The Biz Week That Was: Alfresco dining a boon, video gambling expansion, and tariffs threatening higher solar costs
From ‘ghost town’ to boom town: How Arlington Alfresco kept downtown thriving
Their live music venue and gastropub shuttered by a pandemic, Arlington Heights business owners Chip Brooks and Chris Dungan remember being in “survival mode” five years ago. Before COVID-19, village officials had been trying to promote more outdoor dining in the downtown — but only on sidewalks. But in the weeks after the coronavirus forced a shutdown of public spaces in mid-March 2020, downtown Arlington Heights business owners and village staff developed the concept that became Arlington Alfresco, the popular annual outdoor dining experience at the center of the community’s downtown.
Could Palatine be expanding video gambling?
Palatine could be moving toward expansion of video gambling. Possibly removing the cap on 11 licenses was just one of the issues discussed as village council members last week opened a series of public meetings with owners of establishments offering video gambling.
‘Main Street is hurting’: Wauconda authorizes acquisition of long vacant restaurant space downtown
Wanting to prevent continued economic malaise in the downtown business area, Wauconda officials have authorized the acquisition — one way or another — of the former Bulldogs restaurant. The village board last week gave Village Administrator Allison Matson authority to pursue the prominent property either through a negotiated purchase or by condemnation if necessary.
China dominates solar. Trump tariffs target China. For US solar industry, that means higher costs
President Donald Trump's escalating trade war with China threatens to crimp a massive source of solar panels and parts, with experts saying the cost of projects will certainly rise as China retaliates.
Barnes & Noble nears return to downtown Naperville
Barnes & Noble is starting a new chapter in downtown Naperville next week. The chain’s new Naperville bookstore opens on Wednesday, April 23, in the former Pottery Barn space on Jackson Avenue.
Naperville homebuilder gets green light for senior-targeted development near downtown
A Naperville builder has a portfolio of luxury custom homes with names like “Modern Chateau” and “Newport Coastal.” Family-owned Charleston Building & Development also developed the row houses near Rotary Hill and the Riverwalk. Charleston has now received city council approval to move forward with plans for another project: a residential community geared toward seniors and still within walking distance of downtown.
Mink farming industry toes the line as Illinois lawmakers consider regulations
Although the industry has self-imposed guidelines farmers adhere to in order to sell their pelts legally, mink farming is not regulated at the federal level or in Illinois. But a bill in play in Springfield could change that. House Bill 2627, sponsored by Rep. Joyce Mason, a Gurnee Democrat, would regulate the mink industry at the state level, creating mink farm licensing and requirements.