The Oak Park City Council on Tuesday approved a resolution to establish an obsolete property rehabilitation district (OPRD) for 21800 Greenfield Road, a state‑statute step required before the city can consider a tax‑exemption application for redevelopment.

Director Kim Maroney said BM Ventures 2 (Value Wholesale) plans to repurpose the former Harvest big‑box building into an ice‑manufacturing facility and will invest $12,000,000 and create 73 full‑time‑equivalent positions with an average wage of $36.97 per hour. Maroney said, because the property was previously owned by a nonprofit and paid no taxes, staff established a baseline taxable value so a future exemption could be applied; the actual application for tax relief will be considered at the council’s next meeting.

Council held a public hearing and then moved to establish the district. The roll call vote was 4–1 with Council member Julie Edgar voting No. Maroney said the district covers only the single parcel the company acquired; the more substantive decision—whether to grant a tax exemption and for how many years (up to 12 years was mentioned)—will be taken after the company completes the application process and the council reviews the specific exemption terms.

Brian Lucia, one of the owners in attendance, said the company intends to prioritize Oak Park residents in hiring and will coordinate with Michigan Works on a job fair when hiring begins. Council did not vote on an exemption tonight—only to establish the statutory district so an application can be considered at the next meeting.