Village Board Discusses Economic Priorities for Next Year

Interim Village Manager Terrance Burghard asked the board to think long and hard on their priorities for economic development in Glen Ellyn for the year ahead—well, maybe not long. Burghard asked trustees to submit their priorities and their level of interest for the next year by the end of the night at a Village Board Workshop meeting on Monday.

“We wont let you out of the room unless you have submitted a form,” Burghard joked.

The survey given to trustees outlined many projects the board has discussed and are currently working toward. Projects on the list included continuing the transformation of Stacy’s Corners at 810 N. Main St.—otherwise known as the "gas station” as it was referred to several times in the meeting. Other projects included village-wide banners, downtown events and evaluating the construction of a parking garage. 

Due to his short time working for the Village, Burghard said he would feel more comfortable if he knew where trustee’s priorities lay. Trustees were asked to rate the items on the list 1-15, based on their interest in seeing the projects move forward this year and being included in the year's budget.

Burghard said trustees were going to have to make choices, as there was not enough money to complete all of the projects listed. He listed a number of positives and negatives about the Village which he had observed and cited a strong business corridor on Roosevelt Road and a charming downtown as positives, but added that the board has spent a lot of money on projects in recent years and needs to focus its efforts on the short term in order for Burghard to complete this year’s budget.

“The biggest negative at all: we don’t have any money,” Burghard said. “What can we do that is achievable? What is realistic?”

Burghard suggested the continued improvement of the former Marathon gas station at Stacy’s Corners as a good example of what to focus on for the year ahead, citing the money the Village has already put it the project and that it is an entry point to Glen Ellyn.

The Village will hold a special Village Board Workshop meeting on Monday, March 7 stating at 6 p.m. in the Galligan Board Room to discuss the budget.