Commission discusses steering new strip-mall tenant mix and using TIF to attract retailers

Staff told the commission the owner who bought the strip mall in early 2025 plans to relocate and enlarge a convenience store within the property but will need a zoning special-use approval for that use. Staff described the owner’s intent to combine suites and free up smaller spaces for new tenants.

Commissioners discussed ways the village could influence tenant mix without mandating leases. Ideas included early outreach to brokers and the Chamber of Commerce, steering via the comprehensive plan and TIF-funded incentives, and preparing a concise list of preferred active uses for tenants and agents. One commissioner noted the new development offers only limited ground-floor retail (about 3,200 sq ft), which affects the range of possible tenants.