Aurora City Council members will vote Tuesday on a West Aurora Plaza update, a proposal for a parking garage at Aurora University, and an ordinance that would give preference for City contracts to Aurora area bidders. All items will be on the consent agenda.
Jerry Callahan, an attorney representing West Aurora Plaza LLC, told aldermen at the June 19 Committee of the Whole meeting that the “Walmart” sign is slated to be taken down and the McDonald’s Restaurant, currently at the back of the development, will move to an outlot fronting Galena Boulevard. A 10-foot bike path is planned along the entire frontage of the property.
In response to concerns about street parking around Aurora University, the school is proposing a new parking deck that would have either three or four levels, depending on budget, and would add between 360 and 500 spaces to an existing 1,000 spaces. Attorney Bruce Goldsmith said if approved by the City Council, the garage would be completed by the beginning of the 2019 school year.
Council will vote on adding a local preference for companies in its bidding process. Adrienne Holloway, chief innovation officer for the city government of Aurora, said the move should create job opportunities for local businesses and stimulate economic development.
Finance director Martin Lyons worked with a similar ordinance for nine years in his previous position in Evanston. Mayor Richard Irvin said he sees the ordinance being enacted in “baby steps” and said it is paramount that businesses understand the updated bidding process if approved.