City Offers Incentive to Preserve Kroehler Mansion:
Naperville City Council voted last night to tender up to $562,000 to Little Friends if they accept an offer for their property that preserves the 100-year-old Kroehler Mansion. Two weeks ago, the dais gave Little Friends permission to demolish the mansion in order to sell its land for full value, but asked them to wait to see if a better solution could be found. Little Friends is now soliciting offers from developers, both with and without the mansion. If they accept an offer that involves preserving the building, this latest resolution will come into effect; however, Little Friends could still accept an offer that would demolish the mansion if that’s the best value. Council’s vote did not specify where the city’s money would come from, but some on the dais suggested either the Food and Beverage Tax or the SECA fund, as the Kroehler Mansion is a cultural amenity. Councilwoman Theresa Sullivan voted no because she didn’t think public funds should be used to support a private organization and Councilman Kevin Coyne voted no because he wants to see how the property would be developed first.
Tax Increase for District 203:
Taxes for homeowners in Naperville School District 203 will go up more than $100 under the proposed 2019 tax levy. This year’s levy is set at just under $250.9 million, with an additional ask of $2.7 million to pay down debt. That means an average homeowner of a $410,000 home would see an increase of $127 on their tax bill. The school board is expected to adopt the levy at its next meeting on December 16.
Santa’s Closet:
Tables full of holiday gifts could be found at the DuPage Children’s Museum last night for Bridge Communities’ Santa’s Closet. With the help of Naperville Newcomers and Neighbors Club, the event gives families from Bridge Communities the chance to pick out several gifts for their loved ones, free of charge. Some of Santa’s elves were even on hand to help wrap them all up. After families were done shopping, they enjoyed a delicious meal.
Remembering Bonnie Klee Roberts:
And finally, we remember Bonnie Klee Roberts, who brought a song to our town and our hearts for so many years. Roberts founded the Naperville Men’s Glee Club in 1988, and as artistic director, grew it into a non-profit that would forge friendships through music. She also created special projects, like Voices of Hope, a choir formed by those affected by cancer. Bonnie herself was discovered to have colon cancer just days before her death, after having battled kidney failure and heart disease for many years. She died November 17 at the age of 75. A celebration of life ceremony will take place this Saturday at the Naperville Church of the Brethren.
