Community & Economic Development Department

The Community & Economic Development Department is responsible for economic development, planning, zoning, appearance review, building permits and code enforcement activities as related to the built environment.

Director of Economic Development, Planning, Zoning and Urban Design
Timothy J. Scott, AICP, CNU-A
tscott@wdundee.org

Director of Community Development / Building Official
Thomas Moszczynski
tmoszczynski@wdundee.org

Village Planner (PT)
Kim Tibbetts
ktibbetts@wdundee.org

Code Enforcement (PT)
Krista Conrad
kconrad@wdundee.org

Administrative Assistant
Cyndi Gagliano
cgagliano@wdundee.org

Building Permit Applications
permits@wdundee.org

Email Community Development Dept.

The Community & Economic Development Department promotes economic growth and well-being for the community’s tax base by pursuing economic development opportunities and working to ensure that projects come forward in compliance with the Comprehensive Plan. The department works to build consensus for projects and gain neighborhood and commission support, as well as ensuring that proposals are in sync with Village Board policies and goals. After a project is approved, Community & Economic Development manages performance securities, coordinates engineering and subdivision reviews, ensures code compliance, issues and administer permits and performs inspections.

The Community & Economic Development Department also administers the business and rental registration and licensing programs, the special event application process and the Village’s facade and economic development low-interest loans and grants programs. On a case-by-case basis, individual assistance is provided to businesses and property owners to help solve problems, foster growth and stability, and achieve common goals for the economic health of the community and region.

Community & Economic Development aims to foster a positive image for the community, maintain the Village’s reputation in the region by providing a high level of service and preserve history while carving out a strong future position. Their commitment is to the betterment of the built environment, as well as the livability of the community.

The following studies, plans and maps constitute key tools by which community and economic development is considered, recruited and implemented for West Dundee:

Zoning Map

The West Dundee Zoning Map identifies the zoning classification of each individual parcel in West Dundee. For detailed information about each zoning classification, please view the Municipal Code, Title 10 - Zoning Regulations.

Comprehensive Plan

The West Dundee Comprehensive Plan was developed in 2005 and continues to provide a land-use vision for the Village of West Dundee. The plan seeks to provide a coordinated, sensible framework for future community improvement, development and redevelopment, including an efficient transportation network, a variety of housing options, increased economic development, access to open space and recreation activities, a preserved and enhanced natural environment, and reliable public services. The plan shows conceptual land-use strategies and is considered as a guide.

Economic Development Plan

The West Dundee 2020 Economic Development Plan (EDP) is designed to provide a description of the Village’s vision for the economic growth of the four (4) primary sectors of the community and to define the tools we can and will use to achieve that vision. The EDP features the key element of the West Dundee economic development effort: the willingness to partner with entities both public and private to promote positive economic activities within the community. The EDP combines the various components relevant to attracting, retaining and supporting commercial and development activity in West Dundee into booklet form, and will be used to present to commercial enterprises the opportunities our community has to offer. It includes the three studies described below, in addition to longstanding economic incentive programs utilized by the Village and numerous other supporting documents. The EDP was formally adopted by the Village Board in May of 2015.

Downtown Plan

In 2014, the Village of West Dundee engaged the consulting team of Hitchcock Design Group and Business Districts, Inc. to evaluate the assets, opportunities, community feedback and potential strategies to develop a plan to reinvigorate downtown West Dundee. West Dundee residents, officials and business owners participated in the development of the West Dundee Downtown Plan, attached below. The Downtown Plan was formally adopted by the Village Board on April 20, 2015. The Downtown Plan provides a conceptual framework for recommended policy, operational, capital and private property improvements to enhance the downtown environment. The Village has utilized the Downtown Plan as a framework and guide to both set in motion a plan for public improvements, and to engage and encourage thoughtful private development and investment in downtown West Dundee. For more information on Downtown Plan Implementation, view the Development Projects section of this page, in the right-hand column.

Main Street / Route 31 TIF Redevelopment Plan

The Village Board recently adopted a new Tax Increment Financing (TIF) District, which includes downtown West Dundee, the Route 72 corridor east of Route 31, and the Route 31 corridor south to the largely undeveloped Haeger property. The establishment of the TIF District provides economic development funding and tools to facilitate needed public improvements within the district, provides a mechanism to increase property valuations and development within this area, and provides incentive funding for redevelopment and reinvestment in older and obsolete properties within the district. TIF Funds are generated when the Equalized Assessed Value (EAV) of properties within the district increase, thereby generated new property taxes. Those incremental increases in property tax payments are then placed into the TIF Fund for allocation toward eligible projects within the district.

CMAP Housing Study

In 2013, the Villages of West Dundee, East Dundee, Carpentersville and Elgin received a grant to work with the Chicago Metropolitan Planning Council (CMAP) to evaluate the present and future housing needs of the community. The results of the Fox Valley Homes for a Changing Region study were received in 2014 and the report has been made a part of the Village’s EDP. The final report includes several recommendations regarding policy and operational changes, and areas of focus in terms of the types of housing that are lacking and for which demand is expected to increase in the coming years. The results of this study provide an important planning tool that will assist the Village in thoughtfully mapping its future residential development, which plays an important role in economic development.

Retail Market Study

The Retail Market Study was undertaken in 2014 with the assistance of broker/consultant Barry Bain of GRS Group. The purpose of the study was to map and identify national and regional retailers not presently operating within our market area in order to focus on recruitment of those businesses that are best positioned to locate in West Dundee. The results of the study are also helpful in saving prospective developers time and money when attempting to analyze the market dynamics of the northern Kane County economy.