New downtown event request prompts St. Charles to consider rental policies
A St. Charles nonprofit's request to hold a new fundraising event in the downtown plaza has prompted city officials to consider creating rental policies for the use of public spaces.
Project Mobility leaders are planning a multicourse long-table dinner this summer, featuring food and beverages from businesses along the First Street corridor. Scheduled for 3 to 7 p.m. July 12, the event aims to support the organization's mission of providing adaptive bikes to children, adults and wounded soldiers with disabilities, event director Katherine Reda said.
The long-table dinner is a new fundraising concept for Project Mobility, which also holds a bike ride and a "Hops for Hope" 5K each year at St. Charles parks. In addition to benefiting the nonprofit, Reda said, the tasting-style event is expected to highlight the city's First Street redevelopment and various downtown dining options.
"First Street is so popular and has so many good restaurants," she said. "I was thinking it'd be a great idea to put those together in one event so people can come and taste all of what First Street has to offer."
Acting as the government operations committee Tuesday, aldermen unanimously backed granting a liquor license for the dinner, where beer and wine pairings are planned for each course. The city council is expected to ratify the vote March 2.
As part of their recommendation, aldermen also asked the city's special events committee to draft a set of guidelines that would allow public spaces to be used for private events.
The directive stemmed from concerns expressed by Alderman Rita Payleitner, who said Project Mobility will likely be "the first of many" organizations to be interested in renting downtown properties.
Similar to the way the park district rents out a park, she said, the city should have a procedure in place for the exclusive use of its existing plaza, as well as the adjacent "east plaza" under construction and the recently acquired lot at First and Main streets.
"It's the taxpayers' property, so I think we owe them the thoughtful process of setting a policy," Payleitner said, noting that "cost isn't as much of an issue" as the principle.
"(The event) is a great idea," she continued. "I just think we're putting the cart ahead of the horse right now."
Though guests are asked to register, anyone is invited to attend the long-table dinner, Reda said.
Participating establishments so far include La Mesa Modern Mexican, Gia Mia, McNally's Irish Pub, Kilwins, Vintage 53 and Alter Brewing Company, which is expected to open this spring in the newest First Street building. Organizers are still seeking additional partners.
Alderman Lora Vitek said she believes all surrounding establishments will reap the benefit of the event, which also includes live music, raffles, a silent auction and an adaptive bike giveaway.
"With the changes we're making along the plaza, it'll draw some attention and hopefully drive some more business to the area," she said.
"I think it's a great plan."