Is Darien 'Laid-Back' In Attracting Businesses?

DARIEN, IL — A Darien alderman brought the focus this week to his comment in March that the city takes a "laid-back, relaxed approach" in bringing businesses to town.

At the time, Alderman Tom Chlystek was warning that Darien was missing opportunities for marijuana stores coming to town. He was touting Alderman Eric Gustafson's idea to rezone the old Steak 'n Shake building, 2019 W. 75th St., to allow marijuana sales.

At Monday's City Council meeting, Chlystek brought up his "laid-back" comment. He said the city may not be laid-back in its approach, but could develop an easier way for businesses to choose Darien as a location.

Chlystek noted Gustafson has pushed two ideas for businesses in the old Steak 'n Shake — first, a marijuana store and now, an A&W Restaurant franchise. Gustafson said he contacted an A&W executive about getting a restaurant in town and that he was told A&W had a "definite interest" in Darien.

Chlystek told the council Monday that the city may want to improve its process in attracting businesses when the city has seen Gustafson bring two opportunities forward.

However, Mayor Joseph Marchese said the city was not laid-back in its approach to economic development.

"I would disagree with you, Tom. I believe we are taking an aggressive approach," the mayor said.

When the pandemic started a year ago, Marchese said he tasked the city's Economic Development Committee with keeping businesses in town. Members visited the city's 240 brick-and-mortar businesses, asking what they needed.

In a survey, Marchese said, the committee found a lot of demand for family-oriented businesses.

He noted Dan Gombac, the city's municipal services director, is the point person for new businesses.

"I look at the new businesses that we have in Darien, and every one of those he touched," the mayor said. "He was involved in probably making that contact and bringing them into the city."

Chlystek responded that he believed the Economic Development Committee was doing a good job. He said his focus was on developing a smoother process for potential new businesses.