Local Government Update
City of Springfield - Alderman Mark Mahoney
Alderman Mahoney briefly discussed leaf pickup, which will run 2 weeks from Nov. 2 to 13. More information can be found at http://www.springfield.il.us/releases/2009%20Releases/FallLeaf.htm.
Mark mentioned that residents of other communities in Central Illinois pay extra for leaf pickup or have higher taxes. When asked about the possibility of using a leaf-vacuuming machine, he said that the initial purchase cost of a machine is prohibitively expensive and other communities have found they still needed to collect bagged leaves.
Mark mentioned the ICON (Inner City Older Neighborhoods) group as addressing similar issues in which the MBBA may also be interested; several MBBA members attend ICON meetings.
Mark said he had been previously asked if the city could condemn the old K-Mart building, but said that the city can't condemn buildings that are in use, paying taxes and aren't falling apart.
Thanks to Julie Dirksen for the link to current City of Springfield branch pickup locations, which can be found at http://springfield.il.us/Public%20Works/Branches.htm. |
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MacArthur Redevelopment Plan
Enos Park Master Plan
Presentation of plans & public hearing
November 9 - 7pm
Dove Conference Center
130 West Mason Street
The MBBA and the Enos Park Neighborhood Improvement Association will host a dual unveiling and public hearing of their redevelopment plans. City of Springfield Aldermen have been invited to attend. The intent is to garner City Council support for both plans.
One MBBA member commented on the lack of implementation detail and "splash" in the plan and indicated that Lakota representatives had not returned phone calls about including his suggestions. He also mentioned major stakeholders who had not been involved.
Details on the Lakota website at:
http://thelakotagroup.com/macarthur/
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Adopt-A-Street Cleanup
The MBBA has adopted MacArthur Boulevard from Governor St to Wabash Ave. 22 people picked up 12 large bags of trash along MacArthur on Sat. Oct. 9. Thanks to the 8th graders at Blessed Sacrament School and their parents, who volunteered to help with our first litter pickup. Other area schools will assist with future cleanups in April, June, August & October of 2011.
Thanks to organizers Julie Dirksen, David & Laurie Farrell and Carol Kneedler, to the Mobil Super Pantry for donuts and to McDonalds for coupons for the 8th graders.
We've become so accustomed to seeing trash along the roadway that we don't consciously register it, but when it's gone the street looks much better!
Kudos to the MacArthur business owners
who keep their property clean every day!
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MacArthur Area Leadership 2011:
Nominations for the MBBA Board of Directors
If you're interested in taking a leadership role in helping to revitalize the Boulevard, please consider serving on the MBBA Board of Directors. We are looking for people interested in the Boulevard and willing to give time and energy to fulfill our mission.
If you are interested in serving or would like to nominate a member to the board, please contact Cory: 217-622-9630, info@shoponmacarthur.com. The 2010 MBBA nominating committee is Mark Roberts and Sharon Whalen.
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MacArthur Area News
The previous Kentucky Fried Chicken property is intended to become a convenience store, possibly with drive-up liqueur in the future. Several MBBA representatives have talked to the owners about alternative options.
MBBA has contacted the owners of the Mobil Super Pantry about the messy stacks of wood and bags of salt spilling out into parking and fueling lanes. The MacArthur property has a new manager. |
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Thanks to Alderman Mark Mahoney
Our October coffee sponsor!
Coffee Sponsorships Available
Please consider providing refreshments for our monthly meeting - sponsors provide coffee and treats for 20-30 people.
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