Burr Ridge Store Wants Larger Subsidy From Village

BURR RIDGE, IL – A Burr Ridge grocery store is increasing its request for a subsidy from a special tax district in the village.

Earlier this year, Brookhaven Market sought $400,000 from the business district that consists of Village Center, County Line Square and the Marriott.

Now, it is increasing the amount to $671,000.

That would cover half the costs of a $1.3 million project. The biggest elements include new refrigeration units, extensive floor replacement, restroom renovations and new lighting.

Almost all the work is done, according to a village memo.

The money would come from a 4-year-old 1 percent sales tax in the business district.

But Brookhaven Market, which is in County Line Square, generates little money from that tax, which exempts groceries.

Still, a 1 percent sales tax collected by the state goes to the village. That state tax, however, is disappearing for groceries starting Jan. 1.

Under state law, towns can enact their own sales taxes to replace the lost income – and most have. But the Burr Ridge Village Board has given no indication it will do so, with the staff saying the town could do without it, according to the village memo.

If the village imposed the tax, it would be expected to bring $200,000 a year.

The village's economic development committee plans to look at the request at its meeting set for 6:30 p.m. Wednesday at Village Hall.

The committee is also set to look at a request from Hinsdale-based Reegs Properties, owned by the Garber family.

The company is seeking an unspecified amount for a $380,000 facade improvement project of County Line Square's main building.

The work includes tuckpointing and electrical upgrades, the village said. After that, the company plans to paint the shopping center's facade, resulting in a contrasting white-and-black look.

Over the years, Mayor Gary Grasso has expressed criticism of the Garber family's management of the center.