How Woodridge Hopes To Revitalize 75th Street

WOODRIDGE, IL — Woodridge is considering a tax increment financing (TIF) district for the 75th Street Corridor. A study session and community meeting will be held July 17 at 6 p.m.

The proposed district would span 75th between Lemont Road and Janes Avenue. Per village documents, the district proposal is "part of a proactive strategy to enhance commercial vitality and ensure this high-traffic corridor reaches its full potential."

In addition to outdated infrastructure, the area has been identified as having properties that are underused. A TIF district would draw businesses and other developments in sync with Woodridge's longer-term comprehensive and economic development plans.

Feedback from residents prompted this proposal, with a 2024 community survey in which residents shared comments about vacant storefronts in the village.

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One resident commented, “The biggest improvement we’d like to see is to fill all the empty storefronts on Hobson and Woodridge Dr ive as well as on 75th and Janes. We’d also love a local ice cream shop that’s walkable from the town center.”

Another commented, "If I could wave my magic wand, I would add a grocery store. A Caputo’s, Trader Joe’s, or Woodman’s.”

A May 2025 study of the 75th Street Corridor showed there were 9 vacant properties among the stretch's 119 parcels. Per the study, 69.7 percent of the properties qualify to be designated as a TIF district.

After Thursday's public meeting, village officials plan to meet in August to draft an ordinance and set a date for a community hearing in August. The public hearing for the TIF District will tentatively take place sometime in October, with an aim of getting the final draft of an ordinance approved in November.