HomeMy WebLinkAbout088-R-21 City of Evanston Commitments Concerning the Proposed Five-Fifths TIF District8/31 /2021
9/15/2021
88-R-21
A RESOLUTION
CITY OF EVANSTON COMMITMENTS CONCERNING THE PROPOSED FIVE -
FIFTHS TIF DISTRICT
WHEREAS, the City intends to redevelop and encourage residential use, retail,
commercial and institutional uses to upgrade, expand and modernize facilities within the City as
part of its ongoing economic development planning; and
WHEREAS, the City has proposed a Five -Fifths Redevelopment Project Area
(the "TIF District") located in the north central portion of Evanston; and
WHEREAS, the proposed TIF District includes approximately two hundred
eighty-four (284) tax parcels located to the east and west of Green Bay Road, to Ridge Avenue
to the east, to Darrow Avenue to the west, and to Leonard Place to the north and Emerson
Street to the south. A map of the proposed TIF District is attached hereto as Exhibit A; and
WHEREAS, City staff and officials have engaged extensively in multiple
meetings with members of the community regarding the proposed Five -Fifths TIF District; and
WHEREAS, several members of the community have expressed concerns with
the proposed TIF District, including potential displacement and gentrification in the community,
and with the potential benefits it will provide the community; and
WHEREAS, the City believes that the proposed Five -Fifths TIF District will
provide numerous benefits to the community.
WHEREAS, the City believes that equity forms the foundation for this proposed
TIF plan, and the intended investments and the restrictions recommended by Staff provide
assurance that TIF funding should be devoted to those most in need.
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NOW BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
EVANSTON, COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS, THAT:
SECTION 1: The foregoing recitals are hereby found as fact and incorporated
herein by reference.
SECTION 2: The City commits to support using TIF funds for residential repairs
and improvements to encourage home ownership retention and to improve and maintain
existing rental housing as desired by existing homeowners and allow aging in place. This may
be accomplished by:
A. The use of TIF funds for structural repairs, such as roofing, chimney, and
window repairs.
B. The use of TIF funds for systems improvements, such as HVAC, electrical,
and plumbing systems.
C. The use of TIF funds to encourage climate resiliency measures, such as
energy efficiency upgrades and the use of solar panels.
D. The use of TIF funds to prioritize senior citizens, members of the disabled
community, long-time homeowners, and low-income residents.
SECTION 3: The City commits to support using TIF funds for Affordable
Housing measures to help retain existing homeowners and renters and to support current small
and mid -sized landlords. This may be accomplished by:
A. The use of TIF funds to fund up to fifty percent (50%) of the cost of each
affordable housing unit.
B. The use of TIF funds with a preference for larger family units.
C. The use of TIF funds to assist small and mid -sized landlords with repairs and
renovation to existing "naturally occurring" affordable rental housing units.
D. The use of TIF funds to expand the number of accessory dwelling units
(ADU's).
E. The use of TIF funds to expand homeowner community land trust
programming
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F. The use of TIF funds to offer homeowners, especially the elderly, licensed
real estate and financial services.
SECTION 4: The City commits to support using TIF funds for workforce
development by assisting small businesses with programs to train employees for current and
future jobs and focusing that training on residents of the proposed TIF District. This may be
accomplished by:
A. The use of TIF funds to train residents of the proposed TIF District.
B. The use of TIF funds to support creation of job training programs for
businesses located within the TIF District.
C. The use of TIF funds to focus on training for new infrastructure jobs and top
workforce opportunities as defined by large local employers within the TIF
District.
D. The use of TIF funds for childcare space expansion and support.
SECTION 5: The City commits to support using TIF funds for infrastructure by
funding new infrastructure and maintaining existing infrastructure, some of which has suffered
from deferred maintenance. This may be accomplished by focusing on: water, sewer, street,
sidewalk, bike path, walking path, and wayfinding projects.
SECTION 6: The City commits to support using TIF funds for public spaces,
including community centers and recreational spaces, to a high quality standard that is equal or
exceeds the quality of facilities in other areas of the City.
SECTION 7: The City commits to support using TIF funds for Business District
improvement by supporting small businesses directly and the districts in which they are located
including Simpson/Ashland, Emerson/Asbury, and Green Bay Road. This may be
accomplished by:
A. The use of TIF funds for fagade improvement programs, including awnings,
tuckpointing, storefront glass, doors, and signage.
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B. The use of TIF funds for Storefront Modernization programs focused on
interior renovations and leasehold improvements affixed to the property including
HVAC, plumbing, and electrical systems.
C. The use of TIF funds for improving business capacity.
D. The use of TIF funds for streetscape improvements.
E. The use of TIF funds for Business District identity, signage, and lighting
improvements.
SECTION 8: The City commits to not supporting the use of TIF funds for:
eminent domain, neighborhood clearance, funding for a new Civic Center, or funding for luxury
housing/microunits.
SECTION 9: Upon adoption of the Five -Fifths TIF, the Mayor will appoint a
seven (7) member TIF Advisory Committee. The TIF Advisory Committee shall consist of seven
(7) voting members including: one (1) City Councilmember (Fifth Ward); one (1) member who
does not own or occupy real property within or adjacent to the district; three (3) property owners
or occupants of real property within or adjacent to the district; one (1) member of the Hill Arts
Merchants Association, and one (1) member of the Central Evanston Business Association
(CEBA). The City Economic Development Manager shall be an ex officio, nonvoting member of
the TIF Advisory Committee. The Housing and Grants Manager shall also be an ex officio,
nonvoting member of the Advisory Board. The Committee will review and provide
recommendations on TIF expenditures for private affordable housing development and create
TIF approval guidelines for the home improvement and small business grants. The Committee
will also review public infrastructure projects planned to be funded with TIF funds. Staff memos
to the City Council will include the Committee's recommendations. The Committee will also
advise the City Council on other matters pertaining to the TIF as appropriate.
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SECTION 10: The City Manager, or her authorized designee, is authorized and
directed to negotiate the terms of an Intergovernmental Agreement concerning the TIF with
School District 65 that it is deemed to be in the best interests of the City.
SECTION 11: This Resolution 88-R-21 will be in full force and effect after the
date of its passage and approval in the manner provided by law.
Attest:
Stephanie Mendoza, City Clerk
Adopted: October 25
, 2021
halud A.11i
Daniel Biss, Mayor
Approved as to form:
✓✓cclzolas E. Cum:�ui�gs
Nicholas E. Cummings, Corporation Counsel
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