Economic Development Commission — Skokie, IL
Date: 2024-03-20

Village of Skokie
 Economic Development Commission
 Wednesday, March 20, 2024
 8:30 A.M.
 Skokie Village Hall, 5127 Oakton Street, Skokie IL, Conference Room D&E



I. CALL MEETING TO ORDER / DECLARATION OF QUOURM

II. APPROVAL OF MEETING MINUTES FROM DECEMBER 7, 2023

III. INTRODUCTIONS

IV. OLD BUSINESS
 a. Main Street Project Update
 b. Economic Vitality Strategy Update
 c. Report on Manufacturing Day Update & Next Steps

V. NEW BUSINESS
 a. Downtown Development Activity Presentation
 b. Vacant Building Window Coverings
 c. ISTP Update
 d. Video Gaming (Materials Attached)

VI. COMMUNICATIONS
 a. Village Staff
 b. EDC Members

VII. PUBLIC COMMENT

VIII. ADJOURNMENT




The next regular meeting of the Economic Development Commission is scheduled for
Wednesday, April 17, 2024 at 8:30 A.M. in CONFERENCE ROOM D+E at Skokie Village
Hall, 5127 Oakton, Skokie, IL




Document Number: 615281 1
 Economic Development Commission Meeting Minutes
 Date: December 7, 2023


EDC MEMBERS PRESENT: Michael Rosen, Chair,
 Trustee Alison Pure-Slovin, VB liaison,
 Jeremy Gleason, Serge Khalimsky,
 Brian Levinson, Steve Franklin,
 Barbara Carley, Marc Battista,


EDC MEMBERS ABSENT: Howard Meyer, Vice-Chair,
 Scott Gendell, Joe Hermiz,
 David Rahija


STAFF PRESENT: Michael Lorge, Corporation Counsel
 Johanna Nyden, Comm Dev Director
 Carol White, Economic Vitality Coordinator
 Patrick Deignan, Communications &
 Community Engagement Director
 Marlene Bargamian, Administrative Asst.




(I) CALL TO ORDER
 A quorum being present, Chair Rosen called the meeting to order at 8:33 AM.

(II) INTRODUCTIONS
 Members gave short introductions and welcomed newcomers Jeremy Gleason of Evanston
 Subaru and Carol White, the Village’s new Economic Vitality Coordinator to the group.

(III) OLD BUSINESS
 a. Anti-Litter Business Efforts
 Jeff Burman initiated discussion about the good brainstorming ideas brought up
 last spring. Businesses to increase their efforts by:
 - Ban plastic bags and straws
 - Give out tools to aid in clean-up activities such as gloves and buckets
 - Audit businesses for compliance with the 4-hour rule to encourage those
 who need to be more vigilant and reward those who fulfill their
 responsibilities
 - Add to the frequency of the clean-up programs to more than just spring &
 fall
 - Continue to provide educational information and programs to businesses
 and the public

 Brian Levinson suggested posting signs similar to those on the highway which
 promote businesses that “adopt a couple blocks” to oversee litter control. He also



# 616345 Economic Development Commission meeting minutes December 7, 2023
 advocated for identifying the large companies who are repeat offenders like
 Amazon and some 7-11s.

 Steve Franklin commented about public trash bins overflowing – maybe more
 toters are needed or an increase in pick-ups. CD Director Nyden added that
 people have been placing their own garbage into the public bins. Patrick Deignan
 reminded all to use the QR code to access the app “Report to Skokie” for any
 concerns. If you see something, say something.

 Jeff Burman recommended that businesses should be encouraged to take a
 pledge which can be posted in their windows regarding their support of the litter
 control program. He mentioned Culver’s who does a good job, but it is hard to
 keep it under control. Carol White offered that in Glen Ellyn, they use big belly
 compactors to help control the litter in their downtown. Jeremy Gleason
 commented that if people don’t care, nothing will change.

 Corporation Counsel, Michael Lorge, joined the group at 8:50 AM. He added that
 the focus should be on the individual as well as the food vendor. There should be
 a garbage chute at the end of every drive-through lane. Jeff Burman reminded all
 that having a trash container at the end of a drive-through lane is a requirement of
 a special use permit.

 Johanna Nyden mentioned that there are 3 property standard inspectors to cover
 all of Skokie. They are setting new expectations; one being that overflowing trash
 receptacles will not be tolerated. Barbara Carley stated, in their defense, 7-11
 stores usually have only 1 employee working – it’s hard to leave the counter to
 clear the trash outside. She liked the idea of an appreciation reward for the
 cleanest property and announcing it at a public event.

 Michael Rosen asked Johanna Nyden how Evanston handled the trash issues
 while she was employed there. She answered that some of the issues are the
 same, but businesses would join together as a small group that would police
 themselves.

 Diana Rumsley suggested a plastic bag tax could be enforced that would push
 business owners to stop using plastics. Michael Lorge met with Jewel and
 Mariano’s who both said that as soon as their inventory of plastic bags run low
 they would switch to paper bags or at least offer heavier plastic ones.

 Mr. Rosen stated that the 2024 goals for the commission should include
 creating an anti-litter pledge for businesses, providing educational programs to
 businesses and the public, and involving the Chamber on how to measure
 improvement.

 b. Manufacturing Day – Update & Next Steps
 There are over 300 manufacturing businesses in Skokie. Carol White gave a
 summary of the Manufacturing Day meetings that were held in September &
 October. She made contact with many of the businesses who didn’t have good
 websites. She let them know of a state-initiated program offering grant money to
 support their businesses by overhauling their websites. Ten manufacturing


# 616345 Economic Development Commission meeting minutes December 7, 2023
 businesses signed up. It is estimated that it will take about 3 months to update and
 improve the websites.

 Another part of the breakfast meet-ups was to raise awareness about
 manufacturing careers. She invited current Skokie and Evanston high school
 students to the meetings to inform them of alternative options to college. A
 tentative October 2024 date was made for a field trip for students to see various
 manufacturing jobs in action.

 Marc Battista stated that Oakton has a manufacturing program which offers CAD
 programing for dual credit (high school and college credit). Students can enter the
 work force with some experience.

(IV) NEW BUSINESS
 a. Economic Vitality Strategy Update
 A good economic strategy was created before COVID and now it is time to update
 again with more engagement from the EDC. A suggestion was made for the
 creation of small focus groups or sub-committees of outside groups to offer their
 insights.

 b. Main Street Project Update
 Money from the state was received for improvements and development
 opportunities along Main Street from Crawford to Tripp Avenues. There is ongoing
 engagement with the consultant. They spoke of the recent expansion of Zelda’s
 and the increased exposure for Soul Good Coffee with their impending move to
 Main Street.

 c. Meeting Schedule for EDC
 Members discussed how often to meet and topics of interest. They offered the
 best days & times based on their schedules. Most agreed that every other month
 on Wednesday mornings work best. They will reach out to the Skokie Chamber
 for other options. The sub-committees can meet in the off-months and report
 back on their discussions.

 Brian Levinson commented that past site visits were very successful on all
 fronts. Carol will set up a January 2024 site visit and invited any EDC member to
 join her.

 d. Reconsideration of Video Gaming in Skokie
 Michael Lorge gave a brief history of the Village’s contemplation of allowing video
 gaming. The state approved video gaming in 2009. At that time, the Village
 initiated an informal community survey of 41 restaurants. Results showed that
 most were unsure with only 2 affirmative votes. Niles and Morton Grove are the
 closest municipalities that offer them. In 2017, the issue was considered again
 resulting in uncertainty still. It was determined however, that for approval,
 applicants would need to be liquor license holders for 3 years prior. Since COVID,
 some restaurants have brought up the topic again. Businesses could use the
 added revenue and people are just traveling to nearby communities to find video
 games. There is better data now on the impact to business and economic
 revenue. Although there is a concern about crime, there is a benefit to businesses.


# 616345 Economic Development Commission meeting minutes December 7, 2023
 Diana Rumsley talked about the strict regulations that the Illinois Gaming Board
 has instituted as well as the increased revenue that nearby Morton Grove
 restaurants and bars have enjoyed since installing games. Village Inn is a very old
 building and needs improvements. The state as well as their restaurant would
 benefit hugely from gaming. Desi Mulingbayan offered that the money would be
 filtered back into the community; Village Inn sponsors many activities of both Niles
 Township High Schools.

 Jeff Burman, speaking as a Skokie resident, pointed out that these machines are
 usually tucked behind walls in nearby restaurants which hold liquor licenses
 already. If Skokie doesn’t have them, people will just go to Niles and Morton
 Grove.

 Brian Levinson and Barbara Carley gave their support to the businesses that
 request them. They suggested bringing the topic back to Corporation Counsel for
 an ordinance in 2024. Serge Khalimsky added that no signage should be placed
 on front windows.

 Robert Bady, of Universal Gaming Group joined the meeting at 9:40 AM. He spoke
 of his company’s 2-year partnering program providing on-site gaming to patrons of
 bars, restaurants, truck-stops, etc.

 It was announced that quorum was lost when Marc Battista left the meeting at 9:45
 AM.

 Brian Levinson asked if machine vendors need state approval. Diana Rumsley will
 ask her jukebox vendor, Black Jack Entertainment, to mark up a 3-D design.
 Trustee Pure-Slovin voiced her appreciation for their input.


(V) COMMUNICATIONS
 a. Village Staff
 Community Development Director Nyden reminded all to complete the Open
 Meetings Act training if they haven’t done so.

 Michael Lorge talked about the Yellow Line – CTA is working with the NTSB, but it
 is far from complete. There is no data set for re-opening.


 b. EDC members
 Serge Khalimsky gave an update of Old Orchard. New tenants at Lord and Taylor
 location are progressing; Zara, Puttshack, ArHaus, and Bloomies. Common areas
 will be getting an upgrade too.

 Barbara Carley talked about the “Out of Space” music venue coming to the tech
 park for outdoor concerts.

 Michael Rosen wanted information on the increase of the homeless situation.
 There are areas near Walgreens and Market Place on Oakton where the


# 616345 Economic Development Commission meeting minutes December 7, 2023
 homeless seem to linger. They are not interested in food offerings from residents;
 only accepting money.

 Michael Lorge is working on finding locations for asylum seekers, the homeless &
 migrants. He has contacted the Archdiocese for the use of 2 vacant schools, but it
 is not promising as these buildings need costly repairs to make them viable again.

 Traffic speed on Oakton Street was a concern that was brought up – the use of
 speed monitors and more communication with police for better control.


(VI) NEXT MEETING
 The next scheduled meeting will take place on Wednesday, February 21, 2024 at 8:30 AM.

(VII) ADJOURNMENT
 Chair Rosen adjourned the meeting at 10:20 AM.
 Good Holiday wishes were exchanged.


 Respectfully submitted,
 Marlene Bargamian,
 Administrative Assistant




# 616345 Economic Development Commission meeting minutes December 7, 2023
Memorandum

TO: Honorable Mayor Van Dusen
 John T. Lockerby
 Johanna Nyden
 Michael F^sen and Economic Development Commission


FROM:
 e, Co\p6ration Cb^psel


DATE: March 14, 2024

SUBJECT: Video Gaming Proposal for Village of Skokie


Video gaming was approved in the State of Illinois in July of 2009. Many municipalities
in the North Shore area permit video gaming under various licensing programs, including
Morton Grove, Niles, Lincolnwood and recently Evanston. Several have rejected
proposals for video gaming in their municipalities. Since its sanction by the State of
Illinois, there have been no substantial changes to the Statute as it relates to home rule
municipal programs.

Prior to 2017, discussions regarding video gaming in the Village arose from time to time,
including a survey of local restaurants that might have an interest in installing machines.
While there were several restaurants that enthusiastically advocated for the licensing of
video gaming in Skokie at that time, the survey demonstrated limited interest. In 2017,a
new effort to consider video gaming in the Village arose based on the factors that 1)
nearby municipalities had instituted it without significant disturbances or criminal activity;
2) a few local restaurants were concerned that they were losing business to restaurants
that had video gaming; and 3) the negative connotation of video gaming had diminished
and it had become an attractive activity for some people which could increase visitors to
the Village.

In response to these discussions in 2017, the Village Corporation Counsel met with
numerous local proponents of video gaming, outside businesses that leased video
gaming equipment, the Illinois Gaming Commission officials who oversaw municipal
programs in Illinois and Village staff. As a result, the Corporation Counsel's Office drafted
the provisions for a video gaming ordinance that balanced the introduction of the
machines into Village restaurants, while limiting the number of machines and locations,
the placement of the machines, advertising of gaming and taxes and fees. The terms for
the proposed video gaming ordinance were unanimously rejected by the Economic
Development Commission for various reasons, but most notably because it was neither
deemed necessary, nor in keeping with our community.


 Page 1 of 3
#519633-v1 Memo, Video Gaming
Now, 7 years later and after nearly 4 years of COVID, there is interest to revisit video
gaming in the Village. The compelling factors to at least examine video gaming again
include the growth of video gaming in some nearby municipalities including Evanston, the
continued !ow incident of police calls to intercede in problems from video gaming in other
communities and the possible economic help for restaurants still recovering from COVID
by attracting customers and from the added revenue to the business. It should be noted
however, that the revenue to the Village from video gaming would be negligible and is not
a compelling reason to enact it (34% of revenue from each machine goes to the State
and 5% of the 34% goes to the Village; by example, on annual revenue of $30,00 for a
video machine, the State of Illinois would receive $10,200 and the Village of Skokie would
receive $510).

In order for the Village of Skokie to reassess the community and business benefits, as
well as the impact of video gaming on our community we strongly recommend the
following guidelines for a Village of Skokie Video Gaming Ordinance. An Ordinance with
these provisions may provide an acceptable tipping point in favor of video gaming, as an
attractive activity for both restaurants and patrons without a negative impact on the
dynamic feel of our community. The following are the components of a possible Village
Ordinance:

 A. Issuance of gaming licenses will be limited to establishments with a full on-
 premises liquor license (not those that just have a BeerAA/ine license) of one of the
 following classes: A or E (these are the general bar/restaurant licenses, and would
 exclude our specialty licenses as well as establishments primarily selling packaged
 liquor for off-premises consumption). This is consistent with the genera! intent to
 provide video gaming to help general restaurants increase their revenue and
 assure that the business has determined that it will generate the additional revenue
 that it expects by accepting the cost of a full license.
 B. Applicants must have a restaurant license and operate a full kitchen with hot food
 service.
 C. Applicants must have had one of the above full liquor licenses for 3 continuous
 years before applying for a gaming license, thereby demonstrating they are
 capable of running a full-liquor-service establishment without any of the problems
 that can accompany such a business.
 D. The combination of the above two provisions would prevent the opening of
 "storefront" gaming facilities (that sell liquor but essentially have no other functional
 business), due to the lack of availability of liquor licenses in the Village for this type
 of facility.
 E. Applicants that lease their location rather than own their property, must obtain
 written approval from their landlord annually.




 Page 2 of 3
#519633-v1 Memo, Video Gaming
 F. Applicants' facility must have a minimum of 3000 square feet excluding kitchen,
 storage and bathrooms.
 G. Requiring a wall around the machines at 6 foot high rather than the 4 foot high
 walls required by the State of Illinois and further that the machines are not viewable
 or visible from outside of the business through windows or doors.
 H. Requiring that the noise from the machines cannot be heard beyond the gaming
 area.
 1. Prohibition against any externally viewable signage regarding gaming, including
 window signs, outdoor and indoor wal! signs, sandwich boards and A-frame signs.
 J. An annual fee of $1,000 per machine in addition to a municipal tax of $250 per
 machine for oversight and administration. *
 K. Cap of 5 licenses (each licensed establishment may install no more than 3 gaming
 machines).
 L. Applicant must be compliant with all Village Codes concerning taxes and fees with
 no arrearages.
 M. Applicant can have no more than one liquor license violation in the past 5 years.
 N. Automatic forfeiture of gaming license if the licensee loses its liquor license or fails
 to pay fees and taxes, including the Village Food and Beverage Tax.
 0. Non-severabitity of the Village Code Section adopting gaming - any legal challenge
 to any of the above will result in the immediate prohibition of gaming in the Village.
 P. Similar to limitations imposed by the State, the applicant cannot be within 100 feet
 of a school or religious institution.
 Q. Patrons under the age of 21 are barred from using or accessing the gaming area.

 Other municipalities have adopted various fees including $1000 per machine. In the tiiinois appeilate case Accel
Entertainment Gaming, LLC v. The Village ofElmwood Park, a gaming company sued Elmwood Park for charging an
annual fee of $1000 per machine, claiming that the local fee was preempted by the Ulinois Video Gaming Act, and that
the fee constituted an unconstitutional tax. The court ruled that the fee was not an inherently unconstitutional tax, and
that the Act did not speak to local power to an extent sufficient to constitute the preemption of said power. Since that
time, a number of other municipaiities have adopted a fee structure similar to that of Elmwood Park.




 Page 3 of 3
#519633-v1 Memo, Video Gaming

Economic Development Commission Meeting Minutes
 Date: March 20, 2024


EDC MEMBERS PRESENT: Michael Rosen, Chair,
 Steve Franklin, Barbara Carley,
 Jeremy Gleason, Alexis, Barbour, and
 Scott Gendell


EDC MEMBERS ABSENT: Howard Meyer, Vice-Chair,
 Marc Battista, Brian Levinson,
 Johanna Nyden, and Trustee Pure-Slovin


STAFF PRESENT: John Lockerby, Village Manager
 Michael Lorge, Corporation Counsel
 Avi Funk, Asst. Corporation Counsel,
 Carol White, Economic Vitality Coordinator
 Marlene Bargamian, Administrative Asst.


(I) CALL TO ORDER
 A quorum being present, Chair Rosen called the meeting to order at 8:34 AM.

(II) APPROVAL OF MEETING MINUTES FROM DECEMBER 7, 2023
 A motion was made to accept the draft minutes of the December 7, 2023 meeting and
 seconded by voice vote. The motion passed.

(III) INTRODUCTIONS
 Members gave short introductions and welcomed Alexis Barbour from Skokie Hospital as the
 newest member of the group.

(IV) OLD BUSINESS
 a. Main Street Project Update
 Money from the state was received for improvements and development
 opportunities along Main Street from Crawford to Tripp Avenues. The consultants
 reviewed the area and will give us their comments and some direction at a follow-
 up meeting next month.

 b. Economic Vitality Strategy Update
 A good economic strategy was created about 5 to 6 years ago and now that
 COVID is over it was suggested that it is now time to revisit the process again.
 Chair Rosen suggested they hold a workshop, approximately 2-3 hours where the
 group could break into sub-groups of 2 to 4 to analyze different economic areas in
 Skokie and then present recommendations to the Commission as a whole.
 Corporation Counsel Lorge added that some of those board members are still on
 the board today and it would be helpful to get their feedback.

 c. Report on Manufacturing Day Update & Next Steps


# 618233 Economic Development Commission meeting minutes March 20, 2024
 Carol White gave a summary of the Manufacturing Day breakfast meetings that
 were held last fall. There are over 300 manufacturing businesses in Skokie. For
 the 1st round, she targeted 50 of them that needed improvements to their
 websites. She let them know of a state-initiated program offering $12,500 in grant
 money to support their businesses by overhauling their websites. Ten
 manufacturing businesses accepted and at this time 2 are complete. It is
 estimated that there will be 2 more rounds of grant money to be paid out once the
 work is complete.

 Another part of the breakfast meet-ups was to raise awareness about another
 path besides college which focuses on manufacturing careers. Carol has built
 relationships with the area high schools (Niles Township & Evanston) and also
 Oakton Community College. An October 5, 2024 date was tentatively set for a
 field trip for 2 groups of students to see various manufacturing jobs in action.
 Chair Rosen thought of dividing up the student groups based on the
 manufacturing sectors of interest (industrial, pharmaceutical, etc).

 Jeff Burman commented that the Educational Foundation of Niles Township is
 offering 2-year general scholarships and will be funding the use of buses for the
 October field trip.

 Mr. Gendell inquired how many manufacturing jobs are in Skokie. Mr. Lorge
 added that many of the manufacturing buildings in the industrial area east of
 Crawford and west of McCormick Blvd that were built in the 1930s through the
 1950s are small in size; making the useable space hard to be retro-fitted for
 today’s uses.

 Mr. Gendell offered an idea to create an incubator district for start-ups in these
 small buildings. Productions can run 24/7. Chairman Rosen mentioned the work
 that Jake Weiss and Baruch Schur have done developing small businesses in old
 warehouses.

 Ms. Barbour added that in Downers Grove they have a “Build It Here” operation
 for robotic and 3D printing. Ms. Carley mentioned Innovations Park (old Motorola
 site) in Libertyville that utilizes boxcars for manufacturing and tech projects.

 Carol briefly talked about the latest addition to the Industrial area – a retired
 Evanston High School teacher opening a coffee roasting business.


(V) NEW BUSINESS
 a. Downtown Development Activity Presentation
 Carol presented a powerpoint display of “a walk around downtown Skokie”
 beginning at the southern entry of downtown: Oakton, Lincoln, and Brown. She
 commented that the alleyway of colorful open umbrellas across from the Skokie
 Theatre is a good promotional area. She spoke of the new restaurants: The Spot,
 Don Julio, Sweet Reserve Bakery & Café, and Slyce Pizzeria. She signed 2 new
 boutiques; The Hijab Vault, and RJ Breaks. Soon to be added is Sara Jane
 Sparkles. New prospects include Shudio, a plant and vintage clothing shop, a wine
 bar and a used record store.


# 618233 Economic Development Commission meeting minutes March 20, 2024
 Carol updated the group on changes to existing downtown businesses.
 Construction of Ascione Italian Restaurant at Highpoint is making progress. Ace
 Hardware and Eurostyle Deli (to become Sunnybrook Farms Restaurant) have
 new owners. El Fuego is planning on re-opening with el fresco dining. Tub Tim
 Thai Restaurant is looking to sell as the owners want to retire. Alexander’s is
 contemplating an expansion next door. Casa Elegante’s has grown their online
 business presence; the 7-unit building is for sale or rent. Fiesta En Tuxpan
 Mexican restaurant is finally back to being run by the original owners who needed
 recovery time from a vehicular accident. Blue Kale Restaurant has a new owner
 and has become one of the best new restaurants downtown. The Laughing
 Academy did some improv shows at Skokie Theatre that were very successful.
 Carol continues to recruit them to open in downtown Skokie. Diana Rumsley
 offered that the downtown restaurants had a 60% increase in patronage when the
 new events occurred.

 Mr. Rosen inquired on how we get the word out. The Village Manager told the
 group about the change for Skokie’s Instagram page; to be known as Explore
 Skokie.

 Carol summarized the March 13th All Downtown Business Meeting that she
 initiated where she updated the 35 attendees about upcoming happenings and
 events (a wine walk, Olympic Torch Scavenger Hunt and Tour de Skokie
 celebrating the longevity of Al’s Cycle Shop). She plans on holding monthly
 meetings with the group.

 Carol also mentioned a joint effort with the North Shore Tourism Bureau to split
 funding of a direct mailer campaign targeting residents and encouraging them to
 sign up to receive notifications of new businesses and events. They could be
 tourists in their own town.

 She also described Placier Ai, the new tool that the Village intends to purchase to
 help recruit new businesses as well as help existing businesses make their
 customer experience better. The data can track visitors to see where they are
 coming from and where they go and how long they stay in Skokie.

 Carol revealed that she has met WGN’s Ana Belaval who does “Around Town”
 segments on the morning news when they did a piece on Glen Ellyn. She plans on
 reaching out to her and NBC once these new places are up and running. Ms.
 Barbour talked about a nice balance of businesses and restaurants that she
 encountered when she visited downtown Glen Ellyn.

 Chairman Rosen commented that Oakton Street is just a pass-through street;
 traffic moves too fast. Carol is looking into having the parking space right in front
 of the UPS store changed to a loading zone as it is utilized as such with vehicles
 stopping with hazard lights blinking. It is an accident waiting to happen. She is
 working on an agreement with Imperial Realty to use the 54-space parking lot on
 Babb St. as additional downtown customer parking.

 Carol mentioned that downtown businesses are moving to blade signs for better
 visibility. Mr. Gendell commented that he liked the look of blade signs for


# 618233 Economic Development Commission meeting minutes March 20, 2024
 downtown. He also inquired if Oakton Street can ever be closed down between
 the Yellow Line Station and the gazebo area from 5 to 10 pm to do outside classes
 or sales. Carol to research possible events to drive sales on the street.

 Several members were curious about both Bank of America sites, the 8001
 Lincoln building (previous 1st Nat’l Bank of Skokie & most recently Chase Bank)
 and the hotel. Village Manager Lockerby spoke about the BofA site on Oakton,
 Niles Center, & Lincoln which has been looked at for a restaurant & residential
 development and the Chase Bank site for conversion to residential use.

 Mr. Gendell opined that the BofA site on Dempster and Skokie Boulevard would
 be a good location for an immediate care facility. The Village Manager stated that
 there is a 30-year annuity on the space and the landowner is not too interested in
 developing it.

 Mr. Lorge stated that the hotel project went over budget and the general contractor
 and sub-contractors are going through the court system. Financing was in the
 hands of the developer. There is interest in the site but nothing will happen until
 the title is clean. As a side note, Diana Rumsley, owner of Village Inn, offered that
 her patrons have commented on the falling debris from the hotel construction site
 on windy days and the damage that could arise. Corporation Counsel suggested
 contacting the developer.

Alexis Barbour and Barbra Carley left the meeting at 9:30 and 9:40, respectively.

 b. Vacant Building Window Coverings
 Carol talked about a new 50/50 program that property owners can join to share in
 the cost of vacant storefront window coverings. It would look better than brown
 paper and promote a unified look to all vacant storefronts as well as complying
 with Skokie Code. It could also provide interest for upcoming events as well as
 attract new tenants.

 c. ISTP
 This update will be scheduled for the next meeting.

 d. Video Gaming
 As this meeting is running long, Chairman Rosen asked that this topic be moved
 to a special meeting to discuss. Everyone should read the attached material
 (memo from Corporation Counsel Lorge) and a date will be circulated; possibly
 April 3rd. Diana Rumsley added that too much is getting crammed into each of
 these meetings and it is great that so much is happening to discuss.


(VI) COMMUNICATIONS
 a. Village Staff
 John Lockerby gave a brief update on Old Orchard mall. Bloomingdale’s will be
 demolished to make way for a 2-phased mixed-use development adding
 residential and hotel components. Coincidentally, improvements are being made
 to the Old Orchard Road and Woods Drive area. A bike path is planned to



# 618233 Economic Development Commission meeting minutes March 20, 2024
 connect with the Forest Preserve as well. Steve Franklin asked if the inner road
 in the mall will turn into a street.

 b. EDC members
 Some of the members didn’t recall getting the email directing them to the link for
 today’s meeting agenda.

 Jeff Burman asked the duration of the special meeting. Staff thought 1 hour
 should be sufficient.

(VI) NEXT MEETING
 The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Economic Development Commission will be
 held on Wednesday, April 17, 2024 at 8:30 AM in Conference Room D+E at Skokie Village
 Hall.

(VII) ADJOURNMENT
 Chairman Rosen adjourned the meeting at 9:50 AM.




 Respectfully submitted,
 Marlene Bargamian,
 Administrative Assistant




# 618233 Economic Development Commission meeting minutes March 20, 2024