The City of St. Charles recently presented the results of the 2011 Priorities Survey, a survey of residents on their opinions of St. Charles. The survey has been administered since 1996 and is used to measure satisfaction with community initiatives and programs, guide future decision-making, and improve services.

The results showed the following: 

• St. Charles is valued as a place to live.
• Services are viewed favorably and worthy of taxes paid.
• Communication with residents is viewed positively.
• Opinions of community appearance have improved.
• Views regarding downtown St. Charles have improved.

More importantly, the ratings reflect a strong recognition that St. Charles continues to provide high level of service given the economic climate.

In 2011, over 96 percent of respondents rated St. Charles as a “good” or “excellent” place to live.  This is comparable with prior surveys. However, the number of respondents who rate St. Charles as “excellent” increased to 57%, an increase of 11% from 2009. In prior surveys, the percentage of “excellent” ratings has ranged from a low of 39% in 2001 to 48% in 2007.

Other important findings from the survey are:

• 77% of respondents rated the city’s communication efforts as “good” or “excellent.” This represents a 6% increase from 2009.
• 72% of respondents believe that “Community Appearance” has improved, a 1.5% increase from 2009.
• 70% of respondents believe the downtown has improved, an increase of 1% from 2009.
• Public safety services received extremely high marks from those that needed them.
• Maintenance of infrastructure and utility systems was viewed favorably.

Additional data from the survey results shows that 30% of respondents rated traffic circulation for trips across the Fox River as “poor” or “very poor.” The intersection of IL 31 and IL 64 was cited numerous times as a difficult area to navigate. The construction of the Red Gate Bridge will improve that situation by providing an alternative to those who live north of Main Street.

East Main Street was identified as an area of concern with over 40% of respondents rating the appearance of the area as “poor” or “very poor.” The reconstruction and widening of East Main Street from 7th Avenue to Pheasant Run will improve the appearance of the corridor and should provide long-term benefits to property owners and businesses in the area. In addition, the city is working to evaluate the potential of a special taxing district for East Main Street to encourage the redevelopment of older, tired buildings and properties.

The past three resident surveys have shown some dissatisfaction with drinking water quality with 18-20% of respondents rating it “poor” or “very poor.” The City Council has previously elected not to pursue a city-wide system to soften water; however, the construction and operation of the city’s new Radium Removal facility will condition water for many St. Charles residents and improve quality.

In conclusion, the 2011 survey is considered to be a great success. Residents are very satisfied with overall quality of life in the community and the services the city provides. The ratings also reflect strong recognition that St. Charles continues to provide a high level of service given the economic climate. Finally, while there are areas identified for improvement, the city is already working on many programs and initiatives to address these concerns.

Thank you to all residents who participated in the survey and, more importantly, thank you for your positive feedback on the services that the City provides!

On Monday evening, the City Council’s Planning & Development Committee heard a proposal from Economic Development Director Chris Aiston to study the creation of a new Business District in the East Main Street area. This is an idea that has been developed over the past several months as a result of discussion internally about the question, “What steps can the City of St. Charles take to encourage redevelopment and reinvestment in east side businesses?”

The East Gateway area of St. Charles and the East Main Street corridor have ample opportunities for redevelopment. There are many vacant properties and other parcels that are underutilized. Those include Tin Cup Pass, the former Baker’s Square, the former Rex’s Cork & Fork restaurant, the former Bennigan’s restaurant, the former Richards Chrysler-Jeep-Dodge auto dealership, the 1501 E. Main Street property, and, of course, the Charlestowne Mall.

Residents have also noted that the East Main Street corridor seems to lag behind other areas of the community. In the 2009 Priorities Survey, almost 70% of respondents rated the appearance of East Main Street as “average,” “poor,” or “very poor.” It was the lowest rated corridor in St. Charles.

Staff is suggesting that the City Council consider the merits of establishing a Business District for the entire East Main Street corridor in order to enhance our economic development efforts. A Business District is a distinct geographic area that, once established, would permit the City to enact a special sales and/or hotel tax. The sales and/or hotel tax proceeds can then be used for a variety of activities including land assembly, public infrastructure improvements, site preparation, and advertising. In short, this is an opportunity to provide incentives for redevelopment and marketing activities. This document provides more details about Business Districts. You can see Chris Aiston’s full presentation to the Planning & Development Committee here.

At a forum held last week, business and property owners said that improving retail on the east side of the city is their #1 goal for the city as it forms a new comprehensive plan. This proposed Business District is one way to achieve that. The proposed district would impose a tax on purchases in this corridor to generate revenue to support additional development and leverage investment in the area.

Pursuant to state law, there are specific criteria that must be satisfied to create the Business District. While staff believes that the East Main Street area has lagged other areas of the city in development/redevelopment, we do not know if the area qualifies until a detailed study is conducted. At this time, city staff has requested permission from the City Council to study this idea and report the results. The Council’s decision is expected on October 17th.

What are your thoughts on the East Main Street corridor? Do you believe that an additional .25% sales tax to support redevelopment would be beneficial to the area? Or, would it cause you to change your shopping habits and drive to other areas?

On Friday, February 4th, the St. Charles Chamber of Commerce held its annual Charlemagne Awards Dinner at the St. Charles Country Club. Over 250 attendees were present from local businesses, non-profit agencies, and community organizations. 

The City of St. Charles received the Community Development Award for efforts to restore the marquee at the Arcada Theatre. The collaborative venture with the Downtown St. Charles Partnership and Onestic Entertainment resulted in the restoration of the marquee and the addition of digital signs to advertise shows at the Arcada, as well as other community events and information. You can get more information regarding this project here. 

The City of St. Charles also received the Civic Image Award for the Municipal Center Riverwall Project. The $4 million project was undertaken to rehabilitate and restore the wall between the Municipal Center and the Fox River to its original 1940s splendor. The project also addressed structural deficiencies and deterioration that had occurred through the years. You can click here to see a presentation regarding this project.  

John Collins, a local real estate broker, developer, and St. Charles area resident was the winner of the prestigious Charlemagne Award. John is a member of the Norris-Baker-Collins family that has been so generous to St. Charles over the years. The family’s contributions include the Baker Center, Norris Recreation Center, Norris Performing Arts Center, Baker Memorial Church, and the St. Charles Municipal Center. 

John is on the board for several local non-profit organizations including Delnor Hospital, Norris Recreation Center, and Tri-City Family Services. Congratulations, John!! 

Members of the Collins family join John for a photo at the Charlemagne Award Dinner.

For a list of all Chamber of Commerce award winners, please click here.

On Tuesday, the City of St. Charles was honored by the Fox Valley Branch of the American Public Works Association with the Project of the Year award for the Municipal Center Riverwall/Plaza project. St. Charles won in the category for projects less than $5 million – Historic Restoration/Preservation. 

The $4 million project was undertaken to rehabilitate and restore the wall to its original 1940s splendor. The project also addressed structural deficiencies and deterioration that had occurred through the years. You can click here to see a presentation regarding construction challenges that were overcome to complete this project. You can click here to see a presentation that was made on Tuesday at the awards luncheon. 

Then - a photo from 1940s.

Now.

An aerial view of the plaza area.

In addition to the project award, Public Services Division Manager Dan Rowe was named “Professional Manager of the Year in Water Resources” by APWA. This is a testatment to Dan’s hard work, dedication, and length of service to the City of St. Charles. Dan has been employed by the City for over 30 years.

Progress in bringing new stores and restaurants to St. Charles has accelerated in the past few months with many new establishments opening, or planning to open, in the First Street area. The developers of the project, 1st Street LLC, have recognized the need to be aggressive, and offer attractive and flexible leasing terms to businesses. Those efforts have paid off with leasing of retail space approaching 90%.  

The fantastic bakery Il Giardino del Dolce offers wonderful pastries and cookies (I love their coffee cakes). And, they offer delicious sandwiches and pizza slices at lunch. JP Jewelers is also located on 1st Street and the owner is a local resident who is well-known for his strong attention to the customer and providing quality products.   

The most recent addition is Wok n’ Fire restaurant. If you haven’t been there yet, I highly recommend it. And from the large number of people dining (or waiting to dine), I’d say I’m not alone. The Pan Asian cuisine is fantastic and the decor adds to the quality of the dining experience.  

Tenants that have signed leases and will open during 2010 include:   

• Prasino restaurant
• Ginger Root Hair Salon
• Boudoir French – a themed nail salon and day spa
• Jeans and a Cute Top Shop – women’s apparel (opening their 2nd store – the original location is in Wheaton)
• Brix Wine and Cheese
• Pizzeria Neo – a brick oven pizza restaurant

These tenants will contribute to the new energy in downtown St. Charles that has been spurred by existing tenants and other area businesses including Za Za Trattoria, Eddie Caruso salon, and Rx Cafe (in the former Knight’s Court space on Main Street).  

And, it has been recently announced that McNally’s Irish Pub will be moving to the 1st Street area by Memorial Day, 2010. Maurice McNally has purchased the former Miguel’s restaurant space at 109 W. Main Street and will be starting the renovation process soon.  

Main Street facade of the new McNally's

If you haven’t been to First Street recently, make it a priority. You can obtain quality products and services from top-notch businesses. And, you can park in the clean, safe, and convenient parking structure located in close proximity to all of these establishments.  

Come to 1st Street and see what you’re missing!

1. a “local, in-town” bridge in St. Charles
2. a sub-regional bridge at Red Gate Road
3. a regional bridge near the Illinois Central Gulf Railroad (Stearns Road)

The City constructed the in-town bridge at Prairie Street. Kane County was recommended to be the responsible party for the Red Gate Bridge, but later chose to focus its energy on the Stearns Road Bridge. Since that time, the City of St. Charles has proceeded with plans for the bridge at Red Gate Road, despite some minor objections from the neighboring Village of Wayne and others who live in close proximity to the bridge location.  

To summarize, the purpose of the project is fourfold:  

1. to serve community growth and to improve connections between the east and west sides of northern St. Charles,
2. to reduce traffic volumes and congestion on the IL 64/Main Street Bridge,
3. to improve emergency vehicle access for emergency vehicles in northern St. Charles and the surrounding area, and
4. to improve roadway system continuity and operations.

The Stearns Road bridge will help to achieve these goals as well, but will not have the direct benefits of a bridge in St. Charles to serve St. Charles for the benefit of St. Charles.  

The project study area extends along the Fox River, generally from IL 31 to IL 25 between IL 64/Main Street and the City’s municipal limits, just north of Red Gate Road—a distance of roughly 3 miles.  

To view conceptual drawings of the Red Gate Bridge, click here.  

There is tremendous community support for the project. Fox River Traffic Congestion Poll Results and 2009 Priorities Survey and 2009 Priorities Survey – Pie Chart demonstrate this.  

At this time, financial analysis shows that no new taxes or tax increases are needed to construct the Red Gate Bridge. We will use a combination of federal, state, and local funding sources for the project.  

St. Charles will continue to push for the completion of this necessary transportation improvement.  

The City of St. Charles and Downtown St. Charles Partnership have announced an initiviative to help renovate the marquee at the historic Arcada Theatre. 

Arcada Theatre in St. Charles

The purpose of this project is to refurbish and enhance the exterior appearance of the historic Arcada Theatre in order to fulfill goals included in the City’s 2014 Strategic Plan, including: 

• Preserve the charm and character of St. Charles as a captivating community.
• Promote responsible business development and redevelopment.
• Encourage and promote an array of arts, cultures, and businesses to contribute an eclectic and lively feel to the downtown.
• Plan proactively and progressively with community and business partners for a continuing dynamic downtown.

The primary means of funding this project will be SSA 1-B proceeds, a special taxing district that only applies to properties in the downtown. The funding for the project is similar to the City’s facade improvement program that is available to downtown property owners. Should there be insufficient proceeds available from SSA 1-B, the intent is to pay the remainder from a proposed 5% admissions tax that would apply to performances at the Arcada Theatre.  

The City and Downtown Partnership will fund the work. The Partnership is providing a $2,500 grant through its signage, awning, and lighting program. The City will cover the balance. Ron Onesti, owner of Onesti Entertainment and operator of the Arcada Theatre, is required to reimburse the City for 50% of the cost of the work by collecting contributions through a non-profit Arcada Foundation that he is currently working to establish.  

There are benefits to the City assisting with this project. In addition to the obvious aesthetic benefits to the downtown, Mr. Onesti believes that the improved marquee will help him to attract additional “top notch” talent and draw additional patrons to the venue. This will generate additional visitors and the resulting economic impact for downtown businesses.

Additionally, the City and Partnership will be able to use the marquee for informational and governmental messages about our programs, services, or events. This will be mandated by the agreement and will serve to communicate better with residents, visitors, and others who pass by the theater. Many communities have these types of signs at their city hall or municipal center. Our setting doesn’t allow us to have our own sign, and, even if it did, the sign would be expensive to install and operate. Cooperating with the Arcada on this is a great opportunity for collaboration and improving communication to the community.

It has been reported that the east face of the marquee was damaged by a truck that backed into it. The truck that damaged the marquee fled the scene and the offender was not identified. It was a basic hit and run. Therefore, there is no insurance claim to be filed. Additionally, it is my understanding that the damage was relatively minor and repairing it would have been akin to putting new doorhandles on a jalopy – it just isn’t worth the investment to repair something that really needs more significant renovation.

At the present time, the agreement that spells out the obligations of all parties is being drafted. Once all parties have approved the document, it will be presented to the City Council with a final cost estimate and the sources of funding.