of many small, low-risk improvements over time. The unit of change is the individual storefront, parcel, or block face rather than the downtown as a whole. Typical activities include façade improvements, adaptive reuse of existing buildings, small infill projects, streetscape and public space enhancements, tactical urbanism, and support for individual small businesses and property owners. Public investment tends to be modest in scale, recurring, and distributed across many sites. Highest and Best Use Highest and best use asks a simple question of each property: what is the most productive use this site could reasonably support? "Most productive" means the use that is allowed under the zoning, physically possible on the site, financially workable, and produces the greatest long-term value. Applied to the downtown, the framework points toward larger, higher impact projects, for example, a mixed-use building replacing a surface parking lot, a multi-story development replacing an underused single-story commercial building, or the assembly of several parcels into a single larger site. The premise is that some properties are performing well below their potential, and that redeveloping them at a higher intensity produces outsized benefits for the district. Public participation under this approach is generally concentrated in fewer, larger commitments, often including tools such as TIF, tax abatements, or land assembly. The members of the Commission engaged in conversation on these two aspects. Generally, most agreed that there are benefits to both, though highest and best use in the long term is most beneficial, while in the short term it may be advantageous to seek out incrementalism on certain properties. 6. West Washington Street Concept Discussion Outstanding Items for RFQ Issuance Ms. Chrisse went over the outstanding items that need resolution prior to finalizing the RFQ for the West Washington Street design, including evaluating the realignment of Fremont Street, whether to incorporate a housing component, the importance of revenue- generating property versus community spaces, and other elements. The Commissioners agreed that while evaluating the realignment of Fremont Street should not necessarily be included in the RFQ, an evaluation of the pedestrian safety aspect of the intersection should be. The Commissioners agreed that housing should be included as a component and the ===== PDF PAGE 4 ===== [Extraction: embedded PDF text] proposed location of housing is where additional remediation of the site will be required. The Commissioners were generally in favor of some combination of revenue-generating property as well as community spaces but that revenue generation should be the primary target. One idea to account for both objectives is the inclusion of incubator space. The overall thought was to have not less than 80% revenue-generating with not more than 20% of open and community space. Other elements that the Commissioners felt should be included were a city square concept around the historic train depot. The Commissioners suggested that a market study be included to determine if incubator spaces including a food hall and small shops are feasible. Inclusion of arts is very important, and the best way to incorporate them should be analyzed. The possibility of locating City Hall at the Washington Street site should also be analyzed and considerations should be given to provide large meeting space within the structure to benefit the community. Futsal Fields Mr. Sterrett provided background information on the design and installation of futsal fields at the West Washington Street site. Mr. Sterrett stated that at their May 4, 2026 meeting, the City Council discussed a proposal from the Mayor to use a portion of the 14-acre City- owned West Washington Street property in the B-1 Downtown District for the installation and use of futsal fields. This endeavor would be in collaboration with Street Soccer USA and Missionary Athletes International. The DRC is being asked to discuss this project and determine if it is an appropriate use for the downtown at this location and to provide a recommendation on this project. Mr. Sterrett stated that if the DRC recommends approval, staff recommends that the futsal fields be placed in the southwest corner of the property, near the end of North Aurora Avenue to still allow ample space for redevelopment of the balance of the site. The Commissioners deliberated on the proposal. Commissioner Myers made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Rodriguez, to recommend approval of the inclusion of the futsal fields with the condition that they be placed in the far southwest corner of the property. With a roll call vote of five (5) yes and one (1) no, the motion carried. 7. Public Comment Otto Rodriguez, Executive Director of Street Soccer USA, spoke about the futsal field proposal that Street Soccer USA is collaborating with the City on. Mohammed Smith spoke about his popcorn business and how he is looking to partner with various nonprofits, specifically for hiring individuals with special needs. He would like to move into a brick-and-mortar location soon. 8. Adjournment Commissioner Beebe made a motion to adjourn, which was seconded by Commissioner Myers. The motion carried unanimously by voice vote. The meeting adjourned at 9:12 p.m. ===== PDF PAGE 5 ===== [Extraction: embedded PDF text] CITY OF WEST CHICAGO DOWNTOWN REVITALIZATION COMMISSION AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY ITEM TITLE: AGENDA ITEM NUMBER: 4 Downtown Revitalization Vision & Mission Statements COMMISSION AGENDA DATE: 06-22-26 STAFF REVIEW: Kelley Chrisse, AICP, CEcD, Business SIGNATURE __________________________ & Community Relations Director ITEM SUMMARY: As part of its ongoing work to support downtown revitalization efforts, the Downtown Revitalization Com- mission has conducted stakeholder outreach, completed a downtown walking tour, reviewed existing planning documents, and facilitated discussions regarding downtown opportunities, challenges, and de- sired outcomes. Throughout these discussions, several recurring themes have emerged, including the desire for a more vibrant and active downtown, increased business diversity, enhanced public spaces and gathering op- portunities, greater community connections, preservation and celebration of West Chicago's unique identity, and continued investment in redevelopment and economic growth. Establishing a vision and mission statement can help provide a shared framework to guide future rec- ommendations, prioritize initiatives, and evaluate opportunities related to downtown revitalization. The vision statement is intended to describe the desired future state of Downtown West Chicago, while the mission statement articulates the purpose and focus of revitalization efforts. The proposed options were developed based on stakeholder feedback, Commission discussions, the City's Strategic Priorities, the Economic Development Work Plan, and other planning and policy docu- ments. Option 1: Community & Place-Focused Vision A downtown where people gather, connect, and celebrate community in a vibrant and welcoming envi- ronment that reflects the unique character of West Chicago. Mission To revitalize Downtown West Chicago by creating inviting public spaces, supporting local businesses, celebrating culture and history, and fostering meaningful connections among residents, businesses, and visitors. Option 2: Economic Vitality & Investment-Focused Vision A thriving downtown that serves as the economic and cultural heart of West Chicago, attracting invest- ment, supporting businesses, and creating opportunities for residents and visitors alike. Mission To strengthen Downtown West Chicago through strategic redevelopment, business growth, housing opportunities, infrastructure investment, and partnerships that support long-term economic vitality and community prosperity. ===== PDF PAGE 6 ===== [Extraction: embedded PDF text] Option 3: Destination & Community Identity-Focused Vision A vibrant, welcoming, and authentic downtown where people gather, businesses thrive, investment grows, and community pride is visible every day. Mission To revitalize Downtown West Chicago through strategic investment, business growth, placemaking, cultural celebration, and community partnerships that create a dynamic destination reflecting the com- munity's unique identity and serving as the heart of civic life. Discussion Each option reflects common themes identified through the Commission's work but places a different emphasis on the desired outcomes of downtown revitalization. • Option 1 prioritizes community gathering spaces, placemaking, and social connections. • Option 2 prioritizes economic growth, redevelopment, and investment. • Option 3 seeks to balance economic vitality, placemaking, culture, and community identity while positioning downtown as a destination. The Commission may choose to endorse one of the proposed options, modify elements from multiple options to create a preferred alternative, or provide additional direction for refinement and future con- sideration. REQUESTED ACTION: Recommend the preferred framework to guide future downtown revitalization planning efforts. ===== PDF PAGE 7 ===== [Extraction: embedded PDF text] CITY OF WEST CHICAGO DOWNTOWN REVITALIZATION COMMISSION AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY ITEM TITLE: Recommendation for use of Form Based Code AGENDA ITEM NUMBER: 5 COMMISSION AGENDA DATE: 06-22-26 STAFF REVIEW: John Sterrett, Director of Community SIGNATURE __________________________ Development ITEM SUMMARY: At the February 23, 2026 meeting of the Downtown Revitalization Commission, staff presented an overview of Form-Based Code, a development regulation tool that prioritizes building form over land use. The City's Central-Main Street Redevelopment Plan recommends Form-Based Code for the roughly five acres of city-owned property slated for redevelopment downtown. The Commission's feedback was generally positive. Members noted that Form-Based Code offers de- velopers greater predictability when designing redevelopment proposals. Moving forward would require hiring a planning consultant, a cost not currently budgeted. If the City proceeds, the earliest this work could begin is FY2027. Staff requests that the Commission discuss this option and, if supportive, recommend that staff include funding for a Form-Based Code consultant in the FY2027 budget. ===== PDF PAGE 8 ===== [Extraction: embedded PDF text] Form-Based Code — Quick Reference Guide Form-Based Code is a development regulation tool that prioritizes the physical form and character of buildings over their use. Rather than regulating an area building by building, it shapes the look and feel of an entire district, with permitted uses becoming a secondary consideration. Traditional zoning prevents the worst case. Form-Based Code encourages the best case. How It Works Why It Matters – A regulating plan divides the area into transect – Gives developers a predictable, pre-approved zones based on desired form first, use second. vision of what the community wants before they design. – Each zone carries its own detailed design standards, with appropriate uses called out – Encourages walkable, mixed-use development specifically. by blending compatible uses appropriately. – Standards lean on images and diagrams rather – Tailors standards to each property's specific than dense text, reducing ambiguity for context, instead of one set of rules applied developers and staff alike. district-wide. – The focus is on how buildings relate to the – Building form and site design outlast any street, to pedestrians and vehicles, and to single use, which may change repeatedly over public and private space. time. Traditional zoning is like painting a wall a single color while Form- Based Code is like designing a mosaic. Same use, different form: traditional zoning permits the building at left; Form-Based Code requires street-level design like the storefront at right. ===== PDF PAGE 9 ===== [Extraction: OCR (rendered-page OCR)] Proposed Area for Form-Based Code ===== PDF PAGE 10 ===== [Extraction: OCR (rendered-page OCR)] Figure 63 Block 3: Multi-Family Apartments and Townhomes Zoning District B-1: Central Business District Block Area 1.78 acres (77,374 square feet) Unit Count 60 Apartments; 14 Townhomes Density 41 units / acre Height Five-Story max.; Two-Story min. Stormwater Reg. 34,354 cubic feet Corner plaza at the intersection of Center Street / Main Street Architectural emphasis at corner plaza Townhomes along Center Street / High Street Emphasize corner at Chicago Street / Main Street Align driveway with alley across Center Street Block 3 w» Possible Stormwater Facility Locations sssese== Possible Stormwater Storage Vaults Block 3 is surrounded by Main Street, Center Street, Chicago Street, and High Street. It is the only full block development site owned by the City. Along Main Street, midrise apartments that front onto the plaza at the corner of Main Street and Center Street establish an anchor at the south end of the two- block Downtown core. The corner of these apartments should also include a visual landmark on the plaza that aids in the procession from Metra station to Downtown core. Townhomes along High Street respect the scale and character of the historic neighborhood. Currently, Block 3 includes multiple single-family homes and Frank’s Automotive Repair, which adds a layer of complexity to the block’s redevelopment. The timing of lease expirations must align with developer schedules, so demolition and site clearing can occur prior to redevelopment. (see page 55 for block specific stormwater recommendations) 61 Block Solutions ===== PDF PAGE 11 ===== [Extraction: OCR (rendered-page OCR)] Block 4 Illustrative 3D Scenario Block 4: Multi-Family Apartments and Townhomes Zoning District B-1: Central Business District Block Area 2.45 acres (106,640 square feet) Unit Count 120 Apartments; 6 Townhomes Density 51 units / acre Height Five-Story max.; Two-Story min. Stormwater Req. 46,923 cubic feet Architectural emphasis at Wilson Avenue terminus One driveway for parking access allowed along Main Street Align street and alley with driveways Respect historic scale with townhomes along Chicago Street Retain church parking lot ssuseee Possible Stormwater Storage Vaults Block 4 faces both Main Street and Chicago Street, as well as S. Oakwood Avenue on the north end of the block. Water’s Edge Bible Church owns the irregular shaped parking lot at the center of the block, so the illustrated redevelopment excludes their parcel. Midrise multi-family apartment/condominium buildings along Main Street and townhomes along Chicago Street would complement the scale and character of both edges of the block. The terminus of High Street is aligned with the primary access drive and drop-off for the apartments. One right-in/right-out access point off Main Street may be necessary to access parking. Currently, Block 4 includes multiple single-family homes. The block is mostly city-owned, but redevelopment may require the acquistion of one more parcel. If the remainder of the block becomes available on the market, it should be purchased for additional redevelopment opportunities. (see page 55 for block specific stormwater recommendations) Central-Main Street Redevelopment Plan Update 62 ===== PDF PAGE 12 ===== [Extraction: OCR (rendered-page OCR)] a Design Gunanncs on page 86 x Figure 65 h Block 5: Multi-Family Apartments Zoning District B-1: Central Business District Block Area 2.09 acres (91,033 square feet) Unit Count 150 Apartments Density 72 units / acre Five-Story max. fronting Main Street; height Height should step down to accommodate winter sunlight into rear yards of adjacent homes Stormwater Req. 6,873 cubic feet Architectural emphasis at building corners Reduce height adjacent to single-family homes One driveway for parking access allowed along Main Street Garage with vegetated roof courtyard wrapped with building Path connection to Main Street from S. Oakwood Avenue Block 5 Illustrative 3D Scenario = Possible Stormwater Facility Locations Block 5 is across from the Metra station along Main Street. This site offers the opportunity to build a truly transit-supporting development with a high unit count. The building should be a maximum of five-stories along Main Street and should step down 80 feet from the Main Street front property line to respect the lower scale of the single-family homes. The illustration shows a two-level parking garage that requires minimal excavation. The building would wrap the parking garage, so the garage does not front Main Street. Currently, Block 5 includes not only the City Hall building and parking lot, but the neighboring for-sale parcel to the east. Though relocation plans for City Hall are under consideration, no permanent location has been identified to date. One possibility is relocating City Hall to the West Washington Street Plan study area; however, if timely redevelopment is desired, it may be necessary to temporarily relocate City Hall until a permanent home can be identified. (see page 55 for block specific stormwater recommendations; see page 86 for further block specific design guidance) 63 Block Solutions ===== PDF PAGE 13 ===== [Extraction: embedded PDF text] CITY OF WEST CHICAGO DOWNTOWN REVITALIZATION COMMISSION AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY ITEM TITLE: AGENDA ITEM NUMBER: 6 Downtown Revitalization Priorities, Barriers, and Imple- COMMISSION AGENDA DATE: 06-22-26mentation Strategies STAFF REVIEW: Kelley Chrisse, AICP, CEcD, Business SIGNATURE __________________________ & Community Relations Director ITEM SUMMARY: The Downtown Revitalization Commission was established to support and promote the City's efforts to revitalize downtown West Chicago by bringing together elected officials, residents, business owners, nonprofit stakeholders, and City staff in a coordinated and collaborative manner. Among its responsibil- ities, the Commission is charged with evaluating ideas and recommendations from the City's Compre- hensive Plan and other planning documents, prioritizing revitalization strategies, reviewing zoning and land use regulations, and making recommendations that advance downtown revitalization goals. As the City advances several downtown initiatives, including the Downtown Modernization & Beautifi- cation Project and planning efforts for the West Washington Street site, the role of development incen- tives and other implementation tools in encouraging private investment and supporting downtown revi- talization has emerged as a topic of discussion. The purpose of this discussion is not to determine whether the City should offer incentives. The City already maintains several economic development tools and has historically utilized project-specific agreements when warranted. Rather, the purpose of this discussion is to identify whether there are downtown revitalization objectives that may benefit from additional economic development tools, fund- ing sources, zoning amendments, partnerships, or other implementation strategies. In fulfilling its responsibilities, the Commission may identify revitalization priorities that require imple- mentation tools beyond public investment alone. Such tools may include zoning amendments, public- private partnerships, economic development incentives, funding mechanisms, property disposition strategies, marketing initiatives, or other actions necessary to advance downtown revitalization goals. Existing Economic Development Tools The City currently utilizes a variety of economic development tools to encourage investment, support business growth, facilitate redevelopment, and advance community goals. While some incentives are available through established programs, others may be negotiated on a project-specific basis through development agreements. Historically, the City has evaluated larger redevelopment opportunities using a needs-based approach that considers project costs, redevelopment challenges, anticipated public benefits, economic impact, and consistency with City priorities. • Downtown Investment Program The Downtown Investment Program provides reimbursement grants for eligible commercial and mixed-use properties located within the Downtown TIF District. Eligible improvements include façade restoration, accessibility improvements, structural repairs, building system upgrades, ===== PDF PAGE 14 ===== [Extraction: embedded PDF text] historic preservation activities, and streetscape enhancements. The program is intended to en- courage reinvestment in existing buildings, preserve historic character, improve property condi- tions, and stimulate additional private investment within the downtown. • Downtown Retail & Restaurant Grant Program The Downtown Retail & Restaurant Grant Program provides reimbursement grants to attract and support retail and restaurant businesses within the Downtown TIF District. Eligible expenses in- clude retail consulting, visual merchandising, website development, online sales platforms, and marketing activities. The program is intended to strengthen downtown commercial activity by supporting businesses that enhance the retail, dining, and visitor experience. • Property Tax Abatements The City may consider temporary abatements of its portion of property taxes for developments that provide significant investment, redevelopment, job creation, or economic benefits. Property tax abatements may be used to improve project feasibility and encourage investments that may not otherwise occur while generating long-term benefits to the community. This tool is most ef- fective when combined with abatements from other taxing bodies. • Sales Tax Rebate Agreements The City may enter into agreements that rebate a portion of newly generated municipal sales tax revenues for a specified period of time. These agreements are typically tied to performance measures and development commitments and are intended to support business attraction, ex- pansion, and redevelopment projects that generate substantial economic activity and tax reve- nue. • Municipal Utility Tax Rebates The City may provide temporary rebates of municipal utility (e.g. electric and gas) taxes to qual- ifying businesses or redevelopment projects. These rebates are generally intended to reduce operating costs during the initial years of operation and improve the competitiveness or feasibility of a project. • Building Permit Fee Reductions or Waivers The City may waive certain locally controlled permit fees associated with development projects. Fees associated with third-party plan review and inspection services are generally not eligible for waiver because those costs are passed through to the City. Fee reductions may be used to lower upfront development costs and encourage reinvestment in existing properties. • Development Agreements The City may enter into project-specific development or redevelopment agreements that utilize one or more incentive mechanisms. Development agreements are typically tailored to the unique circumstances of a project and may address redevelopment challenges, public improvements, performance benchmarks, development timelines, and other public benefits. These agreements provide flexibility to address catalytic projects that may not fit within existing incentive programs. Collectively, these tools provide the City with flexibility to support a variety of redevelopment and busi- ness development objectives. The City is not limited to these programs and may enter into development or redevelopment agreements utilizing one or more incentive mechanisms when appropriate. Histori- cally, incentive requests have been evaluated on a case-by-case basis considering project need, public benefit, economic impact, redevelopment challenges, and consistency with City goals. As a result, the discussion should not focus solely on existing programs, but rather on whether available tools adequately support the downtown revitalization outcomes desired by the community. ===== PDF PAGE 15 ===== [Extraction: embedded PDF text] Revitalization Priorities and Barriers A key role of the Commission is to identify revitalization priorities and determine whether barriers exist that prevent desired outcomes from occurring. The Commission may wish to discuss: • Building Reinvestment and Property Redevelopment Potential priorities may include: • Preservation of historic buildings and architectural features • Rehabilitation of underutilized structures • Adaptive reuse of historic properties • Redevelopment of vacant properties • Activation of vacant storefronts • Improvements that strengthen downtown character and identity Potential barriers may include building conditions, rehabilitation costs, financing limitations, en- vironmental concerns, ownership challenges, redevelopment feasibility, and market conditions. • Housing and Mixed-Use Development Potential priorities may include: • Upper-story residential conversions • Mixed-use redevelopment projects • Additional residential density within the downtown • Workforce and market-rate housing opportunities Potential barriers may include construction costs, building configuration challenges, parking con- siderations, financing constraints, and regulatory requirements. • Downtown Activity and Destination Development Potential priorities may include: • Destination retail and restaurant uses • Entertainment and cultural venues • Outdoor dining opportunities • Public gathering spaces • Arts, culture, and placemaking initiatives Potential barriers may include startup costs, market demand, property constraints, and opera- tional challenges. • Land Use, Zoning, and Economic Productivity Potential priorities may include: • Increasing property utilization • Supporting higher-value land uses in strategic locations • Encouraging redevelopment of underperforming sites • Supporting mixed-use development • Facilitating adaptive reuse of existing buildings • Aligning zoning regulations with downtown revitalization goals Potential barriers may include existing land use patterns, ownership conditions, parking require- ments, use restrictions, redevelopment costs, site constraints, market demand, and other regu- latory limitations. • West Washington Street Site Consistent with the Commission's responsibility to oversee development of a concept plan for the West Washington Street site, the Commission may wish to consider how future uses and development opportunities at the site contribute to broader downtown revitalization goals and ===== PDF PAGE 16 ===== [Extraction: embedded PDF text] whether implementation of those opportunities may require future policy, zoning, partnership, funding, or economic development considerations. Funding Considerations Economic development tools may be supported through a variety of funding sources depending on the nature of the project and the public benefits being provided. Potential funding sources include: • Downtown TIF District revenues • Downtown Revitalization Fund revenues • Annual budget allocations • State and federal grants • Revenue-sharing agreements • Public-private partnerships • Other locally available economic development tools Certain revitalization priorities may not align with existing funding sources or program eligibility require- ments. As a result, additional funding mechanisms or alternative sources may need to be explored. Identification of a revitalization priority by the Commission should not be interpreted as a commitment to provide financial assistance but may serve as a basis for future evaluation by the Economic Devel- opment Commission, staff, and City Council. Relationship to the Economic Development Commission The Downtown Revitalization Commission and Economic Development Commission serve complemen- tary but distinct roles. The Downtown Revitalization Commission is responsible for identifying downtown revitalization priorities, evaluating implementation strategies, reviewing land use and zoning considera- tions, and identifying barriers to investment and activation. The Economic Development Commission is responsible for making recommendations regarding economic development policies, programs, and ac- tivities that foster business growth, support redevelopment, increase the tax base, and expand employ- ment opportunities throughout the City. Recommendations from the Downtown Revitalization Commission may help inform future evaluations by the Economic Development Commission regarding whether existing economic development tools adequately support downtown revitalization priorities. Where the Downtown Revitalization Commission identifies barriers, unmet needs, or implementation challenges, those issues may be referred to the Economic Development Commission for evaluation of existing programs, funding mechanisms, incen- tive tools, or other economic development strategies. Discussion Questions 1. What revitalization priorities should receive the highest priority over the next five to ten years? 2. What types of private investment should be encouraged within the downtown over the next five to ten years? 3. What barriers most limit achievement of those priorities? 4. Are there zoning, regulatory, or land use barriers that should be addressed to support downtown revitalization? 5. Are existing tools and funding sources sufficient to address identified barriers? 6. What issues should be referred to the Economic Development Commission or City Council for further evaluation? The City already possesses a diverse set of economic development tools and has historically utilized both established programs and project-specific development agreements to encourage private invest- ment. Through this discussion, the Commission can identify revitalization priorities, barriers, and ===== PDF PAGE 17 ===== [Extraction: embedded PDF text] implementation needs that may inform future to the City Council and referrals to the Economic Devel- opment Commission for further evaluation. REQUESTED ACTION: Discuss downtown revitalization priorities, barriers to investment, and potential implementation needs. Identify any topics that warrant further evaluation by the Economic Development Commission, City Council, or staff and provide direction regarding next steps. ===== PDF PAGE 18 ===== [Extraction: embedded PDF text] CITY OF WEST CHICAGO DOWNTOWN REVITALIZATION COMMISSION AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY ITEM TITLE: AGENDA ITEM NUMBER: 8 Proposal to Ease Food Truck Restrictions COMMITTEE AGENDA DATE: June 22, 2026 STAFF REVIEW: John Sterrett, Community Development SIGNATURE __________________________ Director In 2022, the City adopted the current Comprehensive Plan known as West Chicago Forward/Adelante West Chicago. Throughout the plan, the use of mobile food vendors, such as food trucks and food carts, is encouraged. The City’s Code of Ordinances contains regulations for food trucks in the public right-of-way under Section 9-82, Peddler’s Licenses. The Zoning Code, however, allows the use of food trucks within the M Manufacturing District only, and those food trucks may serve only the em- ployees that work on the property where the food truck is located. Food trucks are prohibited in all other areas in the City. The Comprehensive Plan calls for expanding mobile food vendors as a permit- ted use beyond the M District to all commercial zoning districts, with emphasis placed on food trucks permitted in the downtown. Mobile food vendors can add vibrancy to the community by creating a festive atmosphere while also providing economic opportunities for startups in the food industry. Expanding mobile food vendors to other zoning districts can be accomplished through an amendment to the text of the Zoning Code. Staff recommends deleting from the Zoning Code the current section restricting food trucks solely to the M Manufacturing and replacing it with a provision that permits the use of food trucks on private property in the downtown. Furthermore, staff recommends that food trucks be permitted in the public right-of-way and on City-owned property in the downtown with approval of a Mobile Food Vendor li- cense, which staff proposes to create. Below is an outline of the staff recommendations to allow food trucks. This proposal went before the Economic Development Commission in October of last year and re- ceived favorable feedback. Downtown (B-1 Central Business District) Private property • Permit the use of food trucks on all private property within the downtown. • Limit 1 food truck per zoning lot. • Consider separation requirements of a food truck from a brick-and-mortar restaurant/beverage es- tablishment, unless permission is granted from said brick-and-mortar restaurant/beverage estab- lishment. • Establish requirements to ensure the placement of a food truck on a property does not inhibit any vehicular or pedestrian access. City-owned Property/Public Right-of-Way • Identify appropriate public locations for food trucks in areas of the downtown where there are ===== PDF PAGE 19 ===== [Extraction: embedded PDF text] commercial gaps, such as along Main Street between Center Street and the Metra Lot. • Utilization of Turner Court, the Turner Court parking lot, and the Fremont Street water tower park- ing lot. • Consider excluding the use of the public right-of-way of Main Street between Center Street and Washington Street to prevent what could be perceived as unfair competition with existing restau- rant uses. • Require a Mobile Food Vendor license for any food truck utilizing City-owned property or public right-of-way. Festivals and Events • Any food truck associated with a City-planned event (e.g. Food Fest, Blooming Fest, Downtown Trick or Treating, Mosaic Market etc.) or City-sponsored event (Railroad Days) shall only be re- quired to complete the vendor application and comply with the requirements associated with the specific event. • West Chicago Food Festival continues to grow each year and future event programming, from ei- ther City-planned or sponsored events, should be supported by City code allowing the increase in opportunities for food trucks. ACTIONS PROPOSED: Staff is requesting the Downtown Revitalization Commission review and provide feedback on the pro- posal.