Government Update
Joe McMenamin, Alderman Ward 7 The MacArthur TIF is proceeding, with the PGAV report finding the area eligible for TIF. On Dec 22, the Joint Review Board of all local taxing districts voted on the area's eligibility. The vote is advisory. School District 186 stands to gain interim funds for additional students that may be added to the TIF area plus long-term revenue from the increased value of property taxes after the TIF expires. A Public Hearing on the TIF will be Jan 23 at noon in City Council chambers. The PGAV report can be found at http://www.springfield.il.us/oped/MacArthur%20TIF.pdf.
MacArthur Park Apartments is continuing to be inspected regularly, with more than 40 units placarded and more than 1,400 violations. More than 90% of the rented units are Section 8 housing, which is subsidized by the federal government. The Springfield Housing Authority has the authority to deny Section 8 use to a building owner in violation of local ordinances, and Joe is working with them to deny future Section 8 uses, including ones to replace future vacant units. In December, the Springfield Housing Authority stopped issuing new Section 8 vouchers for the MacArthur Park Apartments.
Find out more Ward 7 information at www.joeward7.com.
Cory Jobe, Alderman Ward 6 Cory thanked the MBBA and MACBAC for their efforts in revitalizing the MacArthur area, including the TIF, the Master Plan study, and ongoing efforts to strengthen MacArthur. Hy-Vee has expressed ongoing interest in the MacArthur Area, and the enthusiasm and support of neighbors and businesses through the MBBA caused Hy-Vee to take a second look and pursue development here.
Cory mentioned several areas in Ward 6 undergoing development or receiving attention, including Iles Park Place at Ash and S 6th, the Bel Air Motel on S 6th, and Chantilly Lace at S 5th and Stanford Ave. The area near the railroad overpass on S. 6th near Stanford Ave was cleaned up with the help of Springfield Green.
The Sankey Hi-Rise property in the 400 block of W Allen St. has a fantastic design funded by Community Block Grant funds and is anticipated to be developed no later than 2014.
Cory said he is working with the City to identify possible sources of state and federal funding to assist with development of previously problem / abandoned property recently acquired by the City, including the potential for a union training program and development of design and development plans for East side properties.
The Ward 6 Fund now has over $10,000; $1,000 grants will be used for revitalization and rehabilitation in Ward 6. Grant winners will be announced in April of 2012. Look for grant information on Cory's website, www.JobeWard6.com.
MacArthur Area News
- The Boulevard reopened with a new menu, and is better than ever. Their meeting room can seat 100 people.
- The new Hibachi International Buffet in the Town & Country Shopping Center is serving over 1,000 people on some days.
- Carpet Weavers will relocate from their current location on Wabash to the lot south of ShowMe's.
- The old bank building at Outer Park and MacArthur still has an active prospect.
- The out-of-state owner of the previous Taylor Rental building has received bids both to demolish the building and to repair the building. The building has been inspected for zoning violations, which must be addressed for the owner to avoid fines.
- Paul O'Shea invited the public to become informed and submit comments on two Springfield area infrastructure projects:
