For Immediate Release:

October 17, 2023

Sugar Grove, IL – The Village of Sugar Grove recognizes the significant community interest and discussion regarding the proposed redevelopment project, commonly known as "The Grove," along with the associated Tax Increment Financing (TIF) plan. While the developer's formal proposal is expected later this year, no formal plan has been presented yet. To allow for increased public engagement of the development proposal, annexation, and the accompanying TIF proposal, Sugar Grove has opted to postpone public hearings until after the holidays.

“Our priority is to strike the right balance, ensuring both the economic stability of our residents and enhanced quality of life for our community. The Village Board has consistently emphasized that any proposal under consideration must align with our community’s objectives, including a substantial reduction in distribution compared to previous plans. We are committed to a thorough assessment of the proposal's impact, aiming for long-term financial stability while fostering a welcoming environment for new businesses, restaurants, shops, and entertainment,” said Sugar Grove Village President Jennifer Konen.

As the Village Board and staff actively collaborate with the developer, they have identified critical principles in guiding the pursuit of a balanced plan.

·      Enhanced Quality of Life: The plan must prioritize residents’ well-being by offering an approach that elevates the overall quality of life in Sugar Grove. This includes introducing amenities like restaurants, shopping, and parks while contributing to homeowners' property tax relief.

·      Vibrant Local Business Environment: To benefit local businesses, the plan should bring more people to Sugar Grove’s shops and encourage the use of local services. Attracting new residents and visitors during the day is essential as it aligns with the criteria that new businesses seek when considering investments in our community.

·      Strengthening Community Services: The plan must be thoughtfully crafted to enhance the local economy, create jobs, and generate revenue for essential public services, including education and public safety.

Sugar Grove has faced limited population growth compared to neighboring communities over the past decade, making attracting new businesses and investments challenging. This has increased the burden on residents to support essential public services, including public safety, infrastructure, and education. Through the consideration of this redevelopment project, the Village aims to promote economic stability, diversify the tax base, add new businesses, and enhance community support.  

After the developer’s proposal is received, the Village will communicate a schedule for public hearings and plans to engage the community and gather feedback. This process includes online and print notices, mailings to stakeholders, public access to the plan, a public hearing with the Joint Review Board, and a final board meeting. These steps ensure transparency and inclusivity, remaining central throughout the evaluation and decision-making process.

Community involvement remains a top priority for the Village. Residents are encouraged to stay informed, attend Village board meetings, reach out to board members, and stay updated with Village communications regarding the project. The Village is committed to transparency and will post official documents and information about “The Grove” project at: https://www.sugargroveil.gov/sugar-grove-llc-development-information.

To stay up to date on the latest developments from the Village, please subscribe to our newsletter: https://www.sugargroveil.gov/sign-up-to-receive-notification

For more information, please visit sugargroveil.gov.

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Media Contact:

Meredith Krantz

 (630) 947-2385

meredith@krantzstrategies.com