Lisle ends construction contract on old village hall site

Lisle has ended a redevelopment contract for its old village hall site after the builder left the downtown location virtually untouched for more than two years.

Village leaders said they declared default on the redevelopment agreement with New England Builders, Inc., for the property at Main Street and Burlington Avenue.

The village tore down its former municipal center in 2003 and in May 2008 picked New England Builders to create a mixed-use development at the site.

The project was supposed to be the cornerstone of revitalization in downtown Lisle, but Village Manager Jerry Sprecher said the economic slowdown kept construction from ever beginning.

“The developer was in contact with the (village) board and gave periodic updates, but I think their hands were tied to a degree in light of the recession,” Sprecher said. “I think the board wrestled with ... how long is it really fair to let a single developer have claim to this site?”

Mayor Joe Broda said the decision was difficult, but it is important for Lisle to keep its options open. He said it's possible other developers have ideas and money to build, but have stayed away because of the contract.

At this point, he said, Lisle is fortunate construction never started.

“We are lucky to not have a hole in the ground or a half-finished project,” he said.

Officials said redevelopment is moving along elsewhere downtown. Upgrades and new businesses along Main Street, as well as the unveiling of PrairieWalk Pond at Route 53 and Burlington Avenue last fall, are making downtown more attractive to developers, they said.

“I think it's ironic since this is not necessarily the way it was envisioned, but this is all taking shape to provide a great environment for a future project,” Sprecher said.

Officials agree any new plan for the village hall site might be different from what was envisioned in 2008. But Broda said he still wants to see retail on the first level of any new project.

There are no immediate alternate plans for the site. The village board was set to discuss it Monday night.

“I just want to do a sanity check with my board and make sure ‘Are we on the right track? Are we doing the right thing?'” Broda said.