The Village Board agreed Monday night to apply for a federal grant to buy downtown land for a park that would become the site of the annual Taste and Touch of Palatine event.
The 1.6-acre parcel, called Town Square, is north of Palatine Road between Plum Grove Road and Smith Street.
If approved, the federal grant from the Land and Water Conservation Fund would be funneled through the Illinois Department of Conservation, said village officials.
The Land and Water Conservation Fund makes grants of up to $200,000, which must be matched dollar for dollar by local authorities.
Village trustees suggested Monday night that a referendum be held to see whether the public would approve of spending village tax revenue on a project that benefits mostly the Park District and local businesses that participate in the Taste and Touch of Palatine. The grant application does not commit the village to spending money.
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“You’re not making a decision to buy it; you’re making a decision to apply for a grant,” argued Village Manager Michael Kadlecik.
The Greater Palatine Chamber of Commerce and Industry has agreed to conduct a fundraising campaign to come up with the local share of the money.
The Palatine Park District Board already has approved the proposal.