Sycamore Mayor Steve Braser says he loves the community and wants to help keep up the momentum of positive progress for city services and economic growth. Speaking at this week’s Rotary meeting, the second term mayor recounted several examples of how city improvements to serve citizens and investment by the private sector are making good growth possible. Braser noted that 25 to 30 new homes are being built each year, saying this shows people want to move to Sycamore. He added that, at same time, the careful management of public expenses will mean the city can keep taxes stable.
Braser made specific reference to two major issues of interest to residents: The city’s new main Fire Station and the proposed reopening of the Kindred long-term care facility by a new physicians group. Blaser pointed with pride to the recent opening of the new fire station on the city’s south side saying it came in on time and on budget. The state-of-the-art building includes major upgrades to staff quarters and can accommodate the larger size equipment that could not get into the old downtown station’s parking bays. Braser says the old fire station cannot be repurposed and will eventually be torn down. He said the city is pursuing a grant to help with the demolition since it involves special environmental needs such as asbestos removal. Regarding the former Kindred Hospital, Braser said he is working closely with a new physicians group that wants to again serve long-term care patients at the site. The new group must have a “certificate of need” from the Illinois Health Facilities and Services Review Board to reopen. An initial vote by the board turned down the request, but Braser is assisting with efforts for a rehearing. If approved, Braser said there would be significant dollars invested in building upgrades and several hundred employees staffing the site.
Braser mentioned several business expansion and attraction projects in the works. Several national chains are locating in the city such as Chick-fil-A and Jersey Mike’s. He also said the Kunes auto dealership is looking at expansion of their auto repair business. Blaser said these developments are happening because people want to do business in Sycamore and not because the city pays incentives to attract people to town.