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- February 20 Newsletter: Tri-Cities locals share what they like — and don't like — about the direction of their downtowns
February 20 Newsletter: Tri-Cities locals share what they like — and don't like — about the direction of their downtowns
Plus a new Batavia hype crew, a grooming shop for guys planned for Geneva and local winter activities for bird lovers.
Sam Kraft
February 20, 2025 • Estimated Reading Time: 10 minutes
Welcome to Tri-Cities Central, a twice-weekly newsletter highlighting local happenings in Batavia, Geneva, St. Charles and surrounding communities.
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🌇 Charm + challenges: Local perspectives on our downtowns
📸 Credit: Batavia MainStreet on Facebook
On Monday, we asked Tri-Cities Central readers about their views on the direction of the downtown areas in Batavia, Geneva and St. Charles.
The responses came in strong: 58% said they’re happy with it, 18% said they’re not happy, and 24% said “it depends.”
Here’s a snapshot:
Batavia: Most appreciate the ongoing revitalization efforts and public spaces downtown, but some feel progress has been slow. While they believe in the vision, they’re eager to see more visible progress — especially when it comes to key development projects and making better use of the riverfront.
Geneva: Locals love the city’s charm, walkable 3rd Street corridor and destination shops, but some expressed concerns about empty storefronts and a lack of retail variety and cultural offerings downtown.
St. Charles: While most approve of the city’s downtown redevelopment efforts, some feel there are too many bars at the expense of other public benefits. Many hope to balance the thriving restaurant and nightlife scene with more family-friendly businesses.
Respondents had plenty more to say, but we’ve run out of space to dig into it — keep reading here.
LOCAL SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT
🏘️ Expert picks for family-friendly living in the Tri-Cities
Local real estate expert Chris Wallace discusses the best Batavia, Geneva and St. Charles neighborhoods for families looking to grow in the years ahead — including one or two that may surprise you.
📰 News to use
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☑️ Storage squeeze: Batavia officials discussed a new proposed tax on self-storage facilities to curb their spread in commercial areas and generate more city revenue — but some questioned the potential effectiveness.
☑️ Police activity: A Campton Hills man was arrested at a downtown St. Charles bar last weekend after allegedly pulling out a handgun and pointing it at passing cars. Batavia police are investigating after a child was hit by a vehicle at Kirk and Wilson on Tuesday (the child was in stable condition).
🔒 Walking dangers: To add more context to the item above — new data from IDOT shows a spike in pedestrian crash fatalities in the Chicago area despite a drop in vehicle-related traffic incidents.
☑️ Fiscal forecast: Gov. JB Pritzker's new proposed budget will increase state spending by $2B without raising income or service taxes, though some programs will need to be cut (including healthcare for certain immigrants). Get the details and see reaction from state lawmakers and other groups.
☑️ Ultra prepared: With tornadoes and severe weather events becoming more frequent, it’s comforting to see that Kane County has been officially recognized as a “StormReady community” by the National Weather Service.
☑️ Ballot breakdown: The League of Women Voters will host a five-part candidate forum on Monday (2/24) at Waubonsee Community College, giving Sugar Grove voters a chance to hear directly from candidates in key local races.
✈️ Learn more about Freedom Flying Company
🏘️ In the community
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☑️ Buzz builders: Batavia MainStreet just launched the Downtown Batavia Hype Team — a crew of enthusiastic ambassadors who will generate excitement for local businesses around town and via social media.
☑️ Creative hub: The St. Charles Arts Council has moved into its first dedicated space, allowing the group to expand its workshops, exhibits and artist talks. A grand opening celebration is scheduled for Sunday (2/23).
☑️ Timeless tenure: After five decades reporting to the government center in Geneva, 83-year-old Hamid Ahmed has hit a milestone — the first full-time employee to work for Kane County for 50 years. Learn about his half-century journey.
🔒 Vintage vibes: With a deep love for authentic charm and a mission to support the community, a local event planner has transformed a historic St. Charles home into Haines on Main, a unique gathering space for celebrations and nonprofit events.
☑️ Avian adventures: From engaging discussions on local birds to guided winter walks across the area, the Kane County Audubon Society has a variety of activities lined up to connect bird lovers with nearby nature destinations.
☑️ Charitable vision: Have any eyeglasses or hearing aids you no longer use? The Batavia Lions Club is seeking donations for those in need.
🎸 Live music
PRESENTED BY PRESERVATION
💥 See all of Preservation’s upcoming events
Busy music weekend lined up! Foxfire in Geneva is hosting two performances on Friday — a happy hour show at 4PM and an evening one at 7:30PM. Lots happening at D and G Brewing in St. Charles as well, with performances scheduled all three days of the weekend.
🤝 Local biz
📸 Credit: Hammer & Nails Grooming on Facebook
☑️ Manly maintenance: Hammer & Nails Grooming Shop for Guys (which offers haircuts, shaves, manicures, pedicures and other treatments — plus drinks) will be opening a new location in Geneva. Opening date and location TBD.
☑️ Now open in STC: Wired Up Party Zone — a new glow-in-the-dark gaming and event venue — offers interactive party experiences with an arcade, a karaoke and dance stage, and private spaces for rent.
☑️ On the upswing: The Batavia Chamber is recognizing five local businesses with the 2024 Ole Awards for their investments in new construction and renovations, celebrating their contributions to Batavia’s growth. Learn about the honorees.
☑️ Food/drink specials: Get a free mini cookie dough scoop at Sweet Sensations in Geneva on Saturday (2/22) — and take advantage of a new happy hour deal at Za’ Za’ Trattoria in St. Charles.
📍 Wanna market your business without relying on Big Tech?
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Or you can advertise with Tri-Cities Central — a fellow local business trusted by thousands of engaged residents who actually care about your business.
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🗓️ Events & Things to Do
The 🎟️ symbol indicates an admission fee.
☑️ Limited Palette | Now through 3/20 | Fine Live Creative Arts Center, STC | The latest exhibit at The Kavanagh Gallery.
☑️ Cabin Fever Sip & Shop | Sat 2/22, 10AM - Sun 2/23, 4PM | The Rustic Fox, N. Aurora | Great discounts, drinks, snacks and much more.
🎟️ All Breed Cat Show | Sat 2/22, 10AM - Sun 2/23, 4PM | Kane County Fairgrounds, STC | A Mardi Gras-themed cat extravaganza.
🎟️ Comedy All-Stars | Sat 2/22, 7-8:30PM | Moonlight Theatre, STC | Guaranteed laughs with some of Chicago’s finest comics.
☑️ Water Street Writers Winter Show | Sun 2/23, 5PM | Water Street Studios, Batavia | Literary entertainment, refreshments and open mic.
🎟️ Wreaths of Hope | Thurs 2/27, 6:30PM | Penrose Brewing, Geneva | Enjoy beverages and expert wreath-making guidance while supporting Kayla’s Hope.
🌖 Weather snapshot
🌤️ Today: High 19F | Low 3F | Raw + gusty
🌤️ Friday: High 22F | Low 9F | Getting milder
🌤️ Saturday: High 30F | Low 19F | Sun + windy
🌤️ Sunday: High 39F | Low 30F | Shorts weather?
📖 Thanks for reading
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