Naperville mayor foretells future of 'bold, daring' innovation
Naperville's future will be one of innovation, drawing upon the city's history of "standing apart and making tough calls," Mayor Steve Chirico said Monday during his first State of the City address.
Innovation in economic development has been a focus for Chirico since he took office last May, and it soon could bring new ideas to the area around the 5th Avenue Metra station.
Chirico said the city's burgeoning image as a "satellite city" to Chicago could help redevelop municipal property near the train station.
Christine Jeffries, president and CEO of the Naperville Development Partnership, said the city plans to ask developers for ideas to turn the station into an "innovative, edgy, mixed-use development" that includes plenty of commuter parking, but also office, retail and residential components and an "urban vibe."
Chirico said this could include technology-oriented businesses with offices in Chicago opening satellite locations in Naperville, a city he says is promoting economic development by collaborating with entrepreneurs and commerce advocates.
"One of my main priorities is to position Naperville as the most competitive city in the state," he said. "My goal of promoting economic development and a healthy business environment takes a team."
That teamwork includes young minds, as architecture students from Naperville Unit District 203 are soon to present their ideas to redevelop an underused shopping center along the East Ogden corridor.
"Their creative thinking can help us identify what tomorrow's business districts look like," Chirico said.
Some properties along East Ogden are soon to be revamped, as Jeffries said the former Chuck E. Cheese's will become a Homewerks remodeling business and the former Grandma Sally's restaurant, which suffered a fire in July 2014, is slated to become the city's second new Andy's Frozen Custard.
But as one of the gateways to the city, Chirico said the area "frankly needs attention."
His speech also called attention to the need for finding efficiencies and pursuing government consolidation.
Fresh off a round of budget cuts to fill an $8.2 million gap in this year's spending plan, Naperville already has found efficiencies, Chirico said. The fire department has started sending one person in an SUV to nonemergency calls instead of three people in a gas-guzzling fire truck. Fire officials are working with neighbors to send the closest emergency vehicle no matter which jurisdiction a call comes from.
Moody's rewarded Naperville's moves to balance its budget and pay back debt with a renewal of the city's AAA bond rating last month. Chirico called the rating a reflection of the city's strong economy and balanced operations.
"Innovation is really the key to our long-term success," he said.
More innovation in collaboration is on the horizon, he said. The city plans to consider creating a joint 911 board to serve Naperville and Aurora - cities that already back up each other's 911 service and share a radio system.
And then there's the proposal to have the city provide services such as snow plowing, leaf collection and brush pickup to 49.3 lane miles of unincorporated Naperville Township roads. The city says the contract offer could save roughly $717,000 a year.
Township Highway Commissioner Stan Wojtasiak has questioned that estimate, and the proposal has raised concerns among some township residents. But on Monday, Chirico simply thanked township officials for their willingness to discuss it.
"Naperville isn't afraid of change," he said. "We're not afraid to be bold or daring and we are not going to shy away from challenges. In fact, we're going to lead the way because that's what innovators do."