New project proposal for Roselle's downtown

A major project that could bring another 12 to 15 new commercial and retail businesses into Roselle's downtown is on the horizon.

If built, the development would be the last major project in Roselle's only tax increment financing district. In addition, it would link four other large developments that make up the existing downtown.

"We're making history here," Roselle Mayor Gayle Smolinski said.

The developer, Parry Janke of Roselle-based New Leaf Development, wants to build the development along Irving Park Road, between Roselle Road and an area west of Prospect Street.

Plans call for a mostly two-story building, with some three-story features. It would feature a 20,000-square-foot first floor for retail and commercial space. The second floor, about 14,000 square feet, would be used for office space and possibly four condominium units.

Village board members got to review some preliminary plans on Monday. But the designs are far from complete.

It's still unclear if the developer will acquire Pauli's Auto Repair Shop, which is located near the intersection of Roselle and Irving Park. Janke proposed redevelopment plans both with and without Pauli's.

The plans will need to be reviewed by the village's TIF Commission and the planning and zoning board. That could happen in May or June.

The developer first proposed the plans to the village because he's asking for up to $2 million in TIF money from Roselle to help pay for the project.

Janke estimates the total price of the development to be between $12.5 million and $14.5 million.

Without financial assistance from the village, it's unlikely the project will move forward, said Pat Watkins, the village's director of development.

"We are about to undertake an intense analysis," Watkins said.

The next step is for a consultant to determine whether the village should spend the money.

If all goes well, construction could start this year, Watkins said. The entire project could be complete sometime in 2009 or 2010.