Broadway’s Big Boost: How a Hidden Tax Tool Powers New Food Stores

The brothers Jolly and Daniel Ghebreab opened Broadway Foods and a new laundromat in January, turning a run‑down corner of West Central into a fresh grocery spot and clean wash area. They didn’t just build the shops; they also upgraded sidewalks, moved power poles and replaced a broken alley. Their hard work earned them almost $250, 000 in public money from a tax‑increment finance district, or TIF. A TIF is a city trick that saves money on roads and utilities. When a new building raises property taxes, the extra tax goes into a special fund instead of general budgets. The city then uses that money to pay for streets, lights and other public works in the same area. It lets developers avoid paying all those costs out of pocket. The West Central TIF was set up to help the low‑income neighborhood next to the upscale Kendall Yards. It split the district into two parts: one for high‑value projects like Kendall Yards, and another that covers the rest of West Central and nearby neighborhoods. Money earned in each part can only be spent inside its own zone, so the area around Kendall Yards gets a slice of the tax gains while West Central can use its share for sidewalks, parks and community centers.The program has sparked debate. Critics say it subsidizes wealthy developers who might otherwise pay for their own infrastructure. Supporters argue that the extra funding encourages projects that would be too costly otherwise, especially in neglected parts of town. After a bad year during the recession and a controversial $500, 000 spend on a city park bridge, residents pushed back. The district’s leadership has since directed funds toward local parks and affordable housing units, showing that community pressure can shape how the money is used. For Jolly Ghebreab, the TIF grant means a chance to pay off debt and hire more staff. The brothers plan to use the money for hiring, longer hours and future expansions instead of flashy openings. Their story shows how a hidden tax tool can help new businesses thrive while improving the neighborhood.