Last time for Downtown Wheaton Assoc. chili cookoff?

In recent years, early November in downtown Wheaton has gotten spicy as restaurants compete for recognition as the chili capital of the block.

But amidst the excitement of the Third Annual Chili Cookoff that takes over several locations from 1 to 5 p.m. today, a different battle simmers in the background that could make this year's event the last.

Opponents of a special taxing district that funds the Downtown Wheaton Association say they have some momentum in a petition drive to block the district's creation. Without it, the group, which promotes and coordinates several events including the chili cookoff each year, would likely dissolve in April.

That scenario would also mean the elimination of those events and the increased foot traffic that comes because of them, said DWA President Keven Graham.

“If the petition is successful, these things would potentially go away,” he said. “Those who object, they are the ones that will have to come up with alternatives and, to date, I have not heard what those alternatives are. I am more than welcome for them but I have not heard them.”

A current special service area downtown, which expires April 30, taxes property owners within it an additional 95 cents per $100 of equalized assessed value. In the new district, which would fall along similar borders of the present one, that number would decrease to 45 cents per $100 but would also require that the city divert all tax increment finance money captured within the district to the group.

But opponents say this tax is unfair because some property owners who pay it see little to no benefit from the Downtown Wheaton Association.

City Manager Don Rose said a handful of petitions to block Special Service Area 7 have been picked up from city hall.

Competing mail campaigns by supporters and opponents have brought the fight directly to the property owners ever since an Oct. 10 public hearing was closed.

At least 51 percent of property owners and voters within the district must sign a petition objecting to the district's creation by Dec. 9 to block it.

City Councilwoman Jeanne Ives, who tried to dissolve the current district previously, said opponents have already secured the required voter signatures.

But Graham said he must continue to just focus on putting on events like the chili cookoff while hoping that enough property owners see the value in what his group does.

“All we can do is continue to educate and continue to talk to people and talk about the positive benefits we provide,” he said. “That's what we are doing. Everyone will have to make their own decision.”

As for the cookoff, Graham said it continues to grow each year and that it has started to become a staple in downtown Wheaton in the fall.

“It's really just an opportunity to expose the residents to a lot of great things happening downtown,” he said. “It creates a great buzz. We're excited to have people downtown having fun in and out of the stores and restaurants.”

What: 3rd Annual Chili Cookoff

Who: Hosted by Downtown Wheaton Association with 12 restaurants participating

When: 1 to 5 p.m. with first and second place announced at 5 p.m.

Where: Several downtown restaurants with winners announced at Ivy Restaurant, 120 N. Hale St.

Info: downtownwheaton.com