La Grange Park board backs inducement resolution for Michael’s Pancake House at 712–714 E. 31st St.

La Grange Park’s village board voted unanimously to approve an inducement resolution that expresses preliminary support for Michael’s Pancake House to renovate space at 712–714 East 31st Street and to pursue possible business district assistance.

The motion, introduced by Trustee Zora, does not commit village funds. It authorizes staff to request additional information from the restaurant owner, evaluate potential incentives, and negotiate terms of a redevelopment agreement if warranted. Trustees said the measure will allow the applicant to begin incurring eligible redevelopment costs that could be reimbursed later if a formal agreement is approved.

Staff told the board the planned improvements — including a commercial kitchen exhaust system and upgrades to mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems — constitute eligible redevelopment costs under the Business District Act. Trustee Zora said she visited the Riverside location and supported the restaurant as a neighborhood-serving business. Several trustees expressed enthusiasm for filling a vacant downtown space and increasing local revenue and foot traffic.

President Dipio led the roll-call vote; Trustees Lner, Zora, Council, Sheen and Caputo voted yes. Village staff emphasized the inducement resolution is a preliminary step rather than a binding commitment of incentive dollars.

Next steps outlined by staff include collecting more detailed cost estimates from the owner, negotiating terms of any incentive package, and returning to the board with a redevelopment agreement for formal consideration.