Macomb aldermen spent a portion of Monday’s City Council Committee of the Whole meeting discussing an Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program (ITEP) application for streetscape improvements surrounding Chandler Park. City Administrator Scott Coker said $2.4 million is available; the application deadline is Oct. 5.
Grants Supervisor Jesssica Biddenstadt provided detailed cost estimates, and a project location map, noting there would need to be a formal fiscal commitment from the city. Coker said the Illinois Department of Transportation would reimburse Macomb as money is spent.
Mayor Mike Inman said Macomb previously received an ITEP grant for improvements connecting Western Illinois University to the downtown area. He said, “I hope our previous work will influence this next grant.” Referring to the overall Chandler Park improvement plan, Alderman John Vigezzi said, “Our park is a very tired park....It needs rehabilitation.”
In other business, council members discussed downtown facade grant applications. Downtown Development Director Savannah Ballard said $39,000 would cover two projects: a second floor awning and window replacements at The Book Post and Escape MJs at 107-111 South Side Square, and pressure washing, tuckpointing and repainting of Stacy Foxall Allstate Insurance at 28 West Side Square. Ballard said five other facade applications had already been approved. Vigezzi said, “I appreciate the way Macomb invests back into its downtown.”
Also Monday, Community Development Director Cesar Suarez endorsed a residential rehabilitation program application for $5,000 for Doug and Cheryl Rossio at 4 Finn Lane. At a total project cost of $33,334, the stairs and concrete from the front of the property would be replaced with a front porch.
