Three Angels Brewing Decides Against Downtown Location
Despite discussions earlier this summer, Three Angels Brewing decided against bidding on the former post office location.
Yorkville leaders opened the lone bid for purchasing the former post office building Tuesday to discover they had no bids.
Jason Leslie and Boyd Ingemunson, of Three Angels Brewing, didn't think three-quarters of the aldermen would support selling 201 Hydraulic St., so they decided against pursuing a purchase this summer. Mayor Gary Golinski broke a tie vote in favor of seeking bids in June after Leslie detailed hopes for the space along the Fox River.
Leslie was considering building a craft beer manufacturing space, retail space, and terraced landscaping in the back leading to a riverside pathway. Leslie described the space as an extension of the Three Angels Brewing he started with Ingemunson, a local attorney, as well as a complement to other downtown developments.
Some aldermen paused, though, in light of the city's long-term discussions about whether to purchase the REC Center or discontinuing using the facility. They figured the former post office could provide potential program space if the REC Center was no longer a public building.
Aldermen had initially decided against selling the old post office building at a Committee of the Whole meeting in early June, but they were unaware of the specific proposal or Leslie's involvement then.
In the letter they submitted Tuesday, Leslie and Ingemunson acknowledged the REC Center and the recently approved referendum that will ask voters about a proposed purchase in November.
"Should the purchase fail at referendum, the concern for programing is a priority, as is the necessary real estate to house them," the letter stated. "We empathize with the challenges you are facing, and we sincerely hope an equitable resolution may be found."
They also said they were "humbled and encouraged" by the support they received as they publicized their ideas early this summer.
"A special thank you to Mr. Rick Tollefson, who not only understands the challenges of building successful businesses, but personifies the passion required, but putting his money where his heart is, that is the City of Yorkville," the letter states.
"Rather than pressure the council to a vote given the current economic climate, we have chosen to respectfully and patiently defer our desire to build at this site, until a more convenient time for its corporate authorities," the letter continued. "We appreciate the service you provide as well as the wisdom with which you do so."
Related articles:
• Voters to Weigh in on Proposed REC Center Purchase
• Yorkville Considering Referendum, Rec Partnership with YMCA
• Former Alderman Brewing Ideas for Downtown
• Yorkville Considers Selling Old Post Office
Dan
11:56 pm on Tuesday, August 14, 2012
It's too bad this company couldn't continue the improvement of the downtown with their proposal. It sounds like this would have been a fine establishment. Instead there is a building on prime riverfront land that isn't generating sales tax revenue or bringing in property taxes. Business friendly Yorkville? This appears to be another ramification from a short sited village council.
tim brummerstedt
7:35 am on Wednesday, August 15, 2012
AMEN !
Kathy
8:04 am on Wednesday, August 15, 2012
City government should worry about other things besides renting property. Haven't we learned from the rec center disaster
Dan
9:48 am on Wednesday, August 15, 2012
Three Angels Brewing wanted to purchase this building. Meaning cash in the city's pocket, future sales and property tax revenue as well as improving our downtown and increasing property values in this area. Of course the village board is against it.
Dock Ellis
11:19 am on Wednesday, August 15, 2012
Too bad. This would have been a gem in downtown. Oh well, at least now the city has held on to a 45-year-old tiny building that produces no tax revenue that they can fit a few people in for rec classes. This city is a joke.
Chris Fox
11:44 am on Wednesday, August 15, 2012
Here comes the "Old Post Office Museum"! We can add it to our collection of run down, overpriced, worthwhile and savvy local tourist attractions that are generating all of the cash flow the city needs. Wonder why everyone keeps saying we are broke? hmmm...
I think Gary should be allowed to smack a few people in the forehead and ask the question "What were you thinking?"
Judith Burks
12:25 pm on Wednesday, August 15, 2012
These comments are quite interesting. I was at the council meeting when this was discussed and 3 Angels was invited to present their proposal. I thought the discussion was open and the council was more than happy to see what they had to offer.
Carlo Colosimo
1:14 pm on Wednesday, August 15, 2012
I supported the sale to Three Angels and last night I proposed that we seek proposals to sell the old jail. If you would like to get on my mailing list please email me at : yorkvilleone@gmail.com.
Thank you...
Carlo Colosimo
Alderman Ward 1
Chris Fox
2:36 pm on Wednesday, August 15, 2012
I know this Carlo. I paid attention to the outcome. I wish more "people" would realize that we are in a world of "bleep" right now and holding onto worthless relics is not a solution. Lets try unloading some of this crap and pay off some bills, lower property taxes, treat the average people who actually own homes in Yorkville with a little dignity. I for one am more worried about the fact that I bought my home here in Yorkville and have to pay rent to keep owning it. huh...yeah that makes sense doesnt it?
and Judith Burks..if you had read the story you would see that this was caused by the fact that it would have been a total waste of time for Three Angels Brewing to even try since they would even have the votes to go ahead. This wasn't a debate issue...sell the dang property! We are BROKE! period...broke is broke.
Judith Burks
5:11 am on Thursday, August 16, 2012
Oh, I am well aware of the financial state we are in Chris. I did read the story and I was at the meeting and I had a different take on it. I just disagree that it would have been a total waste of time. In order to get support for your vision you have to share it, first. Jason is a pretty good sales person and I would have liked to have heard their plan.
Kibitzer
9:58 am on Thursday, August 16, 2012
And, "given the current economic climate", I would suggest that a smart person would open a business that would help people prepare for the calamities that await us all. A store that would offer items that would help in times of bedlam. Food for long-term storage, water purification items, etc. I'm not a "prepper", but since we will face a war that will destroy a third of mankind, (according to God's Word, which is never wrong!), some people will be here and need a lot of help to survive the dangerous times before us. Entertainment will be the last thing on anyone's mind. But let's just ignore the real news and stay positive and, yes, I suppose if one drinks enough alcoholic beverages, one could filter out real life in our world today. Am I serious? I couldn't be more so.
Katy K
10:40 am on Thursday, August 16, 2012
@ Kibitzer...you are a kinda nut and you sound just like a "prepper". Watch out for the Zombie War...DUH! Sell the building to the Angels and produce some revenue for Yorville, they need it. Hey I have an idea why doesn't Mr. Tollefson buy the post office, the jail, and the Rec center and do with them what he wants..since that seems to be the direction that Yorkvillian is going in....just sayin'!
Kibitzer
11:19 am on Thursday, August 16, 2012
Hey, Katy K! Resorting to namecalling? I sound like a "prepper"? I don't even know what "Zombie War" is about, as I don't read any of the stuff online that refers to that subject. But I do read stuff everyday that shows how close we are to a major war in the Middle East. And I do know what God's Word says about being prepared for tough times and for Eternity. I suggest you study up on the subject of Eternal Life. I have "prepped" for that reality!
Katy K
8:55 am on Friday, August 17, 2012
Religion has no place in this blog SIR!!!! Do not preach to me about Eternal anything!
Mark A Johnson
10:25 am on Friday, August 17, 2012
@ Katy K - Funny you pick on the 1st Amendment to say it has no place in a BLOG! I will say a prayer for you as well as Kibitzer. ; - )
Katy K
10:42 am on Friday, August 17, 2012
You can take your prayer for me and you know what Johnson!!
God
11:17 am on Friday, August 17, 2012
I still love you Katy K because I know you didn't always have so much anger inside. See below: Peace...
Katy K
8:36 am on Thursday, July 12, 2012
Thoughts and prayers to all involved...God Bless.
Katy K
8:27 am on Friday, April 29, 2011
Amen Denise...
Katy K
8:56 am on Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Amen to this comment...don't let the bike trail pass!!!!
Katy K
8:24 am on Monday, March 7, 2011
Thank You for running this story Patch. Support and prayers will help him back to a full recovery.
Katy K
12:30 pm on Friday, August 17, 2012
God???? How dare you...creeper...bite me!!!!
Terria
12:49 pm on Friday, August 17, 2012
Back to the subject... Dan, are you aware that new businesses in downtown Yorkville don't necessarily generate new tax revenue for the city? For example, "Imperial Investments will receive a portion of the new property taxes created by three projects - Cobblestone Bakery & Bistro, The Follies Theatre building and apartments at 202 E. Van Emmon Road, 210 E. Van Emmon Road, 306 Heustis St. and 308 Heustis St. Under the agreement, approved in April, Imperial Investments will put $2 million into those projects, and receive up to a quarter of that back as property tax revenue associated with those projects trickles into the TIF fund." (source: yorkville.patch.com/articles/tollefson-shares-plans-for-revamping-downtown). That's just one example of tax "kickbacks" provided to new businesses. Unfortunately, those new businesses are not required to share a portion of the profits generated with the city. And someone has to pay for that lost tax revenue; the streets still need to be maintained; fire and police protection goes on; etc.
Kibitzer
4:01 pm on Friday, August 17, 2012
Katy K.... I spent years making fun of "Jesus Freaks". I tore up the tracts they'd pass out; (back in the '60s & '70s when they were actively doing that), I made fun of "religious" people. So, your attitude doesn't bother me. I was that way, too. And once I was "born again", I was obnoxious to family and friends. I could drive off a sincere minister just by challenging them on their beliefs! I always asked questions. I don't usually bother saying much these days. If anyone ever asks me about my faith, I'd gladly share with them. I know these sites aren't to be used to push religious ideas. It gets too touchy and often, not so nice. I'm done. (but thanks for prayer, Mark. I need it daily!!!)
Chris Fox
2:15 pm on Saturday, August 18, 2012
Boy this thread got strange ...:(