Briefs: Coffee with the cops

Glen Ellyn's police department will begin playing host to Coffee with the Cops every month, with the first at 8 a.m. Dec. 1 on the second floor of the Glen Ellyn Civic Center, 535 Duane St.. Police said the intent is for residents to come to an informal setting to get answers about police-related issues. Chief Phil Norton, Deputy Chief Bill Holmer and others will be available for about two hours to answer questions or discuss topics. The open-house is expected to continue on a monthly basis, as long as there is community interest. Light refreshments will be served. For details, call (630) 469-1187.

Fifth Ave. study to continue

Naperville will move forward with its study of land around the Fifth Avenue train station but will not be giving Omnia Performing Arts Association special consideration. The group recently made a nearly two-hour presentation to the city council about a possible development that would include retail, residential, office and performing arts components, but details have not been made public. Residents in the area have expressed concern about such a development in an already congested area. City officials say once the city completes its study of the land, Omnia can participate in the process like any other resident or developer.

Naperville pursuing TIF

The Naperville City Council has directed staff to prepare ordinances to establish a Water Street tax increment financing district. Developers hope to create an extension of downtown south of Riverwalk along Water Street between Webster and Main streets, an area which has seen little physical improvement in recent years. If it becomes a TIF district, the property tax rate in that area would be frozen for up to 23 years. The council held a public hearing Tuesday in which three residents spoke against the plan, saying it is unnecessary and a burden on taxpayers. However, the council voted to move forward with the project and will vote on specific ordinances at its Dec. 4 council meeting.