Could Kane project hurt Aurora music scene?
By Matt Brennan For The Beacon-News September 5, 2012 12:10PM
Kane County Board member Jesse Vazquez
Updated: October 10, 2012 6:14AM
As Kane County officials determine the types of amenities that would work for a site along Fabyan Parkway in Geneva, County Board member Jesse Vazquez wants to make sure there’s no affect on Aurora.
A music venue is part of the plans for adding amenities to the Settler’s Hill landfill area near Fabyan Parkway and Kirk Road. At next Tuesday’s County Board meeting, the county will vote on approving a contract for a fiscal impact study, which will help in finding answers to important questions.
Aurora plays host every year to large musical acts at the Paramount Theatre and through the Downtown Alive! summer concert series. And next year, the RiverEdge Park along the Fox River north of downtown Aurora is set to open and will be the site of a music venue.
Vazquez noted that some music acts might play one show in a geographic area, and not want to return.
He said he has received phone calls expressing concern from various Aurora politicians, and businesses with a stake in the new music theater.
“My hope is that they work together,” he said.
The county’s feasibility study will determine a cost estimate to construct each component identified in planning, the revenue it will generate, and owning and operations costs for the Fabyan project. The county is looking to hire Market and Feasibility Advisors LLC of Chicago for $39,000 to complete the study.
An open house and public hearing on the Fabyan Parkway project is set for 5 to 9 p.m. Monday in the traffic courtroom at 530 Randall Road in St. Charles. The open house will be from 5 to 7 p.m., with the public hearing will be from 7 to 9 p.m.
More will be known about how the venue would be run as the project unfolds, Vazquez said.
