More Top Picks Best Amazon Prime Day Camera Deals 2026
player ready...The Niles Village Board approved new heads for the Fire and Police Boards and Commissions, and made a move to help a major manufacturer expand in a new facility within the village.
Appointments to village boards and commissions were made back in April and May, but more time was needed to complete the appointments for the Fire and Police Boards and Commissions, according to a memo attached to the July 22 board meeting agenda.
The chair and co-chair saw their positions extended for another year.
The newest member appointed, Anthony Fidanza, is a 30-year veteran of the Niles Police Department. Before retiring in 2010, he spent time as a field training officer, firearms instructor, evidence technician and a juvenile officer, according to the memo.
Mayor George Alpogianis shared a personal experience he had with Fidanza from shortly after he had joined the force. Alpogianis said that as a youth, he greeted Fidanza by name and nearly blew an undercover operation the officer was on.
“It always brings a smile, just thinking about that story,” Alpogianis said. “And here we all are, together in Village Hall.”
Also at the July 22 meeting, trustees also approved a tax incentive designation for a vacant industrial property being purchased by Linx Global Manufacturing, a woman-owned global product development and contract manufacturing company. The company’s owner, Lindsey Rosefield, was at the meeting and addressed the board.
Rosenfield said Linx primarily produces medical devices and chemical delivery systems, and does business around the world. The business is currently located at 7708 LeHigh Ave. in a 36,000-sq. ft. rented space in Niles but is eyeing a new property at 7230 Caldwell Ave.
“The company looked for other properties in the region that could satisfy their growth needs. They located the property at 7230 Caldwell as a prime space and allowed them to stay within Niles,” according to a village memo.
But the owner said Linx would need the facility on Caldwell Avenue to be reclassified before moving forward with buying it for $5.5 million. In addition to purchasing the parcel, the current facility on it would be demolished, according to the memo.
The redevelopment is expected to include construction of an 80,000-square foot facility at a cost of $13 million. The new location and development would further establish the company’s North American headquarters, the memo explains.
“However, the development of this property will not be economically feasible without the … Tax Incentive,” according to the memo.
Rosenfield told village leaders that Linx has about 120 employees globally, and currently about 20 of them are in Niles – with “room to grow” should the village allow for what would be about a doubling in size.
The requested tax incentive designation allows properties to be assessed at a lower property tax valuation. For the first 10 years, the property would be assessed at 10% of its market value before gradually ticking up to the normal valuation rate of 25%, according to village documentation
Rosenfield, who said she hails from Wilmette, is a New Trier High School alum and also attended Northwestern University, told Niles leaders she hoped to stay in Niles and grow her company with the people she already knows.
She also praised the new location on Caldwell Avenue given its proximity to a natural wooded area.
“I would really like to be able to look over one shoulder and see the forest and look over the other and see production happening and the hum of industry,” Rosenfield said.
Mayor George Alpogianis was struck by Rosenfield’s comment about looking over either shoulder, pointing out another notable location nearby.
“Did they tell you what happens if you look behind you?” Alpogianis asked. “That’s the mayor’s house right behind you too. It’s about a block away.”
Rosenfield referred to the new building as a “state of the future” facility.
More Top Picks Best Body Pillows For Side Sleepers Consumer Report
“It is going to be stunning, she’s not bragging enough about her company,” said Niles Community Development Director Chris Raguso. “We are retaining a North American headquarters here in Niles, and I think that’s something we need to celebrate.”
Alan Kozeluh is a freelancer.