Student Visa Revoked

 Looks like Homeland Security and/or the Secretary of State found something amiss at SIUC as as least one international student had their visa revoked. I noticed the protestors about Palestine did not show up this past Sunday for their regular protest at the corner of Main and Illinois.  Maybe the two are connected.

Molly Parker on Carbondale

 In case you missed it, SIUC graduate and journalism instructor Molly Parker wrote this long piece on the decline of SIUC and Carbondale in general, the potential for turnaround and how Trump' cuts could further affect the university and city.

Psychic Shop

 Sign says "Psychic Shop" will open in the old S. I. Pawn location on West Walnut, with tarot readings and I assume other new age paraphernalia. 

Polling Place

 Early voting takes place this week at the Civic Center from 9 a.m to 3 p.m. through this Friday. After that, you will have to wait until April Fool's Day

Arbor District Responses

 If you want to read the responses from candidates to the Arbor Districts questions about their positions, you can find them here.  Like me, they did not get a response from Lacaje Hill and Jason Endicott.

Brian Stanfield Responses

 Below are the responses I received from city council candidate Brian Stanfield

 

1. Why are you running for city council?

I came to Carbondale for graduate school at SIU and I loved the city so much I never left. Now that I am a professor of philosophy at John A. Logan College and own a house in Carbondale, I want to be more engaged and give back to the community that I’ve made my home.

 2. What do you hope to accomplish during your term on council?

I want to promote a city council that will be more accountable and transparent in its deliberations and decisions. With problems in housing, homelessness, crime, and economic stagnation, Carbondale’s city council must take the lead in generating accurate and widely available data about these issues. We need to create specific task forces to tackle each unique problem and recommend data-driven solutions for the council to enact. These efforts must be a collaboration of city, public, and private entities to ensure that the best possible outcomes are achieved.

 

3. The city has embarked on some major projects during the last several years. (multimodal transit station, demolition of blighted properties, entertainment plaza, upgraded downtown lighting, upgraded downtown sidewalks). Is there a project you would like to see the city undertake?

Now that Carbondale Community Housing has announced an executive director, I’d like to see that organization work collaboratively with the city to promote first-time homeownership for our citizens who might otherwise not have that opportunity. Converting vacant rental properties into single family homes should be a top priority. In addition, the city should incentivize filling vacant downtown buildings with locally owned businesses. The city must also streamline its existing procedures, such as rental property inspections, so that enforcement for habitual violators can be achievable.

 

4. Given how much the health of Carbondale and SIUC intertwine, how can you see the city and university working together for the benefit of each?

As a former SIU student, I would love for both Carbondale and SIUC find ways to entice students to stay and build careers in Carbondale. The collaborative efforts among Carbondale, SIU, and also SIH will be essential in creating an atmosphere of job creation, economic development, and home ownership. There are already some templates for city/university collaborations, such as the Sunset Concert series each year, that can inspire more ways to work together to revitalize our city.

 

5. What additional steps (if any) should the city take regarding rental properties?

I’ve already outlined several specific steps above, but in general the city must centralize and rationalize its already existing code for rental properties to become more transparent and accessible to both tenants and property owners. The city should be focused on enforcing the existing rules in ways that will punish habitual irresponsible property owners. Responsible property owners should also be supported by the city to help maintain and improve their properties through grants and tax incentives.

 6. In the 90s, downtown Carbondale was a shopping district. Today, most visitors to downtown Carbondale visit one place and leave. Is there anything the city could/should do to change this or is this a natural progression of behavior?

One of the mistakes Carbondale made, decades ago, was to promote chain stores and restaurants that built up on the outskirts of town, to the detriment of its local downtown businesses. While it appeared to be a shrewd move to generate a growing tax base, we’ve now realized that there are certain demographic triggers that result in these stores to pull up stakes, cut their losses, and leave the area.

 Our two eclipse events over the past decade have shown that Carbondale could recapture that downtown feeling if we all are pulling in the same direction. The city should prioritize a clear and effective vision for revitalization of its downtown properties and locally owned businesses. We need accessible parking available in more inviting areas in order to encourage people to stay, with better signage in the downtown area to direct visitors to parking and other specific landmarks.

 7. How do you visualize Carbondale and what steps can the city take to achieve your vision?

I envision a vital community that people will enjoy visiting, investing, working, and living. Carbondale must explore new kinds of business development opportunities such as clean industry, manufacturing, and tourism. Many of these opportunities already exist throughout the area but must be brought together to work collaboratively for Carbondale’s growth. I’d like to see a community where homeownership is an achievable goal, where people can become more invested in their homes, become part of a more stable tax base, and to feel engaged in their communities. Engaged citizens will also create a safer community composed of neighbors who know each other, not just anonymous property owners.

Thrift World

 The Thrift Shop on North Illinois has reopened as Thrift World and expanding into the storefront to the south, doubling its space. Here's an Instragram Reel with a bit more information.

Ginger Rye Sanders Responses

 Responses to my questions from city council candidate Ginger Rye Sanders

1. Why are you running for city council?

I first ran for City Council in 2020, and my decision was deeply influenced by the pandemic. During that time, I had the opportunity to reflect on my life—what I was accomplishing, what I wasn’t, and what more I could do for my community.

One moment stands out to me: I was sitting in my car at Walmart, parked next to another vehicle. As I prepared to leave, the car beside me started to back up. For a brief moment, I felt as if I was moving too, even though I wasn’t. That realization struck me—it’s possible to think you’re moving forward when, in reality, you’re standing still. That epiphany made me ask myself: Am I truly moving forward in serving my community, or am I just feeling the motion of others around me?

That was my push. I knew I needed to take real action, not just feel like I was. I was frustrated with the lack of support for Carbondale’s poor and marginalized communities, and as a woman of faith, I take to heart what the Bible says about caring for the poor. Proverbs teaches us that when we give to the poor, we give to God, and it reminds us that the poor will always be among us—meaning there will always be work to do.

I ran for City Council to be a voice for those who often go unheard, to advocate for the marginalized, and to fight for real change. And while some may feel I don’t belong at the table, I firmly believe that if you’re not at the table, you’re on the menu. My commitment to serving Carbondale is unwavering, and even as a write-in candidate, I remain dedicated to standing up for those who need it most.

2. What do you hope to accomplish during your term on council?

I am seeking election for a second term second term.   I hope to accomplish 

Strategic Initiatives for Carbondale’s Growth

Create an Industry Task Force

Establish a dedicated team to address challenges and drive growth in Carbondale’s industrial and economic sectors, ensuring long-term sustainability.

Restructure the Hospitality Tax

Implement a twofold financial restructuring that benefits both the city and local businesses, supporting hotels, bars, and restaurants to enhance economic stability.

Implement an Aldermanic System

Transition to an Aldermanic system of governance to foster equitable resource distribution, ensuring fair representation and stronger community engagement.

Initiate Neighborhood Enhancement Projects

Launch targeted neighborhood revitalization initiatives aimed at improving living conditions, infrastructure, and overall quality of life in Carbondale.

Expand Youth Programs

Increase investments in youth engagement and development, providing more opportunities for education, recreation, and career pathways.

Sustain Assurance for Equity

Maintain a strong commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) by fostering an inclusive environment where all residents have access to resources and opportunities.

These initiatives are designed to create a thriving, inclusive, and economically vibrant Carbondale, ensuring long-term success for businesses, residents, and students alike.




3. The city has embarked on some major projects during the last several years. (multimodal transit station, demolition of blighted properties, entertainment plaza, upgraded downtown lighting, upgraded downtown sidewalks). Is there a project you would like to see the city undertake 

My Project Includes:

A unified Carbondale —where people work together regardless of neighborhood, background, or status. The division must end because a house divided against itself cannot stand.

I want to see Carbondale free from racism, indifference, and stagnation. I want us to truly support the poor, the homeless, and those in marginalized communities. An economic growth program that benefits everyone, not just those who are already well-off.

A Carbondale where the only employment options are NOT low-wage fast-food jobs. I want to see industries come to Carbondale that provide sustainable, long-term employment, helping lift people out of poverty and reducing crime.

A Carbondale with strong infrastructure—well-maintained streets, sidewalks, and public spaces. I want to see blighted areas repurposed or transformed into parks and green spaces where people can gather and enjoy their city.

A Carbondale where everyone—no matter where they live—feels valued, heard, and included must be built on real, tangible progress.

Projects like the multimodal transit station, blighted property demolition, entertainment plaza, and upgraded downtown lighting are important, but we must prioritize practical, impactful initiatives that will truly shape the city’s future.

Strong community involvement and ethics in city government are essential. We cannot afford to engage in “go-along to get-along” politics while Carbondale continues to decline. It’s time for leadership that is committed to real solutions and lasting change.

4. Given how much the health of Carbondale and SIUC intertwine, how can you see the city and university working together for the benefit of each?

Strengthening SIU’s Role in Carbondale’s Growth

As a cornerstone institution, SIU plays a vital role in Carbondale’s economy and community. While its tax-exempt status under the State of Illinois Property Control Act exempts it from property taxes, there are meaningful ways SIU can contribute to the city’s growth and sustainability through strategic partnerships:

• Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) Programs – Establish voluntary contributions of funds or services to offset the impact of lost property tax revenue. A Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) program by SIU could play a crucial role in strengthening downtown Carbondale, transforming it into a student-friendly and economically sustainable community. By reinvesting in infrastructure, public services, and local development, SIU can help create a more vibrant, safe, and engaging environment—one that enhances the student experience while also benefiting the broader Carbondale community.

• Joint Grant Applications – Partner on state and federal grants for projects that benefit both SIU and the broader community.

• Community Development Initiatives – Leverage SIU’s expertise and resources to support local development, benefiting students and residents alike.

• Utilizing Abandoned Properties – SIU owns vacant buildings, such as Southern Hills and other former student accommodations, which could be repurposed for residential housing, small business incubators, and revitalizing downtown spaces. This would strengthen the local marketplace, creating a vibrant environment where students can live, shop, and engage with the community while earning their education.

By fostering stronger collaboration between SIU and the city, we can ensure that Carbondale thrives—creating a dynamic, student-friendly, and economically sustainable community for all.

5. What additional steps (if any) should the city take regarding rental properties?

Rental Property Incentives for Quality Housing

• Develop a Landlord Improvement Grant program, rewarding property owners who maintain high-quality, affordable rentals.

• Implement a tiered property tax system, offering small incentives for landlords who provide long-term, affordable housing.

• Strengthen rental property inspections to ensure safe and well-maintained homes for tenants.

6. In the 90s, downtown Carbondale was a shopping district. Today, most visitors to downtown Carbondale visit one place and leave. Is there anything the city could/should do to change this or is this a natural progression of behavior?  

Yes this a concern.  Somebody stuck a needle in Carbondale Illinois and we must have strategies and plans to fix the holes. 

A strong Urban Economic Director is a must and then we must 

Streamline the Process for Small and Minority businesses to thrive in Downtown Carbondale.  Business space and no business in it  is a problem that we must fix.

Learning from Marion, IL:

   Benchmarking against successful models like Marion, IL, is a valuable strategy. Investigating their specific policies and incentives could reveal best practices that Carbondale could adopt.

   This could involve examining Marion’s tax incentives, grant programs, and business support services.

7. How do you visualize Carbondale and what steps can the city take to achieve your vision? 

First, we must adhere to Vision 2030. I was part of the committee that established and updated these goals, and they provide a strong foundation for Carbondale’s future. However, goals on paper mean nothing without action. We must move from words to purpose—ensuring that we do what we say, say what we do, and follow through with real, measurable progress.

Lee Fronabarger

 Here are council candidate Lee Fronabarger's answers to several questions about his candidacy.

1. Why are you running for city council?

I am running for City Council to get Carbondale BACK ON TRACK for growth and progress. Council

needs to focus on those issues which will make Carbondale more attractive to new and expanding

businesses and services in order to create more jobs and money flowing throughout the local economy.

Will continue advocating for fiscal responsibility, providing quality city services, and for the city operating

with a balanced budget.

2. What do you hope to accomplish during your term on council?

I want to work with city staff and fellow councilmembers to tackle the issues of a stagnant economy with

many empty commercial buildings in town, housing issues and boarded up properties in highly visible

areas of town, reduction of crime by working with the Public Safety Department and other area law

enforcement, focusing on stopping the illegal supply of guns to underage juveniles and felons.

3. The city has embarked on some major projects during the last several years. (multimodal transit

station, demolition of blighted properties, entertainment plaza, upgraded downtown lighting, upgraded

downtown sidewalks). Is there a project you would like to see the city undertake?

I would like the city to intensely concentrate on economic development and job growth for Carbondale.

Diversifying the local economy is of major importance, as everything revolves around the economy. Work

closely with the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, making sure Carbondale

meets all the criteria and has everything in place a new and expanding business is looking for to relocate

in or move to Illinois. Also work with other local economic development groups like Jackson Growth

Alliance, SI Now, and the SI Airport Development group to present a unified approach.

Would also like the City to set up a Business Start-Up Grant with Seed Money which would have

stipulations attached, like completing the Business Start-Up Program at the SIU Small Business

Development Center.

4. Given how much the health of Carbondale and SIUC intertwine, how can you see the city and

university working together for the benefit of each?

Work on a unified marketing campaign/strategy, highlighting the many pluses and advantages of

attending school at SIU and residing in Carbondale. Note the lower cost of living in Carbondale area,

close proximity to major cities of St Louis, Memphis, Nashville, most beautiful scenic landscape in the

three-state region providing for a variety of outdoor adventures, student focused approach to education,

practical experiences immersed into classroom instruction, internship programs, multiple opportunities to

join and volunteer with student and community organizations.

5. What additional steps (if any) should the city take regarding rental properties?

Research what other cities in the Midwest have done to tackle the issues of rundown or abandoned rental

properties and how to deal with bad landlords that have the reputation of being slumlords. Stricter

enforcement of ordinances already on the books and make changes to intensify ordinances if needed to

be more effective and produce results.

6. In the 90s, downtown Carbondale was a shopping district. Today, most visitors to downtown

Carbondale visit one place and leave. Is there anything the city could/should do to change this or is this a

natural progression of behavior?

The city should do everything it can to encourage local developers to invest in constructing commercial

buildings on vacant lots in the downtown district to present a more contiguous business district. There

are too many open spaces that cause visitors or shoppers to not venture throughout the downtown

business district. More retail boutiques and specialty shops are needed in downtown area to add to the

mix of restaurants and bars.

7. How do you visualize Carbondale and what steps can the city take to achieve your vision?

I visualize Carbondale to continue as the center or hub of the Southern Illinois Region for shopping,

education, healthcare, transportation, arts & entertainment. City staff should survey the community to find

out what outages we experience for products and services, causing citizens to go elsewhere for those

items and thus that revenue leaving the Carbondale community to be recycled into the community.

There is no longer any retail establishment in Carbondale to purchase finer lines of clothing for special

occasions and high school students have no place to shop for prom attire locally are just two examples of

outages and revenue lost to Carbondale. Within a 20-mile radius of Carbondale, which is easily within

the local trade area, the 2020 population reaches the figure of over 76,000. The 30-mile radius figure is

just under 125,000 residents. Carbondale has the potential, but it will take a refocused effort to make for

a thriving, healthy, growing community. Let’s Get Carbondale Back on Track.

Outside the Box

 SIUC's Outside the Box music festival starts this Saturday and runs until the 28th . Here is a link to the festival's featured performers and schedule

Dawn Roberts

 I sent city council candidate the questions I sent to Nathan Columbo. Below are her responses

1. Why are you running for City Council?

I am running for City Council because I care deeply about Carbondale and want to see it thrive. My family has been part of this community for three generations, and I’ve seen both the challenges and opportunities our city faces. I want to bring fresh ideas and a problem-solving mindset to the Council, focusing on practical solutions that make a real difference in people’s lives. With my background in public health, research, and data-driven decision-making—including experience managing complex projects at IBM —I bring a problem-solving approach to addressing Carbondale’s challenges. I believe I can help bridge gaps, advocate for responsible growth, and help Carbondale become a stronger, more vibrant place to live, work, and do business.

2. What do you hope to accomplish during your term on Council?

If elected, my focus will be on revitalizing Carbondale by improving housing, supporting local businesses, and promoting greater transparency and accountability in city government. I want to address rental property issues by holding absentee landlords accountable and ensuring safe, quality housing for residents. I also want to streamline processes for new businesses, making it easier for entrepreneurs to invest in Carbondale. Additionally, I would like to improve collaboration between the City, SIU, SIH, and local organizations by encouraging better communication and shared problem-solving on key community issues like housing and economic growth.

Above all, I want to bring transparency, accountability, and thoughtful leadership to the Council.

3. Is there a project you would like to see the city undertake?

I would like to see the city prioritize affordable and quality housing initiatives. Many rental properties are in poor condition, with issues like mold, fire hazards, and general neglect from landlords who fail to maintain their properties. I would advocate for stronger rental inspections, balanced tenant and landlord protections, and incentives for responsible property owners to improve and maintain housing. Improving our housing stock will make Carbondale more attractive for people to live, work, and invest in, strengthening our local economy. Additionally, addressing neglected and vacant properties can help prevent trespassing, reduce crime, and contribute to a safer, more welcoming community.

4. How can the city and university work together for mutual benefit?

Carbondale’s success is closely tied to SIH and SIU’s success. The city and these institutions should work more closely to support local businesses, improve housing options, and create job opportunities that encourage graduates to stay in Carbondale. Strengthening collaboration on economic development, infrastructure, and community initiatives will benefit both residents and students, making Carbondale a more vibrant and sustainable place to live.

5. What additional steps (if any) should the city take regarding rental properties?

The city needs to take a more proactive role in ensuring rental properties are safe, well-maintained, and not contributing to neighborhood decline. This includes stronger enforcement of housing codes, holding negligent landlords accountable, and improving rental inspections to be thorough, consistent, and transparent. At the same time, we should support responsible landlords who maintain quality housing by offering incentives and streamlining compliance processes. Additionally, I support strengthening the Community Housing Trust to help rehabilitate neglected properties and expand affordable, high-quality housing options.

6. Downtown Carbondale was a shopping district in the '90s but now sees visitors come for single stops. Should the city try to change this?

While shopping habits have changed, the city can take steps to make downtown more inviting and encourage people to visit multiple businesses rather than just making single stops. Improving walkability, supporting local businesses, and hosting events or markets can help create a more vibrant and engaging downtown. By fostering a welcoming atmosphere, we can make Carbondale’s downtown a place where people want to spend time, boosting local businesses and strengthening community connections.

7. How do you visualize Carbondale, and what steps can the city take to achieve your vision?

I see Carbondale as a welcoming, thriving community where people want to live, work, and invest. To achieve this, the city needs to focus on improving housing, supporting local businesses, and fostering stronger collaboration with SIU and other key partners. Strengthening public safety, maintaining infrastructure, and making downtown more inviting will also help attract new residents and businesses. By prioritizing transparency and accountability in city government, we can build a stronger, more connected Carbondale for everyone.

Jobs

 In case you know someone looking for a managerial position, Torrid, Insomnia Cookies and Harbor Freight are all hiring.

Property Taxes

 Grand Tower Energy Corporation and Jackson County have finally settled the decade long dispute over the valuation of the shuttered power plant at Grand Tower. Under the agreement, as I read it, due to the devaluation of the property, the GTEC receives a refund of $6.5 million in property taxes collected. Unfortunately, under state law, some of the taxing districts will have to make up the amount refunded, meaning that property owners in the Grand Tower area could see property tax increases of 60% to 100% in 2025 and 2026, before the levies return to normal in 2027. That is a lot of money for a poor area like the Grand Tower Township to come up with and could mean even less road and infrastructure repair over the next couple of years.

Questions for Nathan Columbo

 I emailed some questions to candidate for city council Nathan Columbo.  Here are his responses:

1. Why are you running for city council?

I'm a fourth generation Carbondale resident with a vision for our town and the motivation to put in the work. 

2. What do you hope to accomplish during your term on council?

I intend to contribute to the restoration of a functioning council that is less combative with the public, city staff, and one another.

I also intend to drive the resurgence of Carbondale's notoriety as a scrappy, fun, cultural destination in the Midwest.

3. The city has embarked on some major projects during the last several years. (multimodal transit station, demolition of blighted properties, entertainment plaza, upgraded downtown lighting, upgraded downtown sidewalks). Is there a project you would like to see the city undertake?

While financially unviable, I wish we could find a way to fix the sidewalks again. The current sidewalks are nearly impassable. If our intent is to increase downtown foot traffic our freshly built sidewalks are not proving a way, they're in the way.

4. Given how much the health of Carbondale and SIUC intertwine, how can you see the city and university working together for the benefit of each?

A viable working relationship between SIU and the city has been a sought for several decades to no avail. I don't believe the city should continue attempting to invest a significant amount of time and energy into an institution that is focused on its internal operations.

The best thing the city can do is work on making itself more appealing for those who wish to attend or work at SIU, and the best thing SIU can do is continue appealing to those they hope will attend or work at SIU.

We should focus on our individual efforts, understanding the mutual benefit of our individual efforts, and quit worrying about the long-standing myth of the city and university working together. 

We already know where our individual institutional interests align and we should do our respective jobs.

5. What additional steps (if any) should the city take regarding rental properties?

When we write tickets to enforce our codes we should see that more than 10% of those enforcement tickets are fully exercised through the court systems.

6. In the 90s, downtown Carbondale was a shopping district. Today, most visitors to downtown Carbondale visit one place and leave. Is there anything the city could/should do to change this or is this a natural progression of behavior?

Tear out the parking meters.

7. How do you visualize Carbondale and what steps can the city take to achieve your vision?

I see Carbondale as the Midwest’s best little routing stop for music, movies, and merchandise. 

We should be attracting artists to live here and leverage our cost of living and major metro accessibility to build their creative careers. 

We should be attracting movie and television production to operate out of Carbondale, work with the Illinois Film Office, SIU College of Media Arts, and a local workforce, and leverage the wide array of scenery throughout Southern Illinois and the Midwest. 

We should be retooling our empty retail spaces to adapt to the world of creator economies and live shopping.

Downtown as Destination

 Back in the 1990s, downtown Carbondale was a shopping destination with multiple retail shops targeting both college students and town residents, though the two seldom crossed paths. Over the past couple of decades, that pattern has changed with most businesses destination stores. Someone coming to downtown Carbondale is likely just coming to visit one store. They will make their purchase there and then leave. There is very little inducement to shop at several locations, simply because there are not enough retail shops to create enough of an reason to go from one store to another.

There is still lots of foot traffic for individual stores but it does not cross over from one retail location to another, so while the internet is a factor in the decline, it is not the sole one. 

Strip Clubs

With the closure of Club Coyote, I think that leaves JB's Showplace as the only strip club in the area. At one time, there were half a dozen in the area. Apparently it is much easier, cheaper and more private to watch women dancing on your home streaming service.

Potholes

 I have noticed a number of potholes in the city have been patched. It is much safer driving along Chautauqua and West Willow as well as old East Walnut.  Those streets really do need resurfacing though as the asphalt, especially in the potholes on the hill on Chautauqua, will soon wash out.

Nathan Columbo

 Meet and Greet with City Council Candidate Nathan Columbo tomorrow night at the Carbondale Township offices. Given all the signage around town, Columbo really wants to get on council.

Carbondale Federal Building

 Carbondales' downtown Federal Building was on the list of 443 federal buildings  scheduled for sale as part of the DOGE cost cutting process. List went up yesterday morning on the General Services Administration website but has been removed as of this morning.

Donations

 Was reading in Kiplinger's that, while overall philanthropic donations are up, the number of people donating time and/or money is way down. Especially hard hit are local charitable organizations, which do not have the infrastructure or contacts to garner large donations. From what I have seen, most local charitable organizations subsist on donations of tens and hundreds of dollars, rather than donations and grants of tens of thousands or millions. 

Zeenah's Palace

 Noticed today that Zeenah's Palace on East Grand Avenue is closed for the entire moth of March for Ramadan. Seems to me, given that it is a new business, closing during the day and opening for the breaking of the fast in the evening would be a better option.