Business & Community News Connect to Berwyn.net May 2011 Issue 2
Inside This Issue Buy Berwyn Learn the value in shopping local. This page and continued on page 2. Berwyn Bungalow Preservation Initiative Launched to preserve historic housing & neighborhoods. Beginning on this page and continuing on page 3. Meet the BDC Staff Chamber Services Division on page 5. TIF Project Updates The latest project updates from around the community on page 14. Berwyn Rising Special awards & recognitions on page 13. Grand Openings & After Hours Recent grand opening celebrations & Berwyn After Hours on page 12.
Want To Support a More Sustainable Community? Buy Berwyn!
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ou may have noticed that many of our local establishments have started to post colorful signage that says Buy Berwyn. These posters illustrate the pride that our local businesses feel for Berwyn. But even more, they are a sincere reminder to our residents that Berwyn has a diverse business base in our backyards that can fulfill nearly every need. According to the 3/50 project, “for every $100 spent in locally owned independent stores, $68 returns to the community through taxes, payroll and other expenditures. If you spend that in a national chain, only $43 stays here. Spend it online and nothing comes home.” When we decide to Buy Berwyn, the impact can be felt throughout the community. It means we are spending our money in support of
also inside... Business Resources Page 4 President’s Column Page 6 Buy Berwyn Coupons Page 8-9, 11 News from Partners in our Community Page 10 New BDC Members Page 15 Properties For Lease/Sale Back Cover a quarterly publication brought to you by
berwyn development CO R P O R AT I O N 3322 S. Oak Park Ave. Berwyn, IL 60402 www.berwyn.net T: 708-788-8100 F: 708-788-0966
Comm Special unity Resou Guide r Issue ce See in ser of this t in center newsl etter
Chartered in 1970, the Pav YMCA is an independent, communitybased, full-facility YMCA and offers over 200 programs. At the Pav YMCA, strengthening community is our cause. We believe that lasting personal and social change can only come about when we all work together to invest in our kids, our health and our neighbors. We are working to make sure that everyone, regardless of age, income or background, has the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive. The Y is dedicated to building healthy and confident children, adults, families and communities. Our impact is felt when an individual makes a healthy choice, when a mentor inspires a child and when a community comes together for the common good. If you are interested in making a donation or working more closely with the Y, you can contact John Usmial at 708-749-0606 ext 11.
Continued on page 2
Berwyn Bungalow Preservation Initiative Launches with vision to preserve historic housing and neighborhoods
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he City of Homes, Inc. (CoHo, an Illinois notfor-profit corporation) and the City of Berwyn recently launched the Berwyn Bungalow Preservation Initiative (BBPI) which aims to preserve, restore, and rehabilitate Berwyn’s historic housing stock by providing technical assistance, resources and financial incentives for bungalow owners. The BBPI is a grassroots project initiated by two Berwyn bungalow owners. After Richard Bruen and Nasri AbiMansour moved from Oak Park and the Wicker Park neighborhood of Chicago respectively, both residents were increasingly pleased with their decision to buy their home in Berwyn. Both had been attracted by the great
condition and the competitive housing costs of the historic bungalows as well as the great location that Berwyn has in relation to transportation and Chicagoland’s many attractions. After living in Berwyn through the most recent economic downturn, the strength of the community became even clearer. While many of today’s planned developments struggle to create the feeling of a cohesive neighborhood, Berwyn’s bungalow blocks have risen to the challenge. Nasri added, “Berwyn is a treasure. We are in the midst of an economic downturn, but we really believe that this is the time to play to our Continued on page 3