Council committee considers Quest Academy plan change; staff recommends payment-in-lieu if tax exemption granted

The Economic Development Committee reviewed a request by Quest Academy to amend a minor planned development so the academy can convert portions of a retail center and, in qualifying spaces, apply for property tax exemption.

Staff (Banerjee) told the committee the proposal would not change zoning but could result in property tax-exempt uses in the center. Because the village remains the primary local service provider for police, fire and public services regardless of exemption status, staff recommended a payment in lieu of taxes (PILOT) be required as a condition so the village’s costs are offset. Under the proposal the village would invoice the payment annually, by November each year. The committee moved and seconded to approve the amendment to plan development and to place the item on the consent agenda.

Committee members asked whether the PILOT would have a sunset (staff: no sunset was proposed) and whether additional review would be needed if the academy sought further expansion; staff said future expansions would require separate approvals.