Yorkville business leaders upbeat

June 28, 2007

By Heather Gillers, Beacon News Staff Writer

YORKVILLE -- Despite some growing pains, Yorkville is becoming an increasingly attractive location for potential business owners.

That was the consensus of a handful of local business people who gathered Wednesday night to help formulate a long-range plan for the city.

There are roughly four jobs for every 10 people in Kendall County, according to a 2000 survey conducted for the Illinois Department of Transportation.

"As we attract more businesses to Yorkville, there are a lot of things starting to surface on the horizon that will improve that ratio," said Stan Free of Castle Bank. He cited the city's two industrial areas, planned and existing medical offices, and a 800,000-square-foot mall under construction at Route 34 and Cannonball Trail.

Other participants said good schools, a community feel and room to grow, especially on the city's south side, would help stoke economic development.

Challenges to economic growth include divisions on past city councils and school boards and crowded roadways, participants said.

"We're going to have horrendous traffic problems," said Doug Fisher of Carstar collision center.

Kendall County has roughly doubled in population since 2000, but the pace of economic growth has yet to catch up.

It could get a shot in the arm from construction of the proposed Prarie Parkway, a highway that would snake through Kendall on its way from Kane County to Grundy County.

Yorkville's vision plan, compiled by an Aurora-based consulting group, will help guide City Council members as they oversee the city's growth and development.

Officials also are seeking input from other residents. A forum for senior citizens is scheduled for Tuesday at 7:45 a.m. at Beecher Community Center and a forum for teens will be held July 9, at 6:30 p.m. at City Hall. Call (630) 553-8532 for more information.

Sun-Times News Group