Batavia shouldn't pay for downtown survey

Does any elected official in Batavia know where Berkley's Finer Foods is located? Batavia Enterprises lost a major tenant when Walgreens moved into a new building in the same shopping center.

The former Walgreens was originally a Jewel Food Store which relocated to Randall Road. Now Batavia Enterprises is looking for a new tenant for the Jewel/Walgreens and they have contacted Blue Goose from St. Charles about the space.

The Batavia City Council seeking to improve downtown has authorized a $12,500 survey. The first question that Ehlers and Associates should ask on the survey is does anyone in Batavia know where Berkley's Finer Food is located and how close is it to downtown? Did the Super Wal-Mart built on Kirk Road reduce the grocery sales at Berkley's and how much sales tax was revenue was lost? Who would visit this Blue Goose in downtown Batavia? There is already inadequate parking in downtown Batavia, so where would the customers at Blue Goose park? Who is going to be responsible for cart versus car accidents? Where will delivery trucks, whether for a grocery store, drug store, liquor or restaurants park to unload products?

The city council is contemplating using taxpayer TIF funds to assist Batavia Enterprises in redeveloping the former Jewel/Walgreens. Because of the expense with the new Walgreens, there is lack of funds in TIF District 3 so the city would transfer money from TIF District 1 to support the project.

The city, which is becoming a puppet to Batavia Enterprises, should stop this survey for redevelopment immediately. This is a Batavia Enterprise inquiry, and they should pay all expenses. When the survey is completed, Batavia Enterprises can present their findings to the city council without any cost to the taxpayers.

Jack McCabe

Batavia