Sugar Grove president says village is connecting business, residential development
Thrive was the word Sugar Grove Village President Jen Konen used to describe the vision she has for the community during her 2024 State of the Village address Wednesday at Waubonsee Community College.
“We want business to thrive — that is the message you need to go home with,” she said. “We want you to thrive. We are working to create a culture of opportunities. We’re making significant progress in implementing business-friendly policies including a comprehensive overhaul of our fee schedule and introducing incentive programs. This marks the first time policies like this have been formally documented, laying a solid foundation for future economic growth.”
The event was hosted by the Sugar Grove Economic Development Corporation, formed more than 20 years ago with the mission of promoting the retention, expansion and attraction of business in Sugar Grove.
“We want businesses to consider Sugar Grove as their next big opportunity,” Konen added.
Burnt Barrel Social and Primos Tacos considered Sugar Grove. They are the most recent restaurant additions to town, while Subway has returned at a new location.
Konen also announced that Cilantro Taco Grill, Cold Stone Creamery and a free-standing Starbucks will be the next three restaurants to come to town.
“These additions are all part of our vision,” she said. “A community where residents can find what they need right here in Sugar Grove. A place where you can dine and shop without leaving.”
Konen explained it’s about connecting residents with businesses, intergovernmental collaboration, coordination with schools, the park district and other taxing bodies, supporting nonprofit partnerships, neighbor-to-neighbor connections, and community events that bring everyone together.
The Sugar Grove Corn Boil, Food Truck Fridays, Groovin in the Grove and Holiday in the Grove are among the community events Konen referenced.
Konen emphasized that economic growth, innovation, collaboration, quality of life, access to resources and community engagement all highlight the importance of building, maintaining and leveraging connections across the community and stakeholder networks.
“Why? Because connecting with others enables us to create a more meaningful and larger impact than we can alone,” she said.
Village staff also has continued to grow. Village Engineer Brian Schiber, Executive Assistant/Village Clerk Tracy Conti and Village Administrator Scott Koeppel are among the recent hires.
Konen also provided an overview of the master-planned community that has been proposed by Crown Community Development at the intersection of Interstate 88 and Route 47.
“This development presents a significant opportunity for our village,” she said. “It’s not just about new restaurants, shopping and opportunities to gather. It’s about economic stability, diversifying our tax base, attracting even more businesses and enhancing support for essential community services.”
She said it’s crucial for Crown Community Development and the village to find the right balance between residential, commercial and town center spaces.
“Our commitment to residents is clear,” she said. “We are diligently working to ensure that any eventual proposal strikes the right balance, prioritizing residents’ economic stability and an enhanced quality of life in our community.”