Wilmette formalizes business-incentive program following Buttermilk deal

Wilmette trustees unanimously approved an economic incentive policy on Tuesday with the goal of supporting economic development within the village.

The policy, which was approved at the Village Board’s regular meeting on June 10, was created following a request for economic incentives from Danny Shamoon, who plans on opening Buttermilk Café at 200 Skokie Blvd, a property that has been vacant since the 2019 departure of Bakers Square.

According to the June 10 board packet, the policy was drafted by the village’s Finance Committee following Shamoon’s requests in March and April of this year.

Prior to Shamoon’s request, the village also agreed to financial-assistance agreements with EvaDean’s Bakery and Cafe and Residence Inn Wilmette.

The policy, according to village documents, will provide support to projects that will improve the village’s economic base, “leading to increased business activity, development of job opportunities, enhanced property values and revenues, and will serve to improve the health, safety, and general welfare of the businesses and residents of the Village.”

Requests will be reviewed by the village’s Finance Committee and the Village Board. Requirements for the program include that the request comes from a business that generates sales, home rule or hotel tax; aligns with the Village’s policies and long-term goals, and meets construction and occupancy milestones.

Other considerations will include that the business is at least three years old with “a documented record of success,” or how it will be successful and add value to the village.

Incentives can be used for substantial improvements excluding minor or routine repairs and maintenance, such as significant interior remodels; making a building compliant with ADA; installation of fire sprinkler systems; and signage or landscaping.

Deal terms can be between three and 10 years, and the incentive structure includes 100% reimbursement, 50/50 reimbursement, and cost reimbursement.

Trustees made one change to the agreement at Tuesday’s meeting at the suggestion of Village President Senta Plunkett. Initially, the proposed policy required a property to be vacant for three years to qualify to be involved in the program, but Plunkett said she would rather see that as a consideration instead of a requirement.

“While I think a long vacancy can certainly be a factor in the consideration, I think there could be some flexibility,” Plunkett said. “A vacancy alone might not be the only reason why you would want to give an incentive.”

In addition to the overall economic incentive policy, trustees also unanimously approved an economic incentive agreement with Buttermilk Café, which, as part of the agreement, will receive up to $150,000 in sales tax revenue remittance over a maximum of 10 years. The Village will receive the first $20,000 in sales-tax dollars, Buttermilk the next $30,000, and then the sales-tax revenue will be split, documents show.

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