June 17, 2024 – On Monday night the Decatur City Council accepted a property transfer from the Decatur Public Schools District for the former Garfield School site.
The site at 1077 W Grand Ave is being considered for a catalyst redevelopment project by the City and a private developer. The first phase of the project is repurposing the old school building into affordable senior living apartments. Future phases include adding mixed-income housing and new commercial space. Additionally, Garfield Park is undergoing a modern redesign by the Decatur Park District.
The City and the private developer have applied for funding support from the Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA). Should the IHDA application fail and the City is unable to secure alternative development plans, the City and School District would share the cost of demolishing the school building 50-50.
In other business…Council approved an amendment to the Alcoholic Liquor Code (Chapter 52) to support downtown businesses. gK9 requested to extend the hours that alcoholic liquor can be sold for Class L license holders and Council agreed this should be allowed. They may sell beverages until 12:00 a.m. midnight now instead of having to stop at 10:00 p.m.
A portion of Lost Bridge Road will be closed during the day for the annual 217 Wiffle Ball Classic. Council approved a temporary road closure for the event from August 6 to August 11, 2024. Lost Bridge Road will be closed at the Fitzgerald intersection and at the Baltimore Road intersection during the day. It will reopen overnight when the event is not taking place.
