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Business Info KitCommunity & Economic Development Department
The Community & Economic Development Department is responsible for economic development, planning, zoning, appearance review, building permits and code enforcement activities as related to the built environment.
Director of Economic Development, Planning, Zoning and Urban Design
Timothy J. Scott, AICP, CNU-A
tscott@wdundee.org
Director of Community Development / Building Official
Thomas Moszczynski
tmoszczynski@wdundee.org
Village Planner (PT)
Kim Tibbetts
ktibbetts@wdundee.org
Code Enforcement (PT)
Krista Conrad
kconrad@wdundee.org
Administrative Assistant
Cyndi Gagliano
cgagliano@wdundee.org
Building Permit Applications
permits@wdundee.org
Email Community Development Dept.
The Community & Economic Development Department promotes economic growth and well-being for the community’s tax base by pursuing economic development opportunities and working to ensure that projects come forward in compliance with the Comprehensive Plan. The department works to build consensus for projects and gain neighborhood and commission support, as well as ensuring that proposals are in sync with Village Board policies and goals. After a project is approved, Community & Economic Development manages performance securities, coordinates engineering and subdivision reviews, ensures code compliance, issues and administer permits and performs inspections.
The Community & Economic Development Department also administers the business and rental registration and licensing programs, the special event application process and the Village’s facade and economic development low-interest loans and grants programs. On a case-by-case basis, individual assistance is provided to businesses and property owners to help solve problems, foster growth and stability, and achieve common goals for the economic health of the community and region.
Community & Economic Development aims to foster a positive image for the community, maintain the Village’s reputation in the region by providing a high level of service and preserve history while carving out a strong future position. Their commitment is to the betterment of the built environment, as well as the livability of the community.
The following studies, plans and maps constitute key tools by which community and economic development is considered, recruited and implemented for West Dundee:
Zoning Map
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The West Dundee Zoning Map identifies the zoning classification of each individual parcel in West Dundee. For detailed information about each zoning classification, please view the Municipal Code, Title 10 - Zoning Regulations.
Comprehensive Plan
The West Dundee Comprehensive Plan was developed in 2005 and continues to provide a land-use vision for the Village of West Dundee. The plan seeks to provide a coordinated, sensible framework for future community improvement, development and redevelopment, including an efficient transportation network, a variety of housing options, increased economic development, access to open space and recreation activities, a preserved and enhanced natural environment, and reliable public services. The plan shows conceptual land-use strategies and is considered as a guide.
Economic Development Plan
The West Dundee 2020 Economic Development Plan (EDP) is designed to provide a description of the Village’s vision for the economic growth of the four (4) primary sectors of the community and to define the tools we can and will use to achieve that vision. The EDP features the key element of the West Dundee economic development effort: the willingness to partner with entities both public and private to promote positive economic activities within the community. The EDP combines the various components relevant to attracting, retaining and supporting commercial and development activity in West Dundee into booklet form, and will be used to present to commercial enterprises the opportunities our community has to offer. It includes the three studies described below, in addition to longstanding economic incentive programs utilized by the Village and numerous other supporting documents. The EDP was formally adopted by the Village Board in May of 2015.
Downtown Plan
In 2014, the Village of West Dundee engaged the consulting team of Hitchcock Design Group and Business Districts, Inc. to evaluate the assets, opportunities, community feedback and potential strategies to develop a plan to reinvigorate downtown West Dundee. West Dundee residents, officials and business owners participated in the development of the West Dundee Downtown Plan, attached below. The Downtown Plan was formally adopted by the Village Board on April 20, 2015. The Downtown Plan provides a conceptual framework for recommended policy, operational, capital and private property improvements to enhance the downtown environment. The Village has utilized the Downtown Plan as a framework and guide to both set in motion a plan for public improvements, and to engage and encourage thoughtful private development and investment in downtown West Dundee. For more information on Downtown Plan Implementation, view the Development Projects section of this page, in the right-hand column.
Main Street / Route 31 TIF Redevelopment Plan
The Village Board recently adopted a new Tax Increment Financing (TIF) District, which includes downtown West Dundee, the Route 72 corridor east of Route 31, and the Route 31 corridor south to the largely undeveloped Haeger property. The establishment of the TIF District provides economic development funding and tools to facilitate needed public improvements within the district, provides a mechanism to increase property valuations and development within this area, and provides incentive funding for redevelopment and reinvestment in older and obsolete properties within the district. TIF Funds are generated when the Equalized Assessed Value (EAV) of properties within the district increase, thereby generated new property taxes. Those incremental increases in property tax payments are then placed into the TIF Fund for allocation toward eligible projects within the district.
CMAP Housing Study
In 2013, the Villages of West Dundee, East Dundee, Carpentersville and Elgin received a grant to work with the Chicago Metropolitan Planning Council (CMAP) to evaluate the present and future housing needs of the community. The results of the Fox Valley Homes for a Changing Region study were received in 2014 and the report has been made a part of the Village’s EDP. The final report includes several recommendations regarding policy and operational changes, and areas of focus in terms of the types of housing that are lacking and for which demand is expected to increase in the coming years. The results of this study provide an important planning tool that will assist the Village in thoughtfully mapping its future residential development, which plays an important role in economic development.
Retail Market Study
The Retail Market Study was undertaken in 2014 with the assistance of broker/consultant Barry Bain of GRS Group. The purpose of the study was to map and identify national and regional retailers not presently operating within our market area in order to focus on recruitment of those businesses that are best positioned to locate in West Dundee. The results of the study are also helpful in saving prospective developers time and money when attempting to analyze the market dynamics of the northern Kane County economy.
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Public Safety Center II
100 Carrington Drive
West Dundee, IL 60118
Phone:
Fax:
Hrs:
(847) 551-3805
(847) 551-3814
8am - 4:30pm M-F
Development Projects
Downtown Improvements Project
Over the past several years, Downtown West Dundee has undergone its most extensive renovation in decades, including additional public gathering spaces, enhanced infrastructure and renovations to nearly every commercial property therein.
Municipal Investment:
In early 2017, the empty Ace Hardware building at 118 S First was removed and replaced by an expanded and improved public parking lot to support the downtown business community. The old Pump House/Fire Station at 98 Oregon was also removed at that time. Bricks from the Pump House were reclaimed and held, with the intent of building a new code-compliant structure designed to pay tribute to the original in Stage 3. Its usable space would support public events and activities.
The most dramatic change occurred on the southeast corner of First and Main (Rte 72). The complex of buildings fronting Main St just west of the Fox River were removed to establish a new public park area and riverfront improvements for public use. In addition, three new stone-facade dumpster enclosures were constructed to serve the downtown businesses. These improvements were completed in Stage 1. Stage 2 Downtown Improvements were completed in 2020 and include additional riverfront improvements and additional parking spaces east of First Street.
Stage 3 Downtown Improvements began construction in January 2023. This stage includes:
1) Construction of a new structure near the VFW containing restrooms and a concession area, paying homage to the former Pump House at this location.
2) The addition of an entry monument and seat wall at the First and Main public park built during Phase 1.
3) A lighted pedestrian pass-through alley between 107 and 109 W Main Street, connecting the south parking lot to south side of Main Street.
4) A new public park area at Lincoln and Washington to include seat walls, pathways, plantings and an entry monument, alongside an expanded and reconfigured Washington Street with additional parking and brick paver crosswalks.
5) The addition of brick paver crosswalks at Second & Oregon and First & Oregon.
6) Wayfinding signage throughout the Downtown area.
Click here to view engineering plans for the noted improvements. The contract to complete this work was awarded to Copenhaver Construction of Huntley.
Private Investment:
Private investment has also changed the face of Downtown West Dundee in recent years, bringing many of the historic commercial properties up to today's code compliant standards. A public/private partnership facilitated the complete interior and exterior renovation of the former bowling alley at 101 S First, which is now home to Around the Corner Candy, Shine Salon & Dry Bar and Pucci Law.
The first property in recent years to see a major facelift, inside and out, was 102 W Main. This property was renovated to suit DreamCo Design back in 2012, and more recently sold to and inhabited by Trippots. Other significant private renovations have included: 109 and 111 W Main, now home to McCauley Holdings and United Career Fairs and upper level residences; 101 W Main, now home to Bamboozels; 96 W Main, now home to RocHaus; 124 W Main, now home to Elder & Oat and 124 Lofts; 125-127 W Main, now home to Woodfire and upper level residences; 104-106 W Main, now home to Motl Accounting/Payroll Vault; and 205 W Main, now home to The Half Full Nest Vintage Market. Most recently, 112 S. Second Street was renovated inside and out, and transformed from four long-term rentals to four high-quality short term rental units, complementing the existing stock at 124 Lofts.
Interior renovations have also been completed in recent years at existing downtown businesses, including Emmett's Brewing Company (125 W Main), Spa Bleu (106 N 2nd), and The Village Squire (125 Washington), and to facilitate new businesses, including bleuroot (98 W Main) and Boxwood Home & Cabinetry Company (122 W Main).
Downtown West Dundee will continue to transform as these projects are completed, and potentially others initiated in the future. The PDF above provides a broad overview of the Stage 3 improvements underway, as well as the Stage 1 and 2 public improvements that have been realized. For additional before and after photos of improvements mentioned above, please view the Spring 2021 Newsletter.
Woodlands at Canterfield
Located on nine acres at the southwest corner of Route 31 and Angle Tarn (901 Angle Tarn, West Dundee), Woodlands at Canterfield is being developed by Iowa-based Nelson Construction & Development. Woodlands will include 91 units of assisted living and 41 units of memory support, feature numerous indoor and outdoor amenities, and be operated by the well-regardedFranciscan Ministries. Occupancy is anticipated by Summer 2023. More information about the community may be found by visiting the facility’s website at: www.woodlandsatcanterfield.com. View a PDF of the perspective renderings for this proposed development below.
Click here to view an animated flyover or click below to view a PDF of the perspective renderings for the project.
Spring Hill Mall
History: Developed by the Homart Development Company and having opened in October of 1980, for decades Spring Hill Mall (SHM) has served - and continues to serve - West Dundee and surrounding communities. SHM is owned by Chicago-based Brookfield Retail Properties Group. With 122 enclosed malls, Brookfield has the second largest portfolio in the nation after Simon Properties Group.
Retail Revolution: Changing tastes, shifts in consumer behavior, and new technology have fueled a retail revolution over time. New convenience-based physical formats (medium- and big-box stores and lifestyle centers, among others) first became popular and then e-commerce emerged. Embraced by consumers and empowered by smart devices, online retailing has gained noteworthy market share with a trendline that continues upward.
Village-Rouse Partnership: Recognizing these rapidly-changing market conditions, in 2015 the Village partnered with then-owner of SHM Rouse Properties (subsequently purchased by Brookfield) to reinvest in the facility with a lifestyle format addition to the facility’s west side which was made possible by demolition of two former anchors (JC Penney and Joseph Spiess Co.). In addition to the lifestyle plan (available within the below PDF), the Village passed a tax increment financing (TIF) district (click here to view Ordinance 2016-20, Approving a Spring Hill Mall TIF Redevelopment Plan).
The centerpiece of this redevelopment plan was the addition of an eight-screen Cinemark movie theater, which opened in December of 2016. Outward-facing, flexible leasable space and development-ready pads (currently grassy placeholders) compromise the remainder of the proposed lifestyle addition. A remodeled and expanded Victoria Secret/PINK was also completed in 2016, followed by the 2017 additions of fashion-forward retailer H&M and new eateries, including local favorite sports pub, The Chubby Bullfrog.
Vision for the Future: With ongoing seismic shifts in retail, and given the importance of SHM and the surrounding area to the West Dundee economy and beyond, in 2018 the Village proactively developed a vision for the area’s future with experienced design partner, Atlanta-based The Sizemore Group. This high-level slide deck (available within the below PDF) conveys an aspirational vision for the future of the SHM area and how it could evolve over the next 15-20 years.
This illustrative vision is intended to be be both inspirational and aspirational but not necessarily prescriptive. The plan shows a “scaled-up downtown” model. While its just one of many potential scenarios, it was selected due to the lessons that can be learned from the enduring value that historic downtown West Dundee possesses just a mile to the east, where a compact, walkable Main Street lined with mixed-use buildings of traditional architecture and surrounded by residential neighborhoods with access to the Fox River has resulted in a unique sense of place and enduring value.
With this inspiration, at its core the plan to reimagine the mall area is based on the fundamentals of urbanism, which emphasizes human scale, a mix of uses, and pedestrian- and cycling-friendly access. To deliver such a built environment, conventional blocks are created by overlaying an internal street network onto the site. The block size approximates that of a traditional West Dundee neighborhood and importantly allows for incremental development over time based on market conditions.
The plan is centered on a new Main Street experience that would be visible from the Village’s actual Main Street (Route 72) fronted by mixed-use buildings that could accommodate a range of uses, including right-sized retail and dining, office, and residential, among potentially other uses. The Main Street experience is bolstered by a public commons akin to a traditional town square and anchored by an adjacent civic building (e.g., a public library).
To further this live-work-play approach, the plan also shows a new residential neighborhood with a mix of housing typologies serving different stages of life, and anticipates the potential for a multitude of other uses on the approximately 100-acre area, including but not limited to hospitality (hotel), institutional (educational, health care, etc.), and recreational (including an amenitized stormwater basin park).
Inquiries may be directed to Timothy Scott, AICP, CNU-A, Community Development Director, at (847) 551-3806 or tscott@wdundee.org.
Village West
Michigan-based developer SR Jacobson has proposed development of a multi-family residential rental community and a commercial outlot for approximately 75 acres of what is currently unincorporated land at the southeast corner of Main Street/Route 72 and Randall Road (commonly referred to as the Strepek property). Proposed are 228 attached single family two-story townhomes and 152 attached single family single-level ranch villas.
The subject property has heavily-wooded areas, interesting topography and natural features, and vacant/open areas that have been used for agricultural purposes. The proposed site’s design employs a clustered approach and focuses the dwelling units predominantly in vacant (farm-cleared) areas. By doing so, a significant amount of mature trees and wetlands will be preserved and result in a site that will remain more than 50% open space.
News
Business Community Profiles
These profiles have been created with the assistance of freelance writer and local resident Erin Sauder and in cooperation with the featured business owners. Additional profiles will be shared as they are completed, at an anticipated rate of approximately one per month. Please check back for more!
Tall Grass and Weeds
Complaints regarding violations of this ordinance may be directed to the Public Works Department via email, phone or reported online at http://wdundee.org/pages/wdpwrequest.php.
Picking up a Permit?
PSC #2 is on the southwest corner of Route 72 and Carrington Drive (which lines up with Sleepy Hollow Rd heading north). It is a large brick building with a clock tower. Park in the front of the building, enter at the double doors, and you will be greeted at the service window just inside the lobby.
General Maintenance Code Enforcement
The areas of code enforcement that will be focused on include:
• Vehicles parked in driveways should not block the sidewalk, particularly during daylight hours, in order to promote a pedestrian-friendly environment throughout the Village.
• Refuse containers should not be placed curbside any earlier than the evening prior to collection. Typically, this is Thursday evening. During the week of the 6 major holidays (New Years Day, Memorial Day, July 4, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas Day), collection is moved to Saturday, in which case refuse containers should not be placed earlier than Friday evening.
• Garbage cans should not be stored along the front (street side) of your home, but rather along the side or in the rear yard.
• Grass and weeds within your individual lot should be properly maintained, and do not become overgrown or unsightly. These would include any planting beds, landscape areas or lawns.
• Outdoor fire pits must located in the rear yard and at least 20’ away from any structure or combustible material. No garbage or yard waste is permitted to be burned.
• RVs, boats and trailers may not be stored in any driveway for longer than 48 hours.
Please click below for additional information regarding enforcement intentions related to these code compliance issues.
Fox Valley Regional Housing Study
Through the study, present and future housing needs were analyzed utilizing multiple data sources and existing housing conditions in such areas as housing affordability, housing and transportation costs, and housing condition. Additionally, the capacity for new housing was reviewed by creating profiles of the workforce in the sub region and identification of industry sectors and commuting patterns, and; utilizing population, demographic and employment forecasts and determining potential new populations for each municipality and for the study area as a whole.
Click below to view the final report.
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