Plans were unveiled Thursday night for renovation of a strip mall that had been a source of controversy during the April election.
The tentative plans for revamping Georgetown Square, on Irving Park Road, were reviewed by the city’s Building and Zoning Committee.
During the campaign, Mayor David Van Geest had pointed to the deteriorating mall as evidence of the village’s lagging economic development efforts.
The property has been purchased by the George Gullo International Development Corp. of Elk Grove Village, and Joe Canella, a spokesman for the firm, appeared before the panel to seek assistance programs from the city to renovate the strip mall. That help would include sales-tax rebates, landscaping and a new sidewalk.
Noting that the city recently provided aid to a new Jewel Food Store, Canella said, “We’d like to have the same tax break or better (than Jewel), because we’re going to have to fix up the place.”
In response, Van Geest told Canella, “The thing we need from you is a solid proposal with solid numbers as to what you’re looking for.”
Canella estimated the cost of the renovation at $2.5 million for a new roof, a resurfaced parking lot, decorative cupolas and other items. He said his firm is seeking to attract to the renovated mall stores such as a Dominick’s, a Kohl’s, a Home Depot or similar retailers.
The board also discussed the possibility of re-establishing an economic development commission.
Former Mayor Jerry Greer disbanded the former economic development commission several years ago.
