Braidwood City Council

Cannabis resort proposed to Braidwood City Council

Published by admin on Tue, 06/21/2022 - 3:04pm

Looking to capitalize on the legalized cannabis industry, a proposal has been made to the city of Braidwood, looking to build what is deemed as a “luxury cannabis resort.”

Representatives from ED3N, Inc. gave an hour long presentation to the members of the Braidwood City Council on June 14, laying out a concept plan to turn 242-acres of recreational land into the resort.

The company is currently eyeing the old Hidden Lakes property at the corner of Route 53 and Coal City Road.

Wietting is Braidwood's newest Commissioner

Published by admin on Tue, 06/14/2022 - 3:43pm

The City of Braidwood has a new commissioner.

During a special meeting held on June 9, local businessman Warren Wietting was sworn in to the recently vacant seat of Commissioner of Public Buildings and Property.

The seat was held over the past year by Ronald Cockream.

“Ron resigned and moved to Florida, so we need to fill his space,” Mayor Bob Jones explained.

Wietting is the third Public Buildings and Property Commissioner to take the oath during Jones’ tenure as mayor.

D’Orazio, Arnie Bauer pen deal to move from Wilmington to Braidwood

Published by admin on Tue, 06/14/2022 - 3:26pm

The city of Braidwood is expanding inside the business park that sits between Division Street and I-55, with plans to lure two car dealerships from the city of Wilmington to Braidwood’s northwest side.

On June 8, the Braidwood City Council held a special meeting to approve a redevelopment agreement with Bauer & D’Orazio, LLC.

The agreement will bring D’Orazio Ford and Arnie Bauer Chevrolet into the subdivision at EZ Street and Division Street, which is located inside the city’s Tax Increment Financing (TIF) III district.

Braidwood officials still seeking input

Published by admin on Tue, 06/07/2022 - 3:32pm

It’s been one month since city officials in Braidwood said they’d answer any city-related question from the public, in an effort for transparency and to educate the masses on what is going on at City Hall.

But, despite a promotion designed to bring the public into the mix with a question and answer thread on the city’s official Facebook page, the effort has only yielded eight questions so far, some from members of the community and others submitted to the city and relayed on that page.

Future of Braidwood Zoo animals yet to be decided

Published by admin on Tue, 06/07/2022 - 3:30pm

A plan to develop the property that has been home of the Braidwood Zoo for the past decade has created a bit of controversy at City Hall.

But, city officials said, while that plan is to develop the city-owned lots at 151 N. Front St. and 305 E. Oak St. into a retail/commercial site, there are no plans to get rid of zoo animals themselves.

The two lots hold a pavilion, a small soundstage, picnic tables, a parking lot, and a pole barn building with bathroom facilities.

Video gaming plan passes through Braidwood zoning board

Published by admin on Tue, 06/07/2022 - 3:26pm

The Braidwood Planning and Zoning Commission has recommended the City Council approve a change to the city’s code of ordinances that will open up some possibilities for more businesses in outlying business zoning districts (B-2) and industrial districts along the interstate.

On June 6, the zoning board held a public hearing on a proposed text amendment to the city’s code of ordinances, which would allow gaming machines in all the city’s business districts as well as industrial districts, and allow truck washes in B-2 districts.

New business plans at old Braidwood laundromat still in the works

Published by admin on Tue, 06/07/2022 - 3:24pm

Plans to start a new business at the site of the old laundromat property between Washington and Mitchell Streets have been stalled over the past few months. But city officials say to expect movement soon.

On April 11, the Braidwood Fire Protection District, along with members of the Braceville Fire Protection District, held a training exercise at the site. Following that exercise, the building was razed, but since then there has been no movement at the property.

Ordinance change will allow more video gaming terminals in Braidwood

Published by admin on Tue, 05/31/2022 - 5:34pm

The Braidwood City Council has taken a step to help clear the way for a proposed truckstop in town. But, the change will also affect other potential developments in the city’s outlying business district (B-2).

On May 24, the council approved a measure to amend the city’s code of ordinances with regard to video gaming and locker rooms with private showers.

“This will make it available for truckstops to have both of these (gaming and showers) in the amended ordinance,” city administrator Tony Alitery said.

Council urged to reconsider sale of Braidwood Zoo

Published by admin on Tue, 05/31/2022 - 5:30pm

Just weeks after announcing that the city intends to sell off two properties that make up the site of the Braidwood Zoo, at least one local resident is calling on city leaders to reconsider any move that could eliminate the Route 66 attraction.

On May 24, longtime Braidwood resident Mary Jensen approached members of the Braidwood City Council during their regular meeting, asking that the city keeps the zoo—a gated roadside attraction featuring artwork of late Essex artist Jack Barker—up and open to the public.

Braidwood’s PACE bus service could be on the way out

Published by admin on Tue, 05/10/2022 - 4:35pm

Braidwood’s PACE bus has been missing from its regular parking spot at City Hall.

But, while the bus is only temporarily parked elsewhere, the future of the city’s PACE program is uncertain.

City administrator Tony Altiery said the bus—an accessible passenger van with room for seven passengers plus two wheelchairs—is currently in the shop for repairs.

But, Altiery said, the program has not picked up the additional ridership that the city has been hoping for.