Endorsed by:

Last year I instructed staff, with Council’s approval, to conduct a site assessment and feasibility study of the Old PD to identify any concerns that development will need to accommodate, including infrastructure, traffic and the impact to the adjacent Pottawatomie Park and neighborhood. We expect the studies to be completed in 2025. As part of this process we also incorporated community engagement and input. In the end, it’s most important that whatever development occurs, it enhances the unique character of St. Charles while also bringing value to our community. FACT: The Municipal Center will NOT be sold or torn down and it’s not included in this redevelopment project.

As your Mayor, it’s crucial that I along with our Council make decisions based on facts, not assumptions and I have publicly stated until we have more information I am not in favor of the Dam removal. The City of St. Charles does not own the dam – that responsibility lies with IDNR. Following the USACE’s recommendation for removal, my administration has been actively working with the community and the Park District to gather all necessary data and assess the full range of impacts. We formed a task force and are consulting with experts, recognizing the importance of the river and the dam to the City of St. Charles. Until we fully understand the environmental, economic, and safety implications, it would be irresponsible to make a final decision on the dam’s future. IDNR has pushed any decision until 2026, I believe in part due to the actions of our city and our residents.

The site is now 2/3 developed, with the tower demolished in an environmentally responsible manner. Industrial buildings are located in the back of the property, bringing jobs to our community, and the KIA and Honda dealerships are thriving on the Eastern side. We know there is strong interest in the remaining undeveloped parcel. This project is generating revenue for our City, not placing a burden on taxpayers and I and Council look forward to its completion.

While the City does not own the property, my administration has secured a development deal for the long-vacant parcel to the West, now home to Fox Haven Square. To the East, new residential projects are taking shape, and Chick-fil-A recently opened across from the mall and is seeing tremendous success. All of this progress happened during my first four years in office, and I’m confident that in the next four, we’ll continue to see growth as these developments attract more interest in a multi-use development for the Mall. The City benefits from approximately $200k in sales tax revenue from Von Maur and Classic Cinemas, while the cost of maintaining the property rests entirely with the owner.