A lumber supplier could receive a tax reimbursement from the city of Woodstock once a sales tax hike goes into effect. At a City Council meeting Dec. 5, officials discussed providing an incentive to Woodstock Lumber which would offset the upcoming 1-point increase to the city’s sales tax rate. The tax in Woodstock will rise […]
A university will look into how the city-owned Old Courthouse could be used as a co-working space. The Woodstock City Council approved a contract for the first phase of a feasibility study to be conducted by Northern Illinois University’s Center for Governmental Studies. The study will examine the potential for a co-working space in the […]
City officials say amendment is tied to homelessness issue A new amendment to Woodstock’s City Code could be used to regulate the activities of people who are homeless and others who use public amenities such as benches or picnic tables for extended periods of time. The ordinance, approved by the City Council Oct. 17, applies […]
The city of Woodstock will use grant money to pay for a new bathroom in the Old Firehouse Assistance Center despite worries from officials over bad behavior near the property. The center at 120 W. South St. provides services and assistance to people who are homeless. The building is owned by the city, and services […]
A landlord registration program will not move forward as proposed after Mayor Brian Sager and members of the Woodstock City Council said they wouldn’t support it. More than 100 people gathered at a City Council meeting Oct. 3, many of them to voice opposition to a program that would have required residential landlords to register […]
The sales tax in Woodstock will increase next year after the City Council approved a 1-point hike. The council voted 6-1 Sept. 19 to approve a home-rule sales tax in Woodstock, which will bring the total rate on most purchases to 8 percent starting Jan. 1, 2018. The current sales-tax rate in Woodstock is 7 […]
A local distillery plans to add outdoor service and tastings to its offerings. Wondertucky Distillery & Bottling Co., 315 E. South St., will be allowed to host outdoor seating and on-site consumption of its products after the City Council modified the distillery’s liquor license Aug. 1. Previously, Wondertucky’s B-9 license allowed for the sale of […]
Following a public hearing on the matter, city officials differ on whether or not to implement a home-rule sales tax in Woodstock — and if so, how much the city should charge. The City Council is considering increasing Woodstock’s sales tax on general merchandise. The tax rate could rise from 7 to 8 percent, although […]
Benton Street Boardwalk was paid for with city TIF funds An outdoor dining project funded by the city of Woodstock has opened just off the Square. The Benton Street Boardwalk, a series of wooden platforms that allows some downtown restaurants to host al fresco dining, opened to the public July 17. The boardwalk is used […]
The southwest corner of Highway 14 and Route 47 could soon have a gas station, convenience store and storage facility after the Woodstock City Council approved a special-use permit for the development. Glenview-based Pearl Street Commercial LLC plans to build a Casey’s General Store and an indoor storage facility at 2000 S. Eastwood Drive, the […]
Larry Lough is editor of The Independent and reports local news.
Janet Dovidio has been a freelance correspondent for The Independent for eight years.
Susan W. Murray wrote for The Independent, covering various beats, from 2005 to 2008.
Tricia Carzoli is a freelance writer and photographer that on community news.
