Westmont awards $100,732 downtown incentive grant to DJ Sports Bar for parking and lighting improvements

The Village Board approved a Downtown Incentive Program grant award of $100,731.70 to DJ Sports Bar at 222 East Chicago Avenue for parking-lot paving, curbing, landscaping and dark-sky-compliant lighting as part of an estimated $200,000 retrofit.

Director Henner Fein described the project and the DIP budget: "We've got $125,000 that was budgeted in our DIP program for this fiscal year... The award is actually for $100,731.70," he said, explaining the grant structure and incentive bonuses. Property owner Tracy Valerio told the board she already invested in site work and will need to advance costs before reimbursement: "I'm a little nervous because, you know, you guys are giving me a lot of money, but I have to come up with that money before you guys can reimburse me," Valerio said.

Trustees approved the award by roll call and encouraged other downtown property owners to apply for grant money; Valerio thanked staff and said she appreciated the village's assistance in making the project viable.