Village Approves Economic Development Grants

Glen Ellyn continues to pursue an agreement with the Glen Ellyn Chamber of Commerce to take over a Main Street property originally purchased for the village historical society.

During a Monday village workshop, Terry Burghard, interim village manager, said the property at 810 N. Main Street, has no intrinsic historical value. Village officials came to that conclusion after the property was researched by a task force advising the village on what to do with the property after the historical society lost interest in the property. The task force recommended renovating the property for commercial use. The Chamber of Commerce expressed interest in moving their operations to the downtown area, which Burghard said would have a positive impact on the downtown.

Other village business included approval of two $15,000 business renovation grants. The businesses originally applied for the grants when the program was administered by the Glen Ellyn Economic Development Corporation, however, the village absorbed the grant administration.

Village trustees unanimously approved a $15,000 grant for Marcel’s, a new culinary business in the central business district. In addition to selling kitchen items, Marcel’s will also offer cooking classes. The grant will be used to improve the façade of the building housing Marcel’s.

Pfefferman said he was pleased the board approved the grant.

“Marcels is one of the most anticipated new businesses in Glen Ellyn. Everyone seems to be talking about it and looking forward to it,” Pfefferman said.

The board also approved a $15,000 grant for Costello Jewelers. Costello has operated in Glen Ellyn for three decades. The company is renovating its interior to provide more showroom and storage space. Renovations are expected to total approximately $200,000, said Staci Hulseberg, village planning and development director.

The Costello grant was widely supported by the village board, although Trustee Peter Cooper said he was torn over supporting the grant because the applicant was not a new business. He said he was skeptical that the grant monies should be used to subsidize existing businesses in Glen Ellyn. In the end, Cooper voted present during roll call. The other trustees supported the application.

Board members denied approving revisions to the exterior of the Giordano’s restaurant on Roosevelt Road. Board members were upset that the owner of the property, Peter Skiouris, made some renovations on his own to the exterior of the property without consulting with the village.

Pfefferman, who cast the deciding vote, said it all boiled down to communication.

“There was no communication between you and the village. There has to be communication,” he said.

Burghard suggested the property owner and his architect meet with village officials to discuss solutions to the renovation.