Main Street business aid gets support

Members of Evanston's Economic Development Committee Monday backed a plan proposed by Ald. Johnathan Nieuwsma (4th) to use Chicago-Main TIF funds to help businesses on Main Street affected by the multi-year Main Street construction projects .

The plan would give eligible businesses — those who remained open and operating through this year's construction season — up to $5,000 to put towards "TIF-qualified expenses."

Expenses would include facade cleaning, new or upgraded signage, new or upgrade awnings and storefront or door improvements.

Nieuwsma said after all the "turmoil" on Main Street with construction, he hoped the money could help ease the burden of outdoor facade improvements, ultimately improving the whole street.

"I thought it would be nice to help out the Main Street businesses that have been affected by the construction," Nieuwsma said.

Ald. Devon Reid (8th) voted to approve the idea but said he was skeptical of the expenditure.

Reid said he wished tax increment finance district money would be spent on more permanent and "thoughtful" ideas going forward.

"Is this the most meaningful thing we can do with limited resources?" Reid asked.

Ald. Clare Kelly (1st) said Nieuwsma's proposal is "just one component" of "sprucing" up the area.

ADA accessibility improvements will also be included, a memo to the EDC said.

City staff estimates there are 42 qualifying businesses. If all businesses deem they need the maximum amount of money available, it would cost $210,000.

Nieuwsma said there would be about $350,000 remaining in the TIF, plus any additional money that continues to come in.