Speakers
Peerless Cleaners - our host for OctoberDebbie Whitney spoke about the new Peerless facility, with space for continuing education and which is available for use by community organizations. The conference area has audio-visual equipment, including an overhead projector, kitchen and restrooms. Peerless has three locations in Decatur and one in Springfield, and they provide carpet cleaning for both commercial and residential, water and fire damage restoration, and dry cleaning. The MBBA thanks Peerless for hosting the monthly meeting at their beautiful new facility and for supplying donuts, coffee and water.Bill Mills, Energy Services Office of CWLP and the Green Business Network of Springfield, GBNS.orgBill talked about the services offered by CWLP and the newly formed Green Business Network of Springfield. Bill said small- to medium-sized businesses can work together to turn their "little piles" into "big piles" that can be recycled and sold. Items can be placed in one dumpster, and the "single stream" material is sorted by SPARC workers, which creates local jobs. There is no charge to the business. After their grand opening, which is anticipated in several weeks, material can be dropped off at the facility at 11th and Madison. Call 217-836-5000 to inquire about business pick-up services. www.gbns.org
Government Update
Joe McMenamin, Alderman Ward 7The Hy-Vee grocery store will request 3 conditional permitted uses at the December City Council meeting to sell liquor, for the pharmacy drive-up and for the gasoline / convenience store.
Joe indicated he'd had several calls about the previous Taylor Rental property at Cherry Road and MacArthur as a result of the SJ-R article and is hopeful something can be done with the property.
Roberts Automotive requested a continuance of their rezoning to December. Joe indicated that, had the rezoning petition been up for vote Oct. 11, he would have voted against it as he is "against spot zoning".
Cory Jobe, Alderman Ward 6Cory mentioned the advancement of the boarded properties ordinance from committee to the full council on Oct. 18. He credited the Inner City Older Neighborhood (ICON); co-sponsors Mayor Mike Huston, Aldermen Doris Turner, Gail Simpson and Chris Thielen; and Corporation Council Mark Cullen with a joint effort to put an "end game" to problem properties.
Cory discussed his stance against the Roberts rezoning, saying he has worked long-term on the MacArthur area and is passionate about smart growth.
Jen Dillman, Sangamon County Board
Jen spoke briefly in support of the MacArthur Master Plan.
Project Updates
Friends of MacArthur Fundraiser October 27
The fundraiser was held at Ross Isaac on Thursday, October 27. Proceeds benefited the Friends of MacArthur Fund, which will be used to support initiatives of the MBBA, of the MACBAC Committee and the MacArthur Master Plan. The fund has a total of $1,860. Thanks to Ross Isaac for hosting us and providing hors d'oeuvres!
MacArthur Clean Up Day November 5
The MBBA sponsored an Adopt-a-Street Clean Up day on Saturday, Nov. 5th with Franklin Middle School. Over 30 Franklin School students and
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| MacArthur Boulevard Cleanup |
volunteers picked up 13 large bags of trash on MacArthur Boulevard from Governor to Wabash on Sat, Nov. 5. "It's great for kids to be involved," said David Farrell, vice president of the association and a 36-year resident of the area. "We benefit from their involvement, and it also brings a smile to our faces." Helping support such efforts teaches the children how to be good neighbors, added organizer Julie Dirksen. "This is their neighborhood, too," said Kris Huddleston, principal at Franklin, 1200 Outer Park Drive.
Big thanks to Julie Dirksen for organizing our Adopt-a-Street events and to Kris Huddleston, Franklin Principal, and all the Franklin & MBBA volunteers!
Read the SJ-R article...
MacArthur Area News
- McDonalds is completing a renovation of their property at 1825 South Macarthur Blvd.
- The State Board of Elections is moving 50 employees into the previous Blue Cross space in the Town & Country Shopping Center.
