Sunday, May 30, 2010
Why the Holiday Inn?
Maybe I'm just being persnickety but why, if this is co-sponsored by SIUC's Small Business Development Center, is it being held at the Holiday Inn? The university certainly has space at either the Dunn Richmond Center or the Student Center and the rent there would certainly be less than at the Holiday. Maybe the SBA requires it there?
Logan Reunion
This is interesting, though I haven't seen much mention of it in local media. You'd think a reunion of decendants of Gen John A. Logan, credited by many historians and certainly by those in Carbondale as the founder of Memorial Day, in Woodlawn Cemetery on Memorial Day, would attract a lot of local publicity. I haven't seen any mentions of it, certainly not in the press releases sent out by the city. Strange.
Saturday, May 29, 2010
Crime In Carbondale
The original poster to this thread asks about crime in Carbondale. The responses from people give you a pretty good idea of how the responding locals view the C'dale crime situation.
Memorial Day Reminder
The city really, really, really wants you to show up at Woodlawn Cemetery for the Memorial Day ceremony on Monday. Really!
The annual Carbondale Memorial Day Service will be held on Monday, May 31st, at 10:00 a.m. in historic Woodlawn Cemetery on East Main Street in Carbondale. The keynote speaker will be P. Michael Jones, Director of the John A. Logan Museum in Murphysboro. Mayor Brad Cole will serve as Master of Ceremonies.
Other participants in the Service will include Commander David Conrad and Veterans of Foreign Wars Teeter-Carter-Watson Post 2605, the Daniel H. Brush Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, the American Legion Auxiliary Unit 514, the Carbondale Preservation Commission and Carbondale Cub Scout Packs #37 and #60. Company C of the 31st Illinois Volunteer Infantry will present Special Military Honors with its traditional 21-gun salute from Civil War-era muskets. Dr. Jonathan Jordan, Pastor of Hopewell Missionary Baptist Church, will offer the invocation and benediction and The Bankesters of Carbondale will sing The National Anthem.
The Memorial Day Service is conducted regardless of the weather. Ample seating will be provided.
Friday, May 28, 2010
More Art
In case you're wanting to get an early start on planning your summer's activities, Art Around the Square comes at the end of June:
The Historic Town Square Coalition will host the Annual Art Around the Square event this coming June 26, 2010.
Beginning at 6pm, local businesses will host local and regional artists, provide hors d'oeuvres, and open their doors to art-lovers of all ages. Music, photography, print, sculpture and more will fill the Town Square until 10 pm.
New this year, a free concert featuring Mel Goot and The Southern Illinois Jazz and Blues Workshop will be open to the public from 7-9 pm across from the Town Square Market.
This event has become a well-loved tradition for young professionals and families alike. For more information, or to get a flyer with participating businesses and artists, contact Sue Mills at 618-924-0797or visit www.artaroundthesquare.com.
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Chili's
I see there's a big pile of asphalt where the new Chili's is going to sit. Still have to wonder if Carbondale really needs another chain restaurant serving relatively bland ethnic food. After all, we've alredy places serving much more authentic Mexican food such as Tequila's and El Bajio and even decent Tex-Mex at Tres Hombres.
Will it do well? Of course. It's a nationally known chain restaurant. Look at how well Golden Corral, ShoMe's and Buffalo Wild Wings have done since they came in to Carbondale. I expect to see four times as many cars parked in front of Chili's as there are in front of the recently opened Stadium Grille. I expected to see a few dozen minimum wage jobs added to Carbondale's economic base. I expect to see a lot of people eating there. I expect to see a very slight bump in Carbondale's sales tax revenues and not much else.
Will it do well? Of course. It's a nationally known chain restaurant. Look at how well Golden Corral, ShoMe's and Buffalo Wild Wings have done since they came in to Carbondale. I expect to see four times as many cars parked in front of Chili's as there are in front of the recently opened Stadium Grille. I expected to see a few dozen minimum wage jobs added to Carbondale's economic base. I expect to see a lot of people eating there. I expect to see a very slight bump in Carbondale's sales tax revenues and not much else.
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Crime (Or the Lack of It)
Happened to notice how relatively quiet criminals have been in town recently. I only count about nine burglaries posted on the C'dale police website over the past week and a half. No robberies, not discharged weapons, no assaults, no shooting. It looks like the stopped up patrols through the Arbor District have done some good too as I only see a couple of reports from that area, and those are right along the fringes, on S University and West Main. Kudos to the Carbondale Police Department.
Road Closure
'tis the season for road closures in town. Reed Station Road will be closed from Old Hwy 13 for about 6 weeks starting June 1. Glad to see the city still has money for roadwork:
Reed Station Road will be closed to all traffic at Old Route 13 (Walnut Street) beginning on Tuesday, June 1st. The road closure will last for approximately four to six weeks. All access to businesses along Reed Station Road will be from the north off of Illinois Route 13.
For additional information, please contact the City of Carbondale's Engineering Division at 457-3270.
SIUC Lawsuit
You'd think given the questions that have arisen in the past about the awarding of contracts by SIUC, they would make sure that all building contracts had i's dotted and t's crossed. but apparently not.
Monday, May 24, 2010
Atheist & Bald Knob Cross
Illinois atheist Rob Sherman say he may sue the Friends of the Cross for accepting the $20,000 grant from the state for the rebuilding of Bald Knob Cross. While he's probably right that the state should not have made such a grant, the hyperbole he engages in denouncing the grant makes him sound really silly:
"In order to preserve the honor of the cross, they need to return that money so it doesn't become a badge of shame," he said. "If they keep that money, Bald Knob Cross will become a symbol of the corruption of Christians in America."
"In order to preserve the honor of the cross, they need to return that money so it doesn't become a badge of shame," he said. "If they keep that money, Bald Knob Cross will become a symbol of the corruption of Christians in America."
Sunday, May 23, 2010
Art and Wine Festival
Worked at the Downtown Art and Wine Festival for several hours yesterday evening. Looked like a good turned out. Estimated attendance roughly 1000 people through the gate over the course of the event. I missed the Giant City Slickers but the crowd for Big Larry and the Downhome Blues Band was pretty mellow, with only a couple of people up dancing. I guess having 40+ different wines to choose from will do that to people.
The few artists I spoke with said they were satisfied to happy with their sales and indirectly, I understand everyone was happy with either sales or response from attendees. Ditto for the wineries, and one brewery, in attendance.
The few artists I spoke with said they were satisfied to happy with their sales and indirectly, I understand everyone was happy with either sales or response from attendees. Ditto for the wineries, and one brewery, in attendance.
Saturday, May 22, 2010
Friday, May 21, 2010
Memorial Day
Where will you be on Memorial Day? How about sitting in Woodlawn Cemetery?
The annual Carbondale Memorial Day Service will be held on Monday, May 31st, at 10:00 a.m. in historic Woodlawn Cemetery on East Main Street in Carbondale. The keynote speaker will be P. Michael Jones, Director of the John A. Logan Museum in Murphysboro. Mayor Brad Cole will serve as Master of Ceremonies.
Other participants in the Service will include Commander David Conrad and Veterans of Foreign Wars Teeter-Carter-Watson Post 2605, the Daniel H. Brush Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, the American Legion Auxiliary Unit 514, the Carbondale Preservation Commission and Carbondale Cub Scout Packs #37 and #60. Company C of the 31st Illinois Volunteer Infantry will present Special Military Honors with its traditional 21-gun salute from Civil War-era muskets. Dr. Jonathan Jordan, Pastor of Hopewell Missionary Baptist Church, will offer the invocation and benediction and The Bankesters of Carbondale will sing The National Anthem.
The Memorial Day Service is conducted regardless of the weather. Ample seating will be provided.
The annual Carbondale Memorial Day Service will be held on Monday, May 31st, at 10:00 a.m. in historic Woodlawn Cemetery on East Main Street in Carbondale. The keynote speaker will be P. Michael Jones, Director of the John A. Logan Museum in Murphysboro. Mayor Brad Cole will serve as Master of Ceremonies.
Other participants in the Service will include Commander David Conrad and Veterans of Foreign Wars Teeter-Carter-Watson Post 2605, the Daniel H. Brush Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, the American Legion Auxiliary Unit 514, the Carbondale Preservation Commission and Carbondale Cub Scout Packs #37 and #60. Company C of the 31st Illinois Volunteer Infantry will present Special Military Honors with its traditional 21-gun salute from Civil War-era muskets. Dr. Jonathan Jordan, Pastor of Hopewell Missionary Baptist Church, will offer the invocation and benediction and The Bankesters of Carbondale will sing The National Anthem.
The Memorial Day Service is conducted regardless of the weather. Ample seating will be provided.
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
City Council Meeting
Wow, that was a long meeting. I feel sorry for the staff who put in a full day at the office today, then got to stay until the meeting ended at 9:35. Yep, that's right, 9:35 p.m. I didn't get there until about 9:20 or so (tournaments at the store ran late) but from what I gather, much of the time was consumed discussing whether to amend or change the city's liquor code, which most council members saying different variations of the same thin over and over and over again.
Near as I can tell, council members are split roughly 5/50 with Fritzler, Haynes and Pohlman wanting to make changes in the liquor code and Wissmann, McDaniel and Jack opting to maintain the status quo on most issues. There is one they split 4/2 on but I got there too late to find out what it was. The Mayor then decided this was a consensus not to move forward on any of the issues at the next meeting. Instead, City Manager Gill and his staff wil look at the entire Title 2 of the city code and, I guess, bring forth recommendations (or not) at the next council meeting.
Not sure about the other stores but Kroger is pushing this very hard. Not sure if any representatives of the store got up to speak during citizen comments, but there were half a dozen Kroger representatives in the audience.
Near as I can tell, council members are split roughly 5/50 with Fritzler, Haynes and Pohlman wanting to make changes in the liquor code and Wissmann, McDaniel and Jack opting to maintain the status quo on most issues. There is one they split 4/2 on but I got there too late to find out what it was. The Mayor then decided this was a consensus not to move forward on any of the issues at the next meeting. Instead, City Manager Gill and his staff wil look at the entire Title 2 of the city code and, I guess, bring forth recommendations (or not) at the next council meeting.
Not sure about the other stores but Kroger is pushing this very hard. Not sure if any representatives of the store got up to speak during citizen comments, but there were half a dozen Kroger representatives in the audience.
Gold's Gym Not an Anchor
This paragraph from the press release sent out by the city announcing the sale of West Park Plaza and the relocation of Gold's Gym to the old Kroger location:
“This acquisition has been in the making for more than a year and could not have been possible without local financing from The Bank of Carbondale and the Small Business Growth Corp and legal assistance from the law firm of Barrett, Twomey, Broom, Hughes and Hoke,” according to John Etherton and Shane Smith, co-owners of Gold’s Gym in Carbondale. “We are proud to play a part in spurring new growth on the west side of Carbondale. The new Gold’s Gym facility will be open around Thanksgiving of this year and will be the anchor of the shopping center.”
Specifically, the last sentence was what caught my eye. While I'm glad to see something finally moving into the old Kroger location, Gold's Gym will not be an anchor store, at least not in the traditional sense. Traditionally, an anchor store is a large store at a mall with a wide selection of merchandise. This selection draws people to the shopping center, who then patronize other stores in the center. Macy's at University Mall is an anchor store as is, to a lesser extent, True Value Hardware at Murdale Shopping Center. Both draw in people from the area, who then hopefuly will go to other stores in the center to spend money.
People who go to Gold's Gym go there for the purpose of working out. The arrive, work out and leave. They are not in the mindset to go shopping at the other stores, with the possible exception of CVS Pharmacy for health items. Gold's Gym, destination location yes, anchor store and driver of traffic to other stores, no.
“This acquisition has been in the making for more than a year and could not have been possible without local financing from The Bank of Carbondale and the Small Business Growth Corp and legal assistance from the law firm of Barrett, Twomey, Broom, Hughes and Hoke,” according to John Etherton and Shane Smith, co-owners of Gold’s Gym in Carbondale. “We are proud to play a part in spurring new growth on the west side of Carbondale. The new Gold’s Gym facility will be open around Thanksgiving of this year and will be the anchor of the shopping center.”
Specifically, the last sentence was what caught my eye. While I'm glad to see something finally moving into the old Kroger location, Gold's Gym will not be an anchor store, at least not in the traditional sense. Traditionally, an anchor store is a large store at a mall with a wide selection of merchandise. This selection draws people to the shopping center, who then patronize other stores in the center. Macy's at University Mall is an anchor store as is, to a lesser extent, True Value Hardware at Murdale Shopping Center. Both draw in people from the area, who then hopefuly will go to other stores in the center to spend money.
People who go to Gold's Gym go there for the purpose of working out. The arrive, work out and leave. They are not in the mindset to go shopping at the other stores, with the possible exception of CVS Pharmacy for health items. Gold's Gym, destination location yes, anchor store and driver of traffic to other stores, no.
Click It or Ticket
This might explain the 5 traffic stops within a mile of each other I saw on I57 last Friday afternoon. The state police had a car parked at the bottom of an on-ramp, with RADAR and two motorcycle officers parked alongside. There were 5 vehicles pulled over within a mile and a half after the on-ramp.
Click It Or Ticket Campaign
In an effort to save lives and prevent serious injuries to drivers and occupants of vehicles traveling in Carbondale, the City of Carbondale Police Department will be focusing
In an effort to save lives and prevent serious injuries to drivers and occupants of vehicles traveling in Carbondale, the City of Carbondale Police Department will be focusing on seat belt and child restraint enforcement from May 14 through May 31, 2010. This period will coincide with the Illinois Department of Transportation, Division of Traffic Safety, 2010 Click It or Ticket campaign.
The goal of the Click It or Ticket Mobilization is not to issue citations, but rather to influence people to buckle up and prevent injuries and fatalities. According to the Illinois Department of Transportation, Division of Traffic Safety, research proves that the certainty of a citation and costly fines convinces people to Click It. As the number one leading cause of death and disability for Americans between the ages of 4 and 34, motor vehicle crashes are a serious public health problem.
The City of Carbondale Police Department encourages drivers and passengers to wear safety belts and ensure children are placed in the appropriate child safety seat.
Along with our commitment to the Click It or Ticket campaign, the City of Carbondale Police Department is also a Permanent Child Passenger Safety Inspection Station, which is funded, in part, through an Illinois Department of Transportation Child Passenger Safety Grant. Department personnel trained as Certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians are available to inspect child safety seats for correct installation and use and provide one on one instruction to educate parents and care givers about the basics of child safety seat installation and use. These services are provided free of charge and are available every Thursday from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., or by appointment, at the police department.
Typically, nine out of ten car seats are installed incorrectly. Common errors are not securing the seat into the vehicle properly, facing the child forward too soon, improperly placed or adjusted harness straps, and using a seat that is not appropriately sized for the child. While not all of these errors may lead to injury in the event of a traffic crash, they increase the likelihood of an injury to the child. The City of Carbondale Police Department is committed to ensuring the children of our community are traveling as safely as possible and encourage all parents and care givers to have their child safety seats inspected by trained Department technicians.
Illinois Law currently requires each driver and passenger of a motor vehicle wear a properly adjusted and fastened seat safety belt. It also requires that whenever a person is transporting a child under the age of 8, the person is responsible for properly securing the child in an appropriate child restraint system, which includes a booster seat. Every person, when transporting a child between the ages of 8 and 16 is responsible for properly securing the child in a seat belt.
For more information regarding the Illinois Child Passenger Protection Act, please contact the City of Carbondale Police Department at (618) 457-3200, extension 428 or visit our website, www.carbondalepolice.com.
Click It Or Ticket Campaign
In an effort to save lives and prevent serious injuries to drivers and occupants of vehicles traveling in Carbondale, the City of Carbondale Police Department will be focusing
In an effort to save lives and prevent serious injuries to drivers and occupants of vehicles traveling in Carbondale, the City of Carbondale Police Department will be focusing on seat belt and child restraint enforcement from May 14 through May 31, 2010. This period will coincide with the Illinois Department of Transportation, Division of Traffic Safety, 2010 Click It or Ticket campaign.
The goal of the Click It or Ticket Mobilization is not to issue citations, but rather to influence people to buckle up and prevent injuries and fatalities. According to the Illinois Department of Transportation, Division of Traffic Safety, research proves that the certainty of a citation and costly fines convinces people to Click It. As the number one leading cause of death and disability for Americans between the ages of 4 and 34, motor vehicle crashes are a serious public health problem.
The City of Carbondale Police Department encourages drivers and passengers to wear safety belts and ensure children are placed in the appropriate child safety seat.
Along with our commitment to the Click It or Ticket campaign, the City of Carbondale Police Department is also a Permanent Child Passenger Safety Inspection Station, which is funded, in part, through an Illinois Department of Transportation Child Passenger Safety Grant. Department personnel trained as Certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians are available to inspect child safety seats for correct installation and use and provide one on one instruction to educate parents and care givers about the basics of child safety seat installation and use. These services are provided free of charge and are available every Thursday from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., or by appointment, at the police department.
Typically, nine out of ten car seats are installed incorrectly. Common errors are not securing the seat into the vehicle properly, facing the child forward too soon, improperly placed or adjusted harness straps, and using a seat that is not appropriately sized for the child. While not all of these errors may lead to injury in the event of a traffic crash, they increase the likelihood of an injury to the child. The City of Carbondale Police Department is committed to ensuring the children of our community are traveling as safely as possible and encourage all parents and care givers to have their child safety seats inspected by trained Department technicians.
Illinois Law currently requires each driver and passenger of a motor vehicle wear a properly adjusted and fastened seat safety belt. It also requires that whenever a person is transporting a child under the age of 8, the person is responsible for properly securing the child in an appropriate child restraint system, which includes a booster seat. Every person, when transporting a child between the ages of 8 and 16 is responsible for properly securing the child in a seat belt.
For more information regarding the Illinois Child Passenger Protection Act, please contact the City of Carbondale Police Department at (618) 457-3200, extension 428 or visit our website, www.carbondalepolice.com.
Sunday, May 16, 2010
Liquor License Push
Kroger is really pushing to get the C;dale Liquor Code amended. There's a large sign up at the front exit promoting changing the code to allow the store to sell beer and alcohol and asking customers to contact the city council letting councilmemebers know Kroger customers want to purchase beer and wine at the store. Kroger has even considerately posted a list of council people and their phone numbers on the sign. Now all the store needs to do is provide a convenient tear off pad with the number on it, or at least a complimentary blank paper and pencil.
Friday, May 14, 2010
Planning Commission
Did you forget the city was still developing a Comprehensive plan? Here's your chance to weigh in on it, Wed night at 7 p.m., room 108 of the Civic Center:
Call to Order and Roll Call
2. Approval of Minutes - April 7, 2010
3. Report of Officers, Committees, Communications
4. Public Hearings
A. Review and Discussion of the new Comprehensive Plan for the City of Carbondale
5. Old Business
6. New Business
A. Commissioners Journal, Spring 2010 Issue
B. City Council Agendas of April 20, May 4, and May 18, 2010
7.
Call to Order and Roll Call
2. Approval of Minutes - April 7, 2010
3. Report of Officers, Committees, Communications
4. Public Hearings
A. Review and Discussion of the new Comprehensive Plan for the City of Carbondale
5. Old Business
6. New Business
A. Commissioners Journal, Spring 2010 Issue
B. City Council Agendas of April 20, May 4, and May 18, 2010
7.
Preservation Commission
Preservation Commission meets Monday night at 7 p.m. in Room 103 of the Civic Center. Guess they are still looking at demolition procedures following the Stotlar House cock-up.
City Council Meeting
Ah, I see why no discussion of modification of the liquor code at the Liquor Control Commission. It's actually made its way to the agenda for the city council later that evening. Yes, it's a fun fill three hours of city business and politics, topped off with one of the mayor's homilies at the close:
Roll Call
2. General Announcements and Proclamations
3. Citizens’ Comments and Questions
4. Public Hearings and Special Reports
5. Consent Agenda
1. Approval of Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting Held on May 4, 2010
2. Approval of Warrant for Period Ending: 04/19/10 FY 2010 Warrant # 1092
3. Acceptance of Minutes of Boards, Commissions and Committees
4. Award of Purchase of a Color Sewer Television Inspection Vehicle
5. Ordinance Amending Title Eighteen (18) Chapter Fifteen (15) of the Carbondale
Revised Code as it Relates to Use of Seat Belts and Child Safety Seats
6. Ordinance Authorizing the Execution of an Easement to S.I. Wireless, LLC
7. Ordinance Authorizing a Budget Adjustment Adding V.A.W.A. Grant Funds for the
Police Department
8. Purchase of Water Meters From Sensus Metering Systems
6. General Business
1. Resolution Adopting the Report and Recommendation of the City Manager in Hearing
No. TX-2010-01
2. Discussion on Proposed Revisions to the Liquor Code
7. Council Comments
8. Closed Meeting
1. Closed Meeting to Discuss Personnel and the Sale, Purchase or Lease of Real Property
Roll Call
2. General Announcements and Proclamations
3. Citizens’ Comments and Questions
4. Public Hearings and Special Reports
5. Consent Agenda
1. Approval of Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting Held on May 4, 2010
2. Approval of Warrant for Period Ending: 04/19/10 FY 2010 Warrant # 1092
3. Acceptance of Minutes of Boards, Commissions and Committees
4. Award of Purchase of a Color Sewer Television Inspection Vehicle
5. Ordinance Amending Title Eighteen (18) Chapter Fifteen (15) of the Carbondale
Revised Code as it Relates to Use of Seat Belts and Child Safety Seats
6. Ordinance Authorizing the Execution of an Easement to S.I. Wireless, LLC
7. Ordinance Authorizing a Budget Adjustment Adding V.A.W.A. Grant Funds for the
Police Department
8. Purchase of Water Meters From Sensus Metering Systems
6. General Business
1. Resolution Adopting the Report and Recommendation of the City Manager in Hearing
No. TX-2010-01
2. Discussion on Proposed Revisions to the Liquor Code
7. Council Comments
8. Closed Meeting
1. Closed Meeting to Discuss Personnel and the Sale, Purchase or Lease of Real Property
Liquor Control Commission Meeting
Just in case you're free this Tuesday at 7 p.m., the LCC meets in Room 108 at the Civic Center. Needless to say, no further discussion of revising the city's liquor code:
Consideration of Application for a Class B2 Liquor License for PPPCD, Inc., d/b/a Pinch
Penny Pub, 700 East Grand Avenue
4. Consideration of Application for a Class B2 Liquor License for PPPCD, Inc., d/b/a Copper
Dragon, 720 East Grand Avenue
5. Consideration of Application for a Class C Liquor License for PPL, Inc., d/b/a Pinch Penny
Liquors, 700 East Grand Avenue
6. Review of Third Quarter Reports from Building and Neighborhood Services, the Fire
Department and the Police Department for License Year 2009-2010
Consideration of Application for a Class B2 Liquor License for PPPCD, Inc., d/b/a Pinch
Penny Pub, 700 East Grand Avenue
4. Consideration of Application for a Class B2 Liquor License for PPPCD, Inc., d/b/a Copper
Dragon, 720 East Grand Avenue
5. Consideration of Application for a Class C Liquor License for PPL, Inc., d/b/a Pinch Penny
Liquors, 700 East Grand Avenue
6. Review of Third Quarter Reports from Building and Neighborhood Services, the Fire
Department and the Police Department for License Year 2009-2010
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Walk Through Carbondale
This would have been really interesting if the author had posted more pictures. Half of those posted are only partial shots. The photographer walked eat to west through Carbondale, sticking to alleys where possible and photographing the back sides of buildings.
GM Trees
Not General Motors but "genetically modified" trees. In case you have some interest in what is being dune with the genetic modification of US lumber, the Sierra Club will show the documentary "A Silent Forest" at the Carbondale Township offices, this Thursday night at 7:30.
Sunday, May 9, 2010
Fee IncreasesS
SIUC has announced that fees will increase less than 2% of front incoming freshmen and there won't be a tuition increase as well.
I have to shake my head every time I drive by the partially completed new football stadium, when I thik about how the money going into that could have been used to repair and upgrade a number of buildings elsewhere on campus, you know, doing things to the campus that actually bring students to the university.
I have to shake my head every time I drive by the partially completed new football stadium, when I thik about how the money going into that could have been used to repair and upgrade a number of buildings elsewhere on campus, you know, doing things to the campus that actually bring students to the university.
Saturday, May 8, 2010
Chiropractor's Blog
Blog by a local Dr. of chiropractic. Not real noteworthy except it looks as if he is using all subscription or third party supplied material for content. The Dr. -last name- post is especially notable.
Friday, May 7, 2010
Stotlar House Down
Demolition of the Stotlar House started about 11 a.m. yesterday with a couple of workmen prying up floorboards from the front porch. Demolition equipment was tearing into the house about 1:30 with about half a dozen onlookers and the house was a pile of rubble by 4 p.m.
Gold's Gym Moving
Just got an email from the city saying Westgate Shopping Center (the strip with the old Kroger building) has sold and Gold Gym will relocate from Eastgate Shopping Center to part of the old Kroger building. That should prove a boon for the CVS pharmacy in the next door:
Carbondale, Illinois – The City of Carbondale announced today that J.E.S. Development Group, a locally owned company, has purchased the West Park Plaza, the shopping center located at West Main Street and Old Hwy 13. The J.E.S. Development Group plans to remodel the shopping center in phases and is pleased to announce the initial phase will start with the relocation of Gold’s Gym to the shopping center.
Carbondale, Illinois – The City of Carbondale announced today that J.E.S. Development Group, a locally owned company, has purchased the West Park Plaza, the shopping center located at West Main Street and Old Hwy 13. The J.E.S. Development Group plans to remodel the shopping center in phases and is pleased to announce the initial phase will start with the relocation of Gold’s Gym to the shopping center.
Gold’s Gym is the largest coed gym chain in the world. They have been the authority in fitness since 1965 and a part of southern Illinois since 2003. Gold’s Gym will be building a new state of the art facility in a portion of the former Kroger space. The new facility will be about 30,000 square feet and offer several new amenities for its members and the community. With plans for an entire facility remodel, the group is in the final stages of planning for new tenants and will be releasing that information soon.
Mayor Brad Cole said that as the national and state economies continue to struggle, “the City of Carbondale is very excited to see this new facility become a reality. We are pleased to see local businesses investing in the local economy to help spur new growth in Carbondale. Gold’s Gym joins Walgreens as two examples of national companies who see the potential and value of developing on the west side of Carbondale.”
“This acquisition has been in the making for more than a year and could not have been possible without local financing from The Bank of Carbondale and the Small Business Growth Corp and legal assistance from the law firm of Barrett, Twomey, Broom, Hughes and Hoke,” according to John Etherton and Shane Smith, co-owners of Gold’s Gym in Carbondale. “We are proud to play a part in spurring new growth on the west side of Carbondale. The new Gold’s Gym facility will be open around Thanksgiving of this year and will be the anchor of the shopping center.”
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
City Council Meeting
Got to the city council meeting after the various awards to students and youth had gone out and just as the Historical Preservation Award was made. Went to a house at 808 West Walnut, I believe.
The rest of the meeting was pretty uneventful. The Sunset Concerts in Turley Park got Fair Days designations, with only Corine McDaniel voting against them, as ususal (she doesn't like alcohol on city property but none of the other council members cares). Oh, and the water and sewer rate structure got amended.
There was one interesting exchange between Joel Fritzler(of course) and Mayor Cole. Fritzler inquired if, since SIUC is now within the city limits, the university needed to apply for Fair Days designations for its Sunset Concerts and other events with alcohol. The mayor responded "No" and, when Fritzler followed up with "Well, why not?", the mayor responded that the city lawyer had said it wasn't necessary.Not certain why. If a governmental body like the Park District has to apply for the designation, why not the university?
The rest of the meeting was pretty uneventful. The Sunset Concerts in Turley Park got Fair Days designations, with only Corine McDaniel voting against them, as ususal (she doesn't like alcohol on city property but none of the other council members cares). Oh, and the water and sewer rate structure got amended.
There was one interesting exchange between Joel Fritzler(of course) and Mayor Cole. Fritzler inquired if, since SIUC is now within the city limits, the university needed to apply for Fair Days designations for its Sunset Concerts and other events with alcohol. The mayor responded "No" and, when Fritzler followed up with "Well, why not?", the mayor responded that the city lawyer had said it wasn't necessary.Not certain why. If a governmental body like the Park District has to apply for the designation, why not the university?
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
I Think This is Us
This report from the C'dale PD approximately describes our breakin last Saturday, except that we're in the 200 block of West Main, not the 100 block.
Wanna Watch Some Weeds?
From an email from the Sierra Club:
Please Contact Chris Evans if you want to help with weed eradication in high quality natural areas, Help is especially needed in wilderness areas. Training is this Wed., May 5th, in the evening. Scroll down for his contact information. Call Chris EVANS at 618-998-5920 (office) or (618) 364-7261.
Please Contact Chris Evans if you want to help with weed eradication in high quality natural areas, Help is especially needed in wilderness areas. Training is this Wed., May 5th, in the evening. Scroll down for his contact information. Call Chris EVANS at 618-998-5920 (office) or (618) 364-7261.
Monday, May 3, 2010
LAB Meeting
In case you've nothing better to do this Thursday, or are interested in the liquor levels in Carbondale, the Liquor Advistory Board meets in room 103 at the Civic Center at 5:30. On the agenda, applications for Class B2 and C liquor licenses for Pinch Penny Pub and Liquors and the Copper Dragon, as well as a discussion of proposed revisions to the liquor code. Can you say "Supermarket sales of beer?"
Zombie Walk
Luckily the rain held off, allowing the first Carbondale Zombie Walk to shamble off without any major hitches. The article says about 150 particpants but I've been told upwards of 200 people showed up, overwhelming the 3 makeup artists there. I'd heard S. Illinois would close for the walk, but apparently that didn't happen and the relatively well-behaved zombies stuck to sidewalks instead.
Wal Mart Remodeling
According to the Southern, the Wal-Mart on the will start a major remodel soon, with special focus on electronics and groceries. The upgrading of the grocery section makes sense as nationally the chain has lost some market share in that area to Save-a-Lot and Aldi's. Wal-Mart must especially be eying the remodeled Aldi's as that chain was one of the factors in Wal-mart's exiting the German market in 2006.
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