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TO: Mayor Robert J. O’Connor
FROM: Carl Franco, Fifth Ward Alderman
DATE: March 24, 2017
SUBJECT:
A resolution authorizing the City of Aurora/Alderman Carl Franco to enter into a lease with West Aurora Plaza LLC for a Ward 5 Community Meeting Space.
PURPOSE:
The Fifth Ward plans to utilize the space for community meetings, ward functions and drop-in space on an as-needed basis.
BACKGROUND:
West Plaza, a commercial retail space located in the Fifth Ward is currently undergoing turnover with tenants. As a way to increase foot traffic in the area and visits to existing businesses while encouraging new economic development opportunities, the Fifth Ward Alderman has worked with city staff, the Aurora Police Department and West Aurora Plaza LLC to create a community meeting space.
The space will be made available to the Aurora Police Department, city staff and Ward 5 residents for meetings and community functions. The lease will terminate when West Aurora Plaza LLC secures a new tenant for the space.
DISCUSSION:
Utilizing the storefront as a community meeting space will draw new visitors and is anticipated to renew interest in the area. The increased presence and availability of officers and city staff will add to the foot traffic, thereby encouraging existing residents to continue to patronize the area which will in turn assist West Aurora Plaza LLC in generating interest in the area for new tenants.
IMPACT STATEMENT:
This project is anticipated to have a positive impact for the Fifth Ward.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
I respectfully request the Finance Committee forward the lease for review at the Tuesday, April 4, 2017 Committee of the Whole Meeting.
cc: Alderman O’Connor, Chairman
Alderman Mervine
Alderman Bohman
Alderman Mesiacos, Alternate
CITY OF AURORA, ILLINOIS
RESOLUTION NO. _________
DATE OF PASSAGE ________________
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A Resolution Authorizing the City of Aurora/Alderman Carl Franco to Enter Into a Lease with West Aurora Plaza LLC for a Ward 5 Community Meeting Space.
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WHEREAS, the City of Aurora has a population of more than 25,000 persons and is, therefore, a home rule unit under subsection (a) of Section 6 of Article VII of the Illinois Constitution of 1970; and
WHEREAS, subject to said Section, a home rule unit may exercise any power and perform any function pertaining to its government and affairs for the protection of the public health, safety, morals, and welfare; and
WHEREAS, this lease will provide increased foot traffic and attract new economic development opportunities for the area; and
WHEREAS, the space will also provide a central location dedicated to Fifth Ward residents and community groups.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Aurora, Illinois, as follows: approve the lease between the City of Aurora/Alderman Carl Franco and West Aurora Plaza LLC.