Businesses get a little help from Lombard

Lombard's downtown businesses are getting several boosts from the village, despite some trustees' reservations.

The board recently approved plans to give a $75,000 grant to Lombard Town Centre, a business group devoted to preserving and promoting downtown Lombard.

Trustees also backed some business owners' request to set aside some existing downtown parking spaces for customers only.

While trustees voted unanimously to support Lombard Town Centre's $75,000 grant request, several voiced concern about efforts to promote downtown.

"I am not convinced I have seen economic stimulus," Trustee Richard Tross said. "I've seen social events … but not cash registers ring."

Trustee Jack O'Brien said the village has "given a lot of money away" and has "nothing to show for it."

"We've paid dearly," he said. "As a taxpayer, I'm not happy."

Other trustees disagreed, saying they saw activity though it hasn't been quantified. They said measurable goals should be set.

"It takes a long time to get things accomplished," Trustee Rick Soderstrom said. "It would be very short-sighted … to take away funding."

When it comes to requests for customer-only parking spaces, Trustee Greg Gron said he didn't see a legitimate reason for it.

"When I went down there at different times during the day … there were plenty of spots," Gron said.

Some downtown business owners want parking spaces set aside for customers because colleagues and employees use prime spots in front of their shops.

"Customer-only parking sends a message and makes people think twice," business owner Tom Masterson said.

About 85 percent of the downtown business owners supported the change, while a few oppose it, Masterson said.

One national business group estimates that an on-street parking space in front of a business is worth $40,000 in annual sales to a business, Masterson said.

"Parking is always a crucial part of the survival of downtown shopping areas," business owner Christine Regan wrote in a letter to the village board. "Please help us to continue this valiant effort to revitalize the downtown."

Several trustees concurred.

"The signage sends a message: It not only tells employees they shouldn't park there, and it also tells customers they are valued," Trustee Dana Moreau said. "It's almost like a welcome sign for customers."