During the process of fiscal emergency recently experienced by the City of Niles and the Niles City School District, several deficiencies were identified. While both entities have addressed the fiscal inefficiencies to remediate the financial strain, it was uncovered that a significant need exists to replace aging infrastructure on an ongoing basis for continued sustainable development in attracting new businesses and retaining established customers. In addition, the school district is limited to obtaining funds from a limited number of commercial properties that limits its ability to remain competitive in retaining our qualify educators and attracting new talent. The school district is committed to maintaining a strong and supportive staff first and foremost. Although both entities, as stated have recovered strongly from the recent set backs, these two key issues present a significant challenge to commit funds to this type of project that can be a game changer for the community.
Therefore, the need to seek private funding from community stakeholders is imperative to continue on the path of fiscal solvency, while retaining and attracting people to a strong and vibrant community. The school district currently does not have the ability to provide a track or soccer facility for its students and can not do so solely on the funding it receives through current funding mechanisms. This is significant, as all districts surrounding the Niles City School District have this type of facility for its students and residents. In addition, the area of Stevens Park, home to the Niles Youth Soccer league, needs improvements to its concession stand, storage facilities, and surrounding roadways. The city has committed funds to improve its current soccer fields with turf through an existing grant process but does not have the ability to provide a regulation facility. The city has also committed funds to improving its baseball grounds at Waddell Park, in addition to providing match funding for a splash pad in the same location. These projects have addressed some of the quality-of-life deficiencies and achieved some of the goals of the City's strategic plan in enhancing all city life, however, construction costs are rising, and this limits how far financial assets can be stretched to fund this type of project.
These projects require most of the unencumbered funds available to continue on the path to success and provide for a sustainable and successful future. Providing this type of facility to the community of Niles and its most cherished asset, our youth, will address a need that cannot be measured. The future of the community would be forever impacted by your generous contribution for many future generations to come, making it an attractive place to live and work.