Update: City Council Approves Grant for Marvin's Toy Store

Update Jan. 15, 11:30 p.m.

The Crystal Lake City Council on Tuesday unanimously approved the $10,000 grant for Marvin's Toy Store, expected to open April 1, in the former Downtown Emporium location (near Finn McCool's), 64-A Williams St., Crystal Lake.

Lori McConville, a member of Prairie Grove School District 46 Board, told council members she has been working on plans for the store for the past five years. As a member of the educational community, McConville said she has an understanding for the need to offer toys that promote educational play.

In other news, the council also approved the request by Willow Creek Church Crystal Lake to hold a baptism event at Three Oaks Recreation Center on Sept. 8, and the final development plans for the 60-unit Congress Parkway Apartments.

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Original Story Posted Monday, Jan. 14, 10 p.m.

The Crystal Lake City Council at its regular Tuesday night meeting will consider a grant application by Marvin's Toy Store.

Lori McConville is preparing to open the new toy store at 64-A Williams St. in downtown Crystal Lake. She has applied for the $10,000 through the city's Investment and Matching Grant program.

According to her application, McConville would use the grant money to pay for furniture, fixtures and equipment. Marvin's Toy Store will feature age and development appropriate educational and play toys, her application states.

In opening the new business, McConville will improve the 1,350-square-foot store space, and hire one full-time and two part-time employees.

In November 2011, the Crystal Lake City Council approved the Retailer and Manufacturer Job Creation and Investment Program to provide grant funding to new and existing retailers who occupy vacant space and hire new employees. The city has budgeted $80,000 toward the program.

To date, grants have been approved for Potbelly Sandwich Works, 6000 Route 14; CalCo Controls Inc., 439 Dartmoor; Kumi Sushi, 1145 S. Route 31; Harbor Freight Tools, 6324 Route 14; Sea Level Diving, 269 Liberty; New Peking Restaurant, 40 W. Route 176; and Crystal Lake Furniture and Mattress, 18 E. Crystal Lake Plaza.

The approved grants total $60,000, according to the city.

Other agenda items on the Crystal Lake City Council meeting for 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 15, at the Crystal Lake Municipal, 100 W. Woodstock St. include:

• Newly appointed Crystal Lake Police Chief James R. Black will be sworn into office.
• Vote on a request by Willow Creek Crystal Lake to hold a baptism on Sunday, Sept. 8, on a portion of the beach area at Three Oaks Recreation Area. The event will draw approximately 600 to 700 people including participants and spectators.
• Vote on the final development plans for the 60-unit Congress Parkway Apartments, Congress Parkway east of Commonwealth Drive. The petitioner decreased the development's density from 70 to 60.
• Vote on the Crystal Lake Centennial Committee's final report that includes a calendar of events to celebrate the city's 100th anniversary of incorporation in 2014.