===== PDF PAGE 2 ===== WHERE HISTORY & PROGRESS MEET 475 Main Street West Chicago, Illinois 60185 T 630.293.2200 F 630.293.3028 westchicago.org Daniel Bovey MAYOR Viviana Ramirez CITY ADMINISTRATOR DRAFT MEETING MINUTES Downtown Revitalization Commission Monday, August 24, 2026 - 6:00 p.m. 1. Call to Order Chairperson Salzman called the meeting to order at 6:03 p.m. 2. Roll Call Members present included Chair Salzman, and Commissioners Ballines, Beebe, Czuba, Kolode, Myers, and Phalen. Commissioners Espinosa, Rodriguez, and Sabathne were absent. Other individuals present included Business and Community Relations Director Kelley Chrisse and Director of Community Development John Sterrett. 3. Approval of Minutes Commissioner Phalen made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Beebe, to approve the draft meeting minutes from July 27, 2026. The motion carried unanimously by voice vote. 4. Mosaic Market Recap Director Chrisse gave a recap of the Mosaic Market, which ended the third week of August after 12 weeks of a pilot market program over summer. Ms. Chrisse shared successes and some areas for improvement, including the hours of operation. Alternative locations for next year will be looked at because Main Street cannot be used due to construction occurring in the downtown in 2027. There is a desire not to shut down any public streets and instead use parking lots. Findings local entrepreneurs to participate was a challenge. The attendance for the Museum and Gallery 200 saw in increase once the market began at the beginning of summer. The way that existing businesses along Main Street marketed themselves during the market hours was also discussed. The Commissioners discussed that more emphasis should be placed on the arts at the market. 5. Follow-Up Incubator Impacts The Commissioners discussed the potential for a boardwalk shop market and expanding food trucks. It was suggested that staff from Warrenville should be consulted to discuss their boardwalk shop market. It may be more beneficial to focus on food trucks rather than boardwalk shops. The train depot near the Library could potentially be used for pop up markets. There could be a mix between a few incubators as well as food trucks. The Commission discussed if a private entity is looking to create an incubator program, should the City support it rather than duplicate efforts. It was suggested for next month’s meeting that individuals who are looking to operate a food hall to come to the next meeting. 6. 2027 Construction Impact Ms. Chrisse brought up the impact that the construction of the downtown in 2027 is going ===== PDF PAGE 3 ===== to have on existing businesses. There will likely be intermittent closures and one way traffic. Ongoing coordination with the existing businesses will occur throughout the construction. It was identified by the City’s Economic Development Commission to offer some level of support for businesses. Signage for businesses was discussed to potentially assist businesses while also not interfering with signage needed for construction. These options must still be discussed. It was discussed to have ambassadorships for the businesses to help push out consistent messaging and cross collaboration for supporting the downtown. It was determined that Commissioners Phalen, Myers, and Kolode would work together to form a “hype team” structure for promoting the downtown. 7. Role of Preservation in Revitalization Efforts It was discussed how much of a role preservation should play in revitalization efforts given the unique historic character of the downtown. It was suggested to have Landmarks Illinois or Main Street Illinois to discuss how this effort can occur. A representative from the Historical Preservation Commission should also be invited for a discussion because new development will be impacted by historical character, and vice versa. An architectural firm who had worked with Batavia Main Street on historic improvements will be contacted for a potential presentation. Gentrification should also be studied so that it does not negatively impact on the existing businesses and community. 8. West Washington Street Site Concept Plan Status Update Ms. Chrisse gave an update on the RFQ that was issued for the West Washington Street Site Concept Plan. Two addendums were issued recently in response to questions from potential firms. Concerns were raised by some firms that the budgeted amount does not necessarily match the scope of services being sought. 9. Public Comment None. 10. Adjournment Commissioner Kolode made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Ballines, to adjourn. The motion carried unanimously by voice vote. The meeting adjourned at 7:38 p.m.