Had to leave last night's city council meeting after about an hour. Before the meeting, council held a reception for resigning mayor Joel Fritzler with about half the council attending.
During the meeting, one speaker during citizen comments complained that the city had not taken action regarding his complaint about streetlights shining through his window two months previously, nor did it appear interested in his plan to save energy costs by retrofiting streetlights with motion detectors. The mayor did point out that it had taken him nearly a year to get a stop sign put in place after the mayor's cat was killed at an intersection near his home. Another speaker wanted the city to require taxis to give customers receipts upon request and I couldn't understand the third since he would not speak into the microphone consistently.
Next was the presentation of a plaque to Mayor Fritzler thanking him for his years on council and as mayor. I was amused to see him acting chummy with Lance Jack for a few moments.
The big news was the revived proposal of a combined residential/commercial property located in the block where 710 Bookstore now sits. Since the proposed remodel of 710 Bookstore does not appear to be going forward, the proposed development would again include commercial space at street level with three floors of residential apartments above. I think the architect involved is Doug Farr, who was instrumental in the redevelopment of Normal, IL's downtown. Much like the previous proposal, a major concern is parking, which is already constrained at that end of town and would become even more scarce should the development go through.
No idea if the proposed extension of time for vehicle retailers to claim a sales tax rebate was passed or if it was sent back for further review. I hope the latter but have emailed to find out.
Incidentally, there is a meeting of the Zoning Board of Appeals tonight at 6 p.m. Only item on the agenda is Home Rentals appeal's of the city's ability to regulate real estate signs.
During the meeting, one speaker during citizen comments complained that the city had not taken action regarding his complaint about streetlights shining through his window two months previously, nor did it appear interested in his plan to save energy costs by retrofiting streetlights with motion detectors. The mayor did point out that it had taken him nearly a year to get a stop sign put in place after the mayor's cat was killed at an intersection near his home. Another speaker wanted the city to require taxis to give customers receipts upon request and I couldn't understand the third since he would not speak into the microphone consistently.
Next was the presentation of a plaque to Mayor Fritzler thanking him for his years on council and as mayor. I was amused to see him acting chummy with Lance Jack for a few moments.
The big news was the revived proposal of a combined residential/commercial property located in the block where 710 Bookstore now sits. Since the proposed remodel of 710 Bookstore does not appear to be going forward, the proposed development would again include commercial space at street level with three floors of residential apartments above. I think the architect involved is Doug Farr, who was instrumental in the redevelopment of Normal, IL's downtown. Much like the previous proposal, a major concern is parking, which is already constrained at that end of town and would become even more scarce should the development go through.
No idea if the proposed extension of time for vehicle retailers to claim a sales tax rebate was passed or if it was sent back for further review. I hope the latter but have emailed to find out.
Incidentally, there is a meeting of the Zoning Board of Appeals tonight at 6 p.m. Only item on the agenda is Home Rentals appeal's of the city's ability to regulate real estate signs.
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