The Homewood Board of Trustees will consider Tuesday whether to take the next step in developing a community science center.
The conceptual plan developed by the Exploratorium, a popular science center in San Fransisco, was delivered several weeks ago and was reviewed by the local stakeholders team Tuesday, July 21.
The board will decide whether to proceed with the next phase of the process, which would develop more detailed plans for the physical space, for exhibits and programs and for a business model.
The board will also take final action on the termination of the existing tax increment financing district (TIF) along 175th Street west of Halsted and replace it with a new TIF district.
The existing TIF is not generating revenue for its redevelopment fund because property values continued to sink after it was established in 2011. Village officials believe property values may have bottomed out, so they think a new TIF would be likely to generate revenue that could help revitalize the 175th Street business corridor.
Trustees will also consider a related ordinance prohibiting property tax abatement for parcels in the proposed Northeast TIF District in compliance with state law, which does not allow properties in a TIF district to also receive certain tax abatements.
In other business, the board will
- Consider a resolution to honor David Owens on his retirement from the village
- Consider reappointing Terry Keigher to the Economic Development Committee and Jack Hrymak to the Appearance Commission.
The board plans to convene in closed session following the open meeting to conduct the semi-annual review of closed session minutes and actual litigation.
The board meets each second and fourth Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. in the lower-level board room at Village Hall, 2020 Chestnut Road.