Sale Of Old Kendall County Jail Hinges On TIF Talk

YORKVILLE, IL—Talk of a potential sale of the old Kendall County Jail has been shelved for at least two to four weeks to allow United City of Yorkville staff to analyze tax increment financing assistance. At its Tuesday meeting, the Yorkville City Council continued discussions on two redevelopment proposals submitted for the old jail.

Jetara Perry, the president and executive director for Imperfect Angels, and Peter McKnight, a developer and a construction professional, took time to speak of their respective plans.

Perry is looking to purchase the property for $500 to house both not-for-profit and for-profit uses. Those plans include space for retail, apartments and a center for a not-for-profit organization.

Perry said the completion of first phase of improvements, which is projected to require between six and eight months, will help determine how quickly the rest of the building improvements comes on line.

McKnight is proposing to purchase the old jail for $1,000 and is committed to at least $480,000 in building improvements. Plans for the space include commercial and residential uses.

Both proposers are requesting tax increment financing assistance.

City Administrator Bart Olson said staff has no major objections to the proposals.

City staff used the meeting to seek feedback from the city council.

Alderwoman Jacquelyn Milschewski said she would like both project leaders to share ownership of the property.

“I just think you both have things that are good between the two of you,” she said.

McKnight said he is not sure they can make that a reality.

“I don’t see right now a legal possibility of sharing ownership with a not-for profit, but I’m certainly not opposed to having a presence of this entity within the structure,” he said.

Alderman Chris Funkhouser said he wants to see discussions continue to get a better sense of Imperfect Angels and its long-term build-out plans.

Perry has presented the city a $1 million plan comprised of three to four phases. She said she is eyeing up to a 24-month timeline before the building is fully functioning for all proposed uses.

The first phase is projected to require $250,000 to get the building up to code, rehabilitate the apartment space and complete the storefront/garage area.

Perry said she would be prepared to close the sale of the property after 60 days.

“We’re trying to start the revenue as quick as we can that can possibly open up avenues for the second, third, and fourth phase,” Perry said.

Alderman Joel Frieders questioned if the proposal extended by Imperfect Angels could sustain itself.

Perry wanted to assure the city she and her staff would be working toward applying for grant funds.

City staff has researched both proposers’ past projects and references.

The city is currently eyeing the prospect of extending $300,000 in incentives to one of the two parties interested in redeveloping the site.

Mayor Gary Golinski expressed his reservation for the idea of offering tax increment financing assistance.

Olson tried to lessen the concern, saying this in line with what the city has done in the past.

The aldermen came to a consensus allowing staff to proceed with analyzing tax increment financing assistance.

Discussion of the old jail and its potential sale will continue in as early as two to four weeks.