Kenilworth trustees push improvement programs, including business grants

Streets and storefronts in Kenilworth will soon benefit from two projects to which village trustees who met Monday, Aug. 19, gave their official go-ahead — the former a professional street condition analysis that takes the place of subjective public works department estimates, and the latter a new facade grant program.

Both should get underway before the end of this year.

According to a report from Public Works Director Donald Leicht and management analyst Jordan Schmidt the street analysis will be done for just under $12,000 by Florida-based International Cybernetics. Neighboring Glenview worked through a joint buying program to win a low bid from the pavement analysis company. 

“In past practice, staff would decide which roads to pave based on rough rides and potholes, which is a very subjective practice,” Leicht’s and Schmidt’s report states. Instead, International Cybernetics’ process will use a 360-degree camera to spot structural road problems. 

The $11,725 cost wasn’t planned for in the 2024 budget, but thanks to a milder than expected winter, $8,993 can be reallocated from snow removal and salt purchasing costs to the road analysis. The remaining amount will come from the department’s maintenance and construction supply fund. The work should be done before the end of the year.

“Don and his staff have done a great job, but it will be great to have a little more of a technical review,” Board President Cecily Kaz said Tuesday.

The $45,000 facade improvement program that trustees approved at the meeting will allow businesses in the Green Bay corridor to win grants covering up to half of their improvement projects.

Heather McFarland, assistant to the village manager, told trustees that the $45,000 total should allow Kenilworth to make three grants annually from a minimum of $2,500 and a maximum of $15,000. 

Board members first considered creating the program back in March. Since then, members of Kenilworth’s architectural review commission and its plan commission have reviewed the concept and given the board feedback. 

Businesses can request grant money for work that includes repair, replacement or installation, or construction of visible roof, masonry or facade, lighting, doors, windows, awnings, signs, ADA improvements, landscaping and painting. They cannot use the funds for design fees, parking, trash enclosures and exterior stairs/railings. 

Trustees unanimously approved the program, money for which will come from Kenilworth’s business corridor tax increment financing, or TIF, district.

McFarland said Tuesday’s approval will allow businesses to apply for grants; however, the architectural review and plan commissions are expected to meet again together, possibly in September, to look at ways the grant process can be streamlined, she said.

“(The commissions) helped us conceptualize the program,” Kaz said Tuesday. “What we’re hoping they’ll do is look at how to make the process less burdensome for businesses.” 

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