Elmhurst Downtown Condos Important For Future, Mayor Says

Elmhurst IL

26 April, 2021

7:41 AM

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ELMHURST, IL — Elmhurst Mayor Steve Morley cited two major accomplishments over his eight years in his final speech to the City Council last week. The first was the millions of dollars in stormwater improvements. The second, he said, was "controlled, responsible growth" — in other words, the condo and apartment development downtown, which continues to spark debates. He spoke more about the second issue in his speech. In promoting the idea of such development, Morley said he often points to the fact that people can spend 50 to 60 percent of their retail dollars from their phone. That means a town like Elmhurst must find a way to be relevant, he said. "We've done that. We've created density in our downtown that not only keeps our seniors and empty nesters in town, but it's also what I call the farm league for young couples who haven't been able to buy a house yet," the mayor said. In addition to the needed housing, Morley said, the development also helps keep the downtown vibrant. That's because the downtown residents are seen as a pool of customers for the nearby businesses. "I believe density is and was the key to our future as long as it's done properly," he said. Morley and others also maintain that such development provides a big boost in property tax income for schools. And it does so without a similar increase in students because most downtown residents have no school-age children, they say. Last week, Patch reported about a 204-unit apartment complex that is planned downtown.