Business & Tech
Mayor Sees Niles Poised To Ride Tide Of Economic Recovery
Mayor Andrew Przybylo told the Niles Chamber the village is taking steps to be business-friendly, such as allowing 19-year-olds to serve alcohol, and may revisit the idea of video gaming.
In his first address to the Niles Chamber of Commerce, Mayor Andrew Przybylo told business leaders Niles is enthusiastically business friendly, and cited economic development and zoning opportunities the village is pursuing to grow prosperity.
"I am very optimistic about the future of Niles," he said at the Chamber's Leadership Luncheon Nov. 21 at Chateau Ritz. "As the economy turns around, we will be ready to offer new business locations to those ready to invest."
No increase in village's portion of property tax
He started his talk by emphasizing the village board last week voted down a property tax increase for the village's portion of property tax bills.
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He cited several big-picture initiatives Niles has recently undertaken, such as the 2030 Comprehensive Plan, the creation of a Touhy Avenue Economic Development, Arts and Culture Corridor and a the creation of a Niles Commission for Economic Development and Neighborhood Renewal.
Earlier: Niles Looks at Reinvigorating Touhy Avenue Corridor
Calling the 2030 plan "the very groundwork on which we’re going to build a new Niles," the mayor once again emphasized business-friendliness by commenting, "With its completion, we are allowed to move forward with a completely new zoning ordinance. It will expedite development and make it less costly for developers."
'Begging' for grant money for infrastructure
Acknowledging that the village needs or will need infrastructure maintenance and improvements, Przybylo said he has formed a Task Force for Legislative Initiatives and Funding Solutions.
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"It means going out and begging federal and state governments for money. It starts with grant writing," he said.
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Village Manager Steve Vinezeano over the last year and a half shook loose $140,000 in grant monies, the mayor said. He acknowledged the village hasn't received a check yet, but believes the state is going to fund projects in Niles.
Loosening alcohol restrictions, looking at video gaming
Przybylo noted the village board recently took two actions to ease restrictions on restaurants which serve alcohol. One would allow 19- and 20-year-old waiters and waitresses to serve alcohol, even though Illinois does not allow people to drink alcohol until age 21. The other would permit patrons of small, primarily carry-out restaurants to bring wine or beer onto the premises and drink it with their meals, he said.
"Niles has always been a great hospitality town. It’s very important that our hospitality industry flourish," said Przybylo, who is a part-owner, with siblings, of White Eagle Banquets in Niles.
He also said that to be business-friendly, the village should look at possibly video gaming, an idea the previous village board rejected, saying it did not fit with Niles' family-friendly character and "Best Place To Raise A Family" award.
"I’m not sold on it (video gaming),but want to hear from you on that," he said.
Finally, the mayor, while admitting he could not do Facebook and Twitter, said the village has entered the social media age, and will be getting a revamped website. He added that it's also very pretty.
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