Kankakee, IL – City Council adopted three ordinances 13-0 that would allow the City of Kankakee to move forward on the East Court Redevelopment Plan. City Council approved the first ordinance designating the East Court Tax Increment Financing (TIF) District Redevelopment Project Area. This will set establish the boundary of the TIF. City Council then approved the City of Kankakee East Court TIF District Redevelopment Plan, as well as adopted the East Court TIF.

A TIF is a technique which utilizes future tax revenues to stimulate new private investment in redevelopment areas. It is not a new tax, yet a financing tool to promote development and revitalize communities in that area.  A public meeting was held on March 6, 2019 and a public hearing was held on January 6, 2020 before the adoption of the TIF. One of the goals is to enhance the appearance of Exit 312, one of the City of Kankakee’s gateways.

“The East Court TIF area presents a great opportunity for the City of Kankakee to partner with the private sector to attract new jobs and expand the tax base by attracting new commercial and industrial development to the 312 interchange. It also provides an opportunity to enhance Kankakee’s ‘front door’ through facade, landscape and other enhancements to existing businesses along East Court Street,” said City Planner Mike Hoffman.

“When you first enter the City of Kankakee from Exit 312, it is not very welcoming. As we continue to move Kankakee Forward, our team is aiming to enhance the east side of town which has lacked investment in previous years. We are very fortunate to be able to move ahead on this project, present an opportunity for developers, create jobs and enhance our community, said Mayor Wells-Armstrong.

Other TIF districts in the City of Kankakee include the Meadowview District, the City of Kankakee’s Downtown Riverfront District, and Exit 308 where Riverstone Parkway improvements took place and Tractor Supply opened its doors last Fall.

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The City of Kankakee is dedicated to protecting, building and nurturing the community while enhancing lives. We are a historic, vibrant, and active riverfront community. We continue to transform into an extraordinary place to dream, grow, and thrive. Embracing our diversity, we strive to be progressive, inclusive, and innovative. For more information on the City of Kankakee, please visit the website at www.citykankakee-il.gov.

 

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