Springfield city council looking at future during budget season

by Spencer DavisSat, March 1st 2025 at 7:52 PM

https://newschannel20.com/news/local/springfield-city-council-braces-for-potential-budget-cuts-amid-declining-funds?fbclid=IwY2xjawJowLJleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHlPLDbqn-N2–eg5KTe6CxKYpNTjby0zFtNJ-dqkI8XvTnIF7TzUNp42HqBl_aem_iDWsPR22R3sLVca-GqPk6Q

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WICS) — As Springfield’s city council navigates the newly approved budget, concerns loom over the declining corporate fund, which has decreased consecutively since 2023.

Alderpeople, including Ward 9 alderman Jim Donelan, emphasize the need for caution in future financial planning.

Ward 5 alderwoman Lakeisha Purchase highlighted the alarming trend, stating, “You see it dropping from 25.6 percent in FY26 to 15.2 in 27 from 15.2 to 2.2 in 28.” As the fund approaches zero, the city may be forced to make cuts.

Ward 10 alderman Ralph Hanauer stressed the importance of foresight when considering new programs.

“We might really want to start thinking about it this year because if we add any new programs this year that goes into next year, there’s going to have to be some cuts somewhere, so we got to keep that in mind,” he said.

Donelan echoed these sentiments, saying, “We don’t want to be in a position where we have to make dramatic cuts or anything of that nature in the near future, let alone in the long term.” He added, “That’s why we’re always looking at fund balance, that’s why when the fund balance is over a certain amount, we’re making extra pension payments and we’re not just doing it willy-nilly.”

He also noted that budget discussions will continue throughout the year.

“But remember, a lot of the major expenditures, just because the budget authority and the line item is there, we’re still going to be debating these things at the council level,” he said. “And whether it’s buying a new piece of equipment that costs $50,000, $60,000, $100,000, whatever it is, those expenditures come before the council.”

Donelan credited the mayor’s office and departments for preparing materials two months ahead of the deadline, facilitating more discussions between departments.

Governor Pritzker announces upcoming renovations to Illinois State Armory

https://www.wandtv.com/news/governor-pritzker-announces-upcoming-renovations-to-illinois-state-armory/article_587a2c12-b5c3-11ec-b291-f36fc1b83e4f.html

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) – Governor JB Pritzker announced critical renovations taking place at the historic Illinois State Armory in downtown Springfield.

The project will consist of a complete renovation of the Armory to provide executive office space for employees from various state agencies.

Renovation work will take part in two phases of construction beginning in July 2022. The work should be done in July 2025.

The project is funded by a $122 million investment through Rebuild Illinois.

The building has served lots of different uses over the years but has been unoccupied for the past several years.

Governor Pritzker said the renovations and office space consolidation will improve state agency efficiency and save Illinois taxpayers money.

“Rebuild Illinois is turning the Illinois State Armory back into what it should be: one of Springfield’s crown jewels,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “With a bipartisan-backed $122 million investment, we’re making room for state employees to not only make a professional home of the state-owned building, but also to bring new life to the streets and shops of downtown Springfield. I know how important this project is to revitalize and reimagine our capital city, and I’m proud that the state can deliver for Springfield residents.”

“As Chair of the Military Economic Development Committee, I know the importance of honoring the legacy of our military and the brave service people who protect us,” said Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton. “Thanks to the investments in communities through Rebuild Illinois, the renovations to the Armory will uplift this historical structure into the future to further its legacy so that it can continue to be a cornerstone in downtown Springfield.”

Improvements and renovations to the Armory will include the creation of efficient and flexible office space, the extension of natural light into the building and creating a central atrium within the original auditorium.

“I am pleased to see the significant investment in such a prominent feature of the Springfield cityscape,” said State Senator Doris Turner (D- Springfield). “I am looking forward to the completion of the project to bring one of Springfield’s great buildings back to its former glory.”

“The Armory is an important part of our state history,” said State Rep. Sue Scherer (D-Decatur). “I am very thankful for our community to have the opportunity to preserve this fine structure. Thanks to Rebuild Illinois, many of our constituents will have employment.”

“The Illinois State Armory is an iconic and loved building to the citizens of Springfield,” said Assistant Republican Leader Tim Butler (R-Springfield), “and reopening it is something I am asked about frequently. Repurposing this building into significant office space on our Capitol Campus is a tremendous use for this historic structure. I applaud everyone involved with Rebuild Illinois who have allowed us to make tremendous investments such as this in our Capital City.”

“As Ward 5 Alderwoman, I am thrilled that Governor Pritzker and the State Legislature have prioritized the rehabilitation of the Armory Building, an iconic structure on our Capitol complex,” said Alderwoman Lakeisha Purchase. “The Armory Building holds important historic and cultural significance for Springfield and the entire state and it’s restoration will serve as another catalyst to downtown Springfield development. Thank you to Governor Pritzker and the Illinois General Assembly for recognizing the importance of putting this magnificent building back in use for the people of Illinois.”

“A hallmark of The Next 10 initiative has been to strengthen the connection between State Government and local Springfield,” said John Stremsterfer, President and CEO of the Community Foundation for the Land of Lincoln. “Working together on meaningful and forward-looking projects will keep Springfield among the great State Capitals in the United States. It is exciting to see so many transformational projects on the horizon.”

“The Armory is one of the largest state-owned buildings in Illinois, and the Capital Development Board is looking forward to working with the State Historic Preservation Office to complete these exciting renovations,” said CDB Executive Director Jim Underwood. “Once both phases of work are complete, the facility will once again be a key piece of downtown Springfield’s State Capitol complex.”

The building is currently unoccupied, as it has dealt with ongoing damage due to water coming in from the roof, basement, and exterior walls. It has extensive mold and mildew growth and a large quantity of asbestos containing materials.

Copyright 2022 WAND TV. All rights reserved.

Construction completed on Springfield underpasses

https://www.wandtv.com/community/construction-completed-on-springfield-underpasses/article_1954e606-5370-11ef-ade5-4b76d5e599df.html

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — In the last 10 years, five new underpasses have been completed and four additional have been reconstructed as part of the Springfield Rail Project. The latest of these are the Madison and Jefferson Street overpasses.

“The new underpasses eliminate the potential for vehicle and train accidents,” said Illinois Department of Transportation Secretary Omer Osman. “Both the streets also carry significant transit to school bus traffic on our important thoroughfare through downtown Springfield connected directly to Interstate-72.”

The new underpass allows people to walk, bike, and drive all while trains are traveling overhead through downtown Springfield. The overpasses at Madison and Jefferson Street combined see 20,000 cars a day and the combined construction cost 13.5 million dollars.

“When we started this project, there was a legitimate concern that this project might become a wall separating east from west in the community but today’s ceremony is proof that that is not case,” said Andy Van Meter, Chairman of the Sangamon County Board. “This is a passageway, this is a connecting point.”

While the community is celebrating having another route into the downtown area, there is concern that the overall project will not be completed in a timely manner. In December of 2023, the Department of Transportation rejected a 138 million dollar grant to complete the rail project.

“My constituents are getting more and more frustrated to say ‘how much longer is this going to continue to be on pause or be on hold” said Lakeisha Purchase, Alderwoman for Ward 5. “What I can tell people is that we’re are asking the same questions, we’re holding them accountable.”

Senator Dick Durbin reassured the community today that he hopes to have an announcement about funding soon. He promised to not give up on the project.

Copyright 2024. WAND TV. All rights reserved.

Springfield city leadership celebrate diversity achievements

https://www.wandtv.com/news/springfield-city-leadership-celebrate-diversity-achievements/article_9d1687aa-f628-11ef-ae89-2f7c57e90558.html

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND)- For Black History Month, Springfield city leaders met to celebrate achievements the city has made. Among the list of recent achievements, the city currently has the most simultaneously serving alderpeople of color, the most people of color in a mayor’s cabinet, and the most Springfield police officers of color.

“We take a moment to embrace the city, not for the sake of a pat on the back, but to pay homage to the city’s firsts,” said Gwen Harrison, Director of the Lincoln Library and honoree at the event. “It is time to continue to move forward with heart, courage and tenacity. It is time to remind our youth and citizens that there are paths that may be taken, roads that we must build, and strides that will be surmounted.”

As part of the celebration, a group of youth dancers performed two songs, and a musical trio played a selection of songs. The common theme was the importance of representation for youth.

“With me growing up, I didn’t see a lot of officers of color in this position, and I believe that had I would have seen that, it would have just gave me idea to, you know, you don’t have to necessarily be an athlete or musician,” said Lonnie Lucas, a patrol officer for Springfield Police Department. “There’s other things that you can do and be great at it.”

For Sergeant Charles Peters, who has worked at SPD for 10 years, the representation goes beyond him. He is excited that his daughter can see women of color in power in the city.

“I’m definitely extremely hopeful,” said Peters. “I’m extremely excited. I have a young daughter, and she can look at all the directors and see that I can be that one day, they look like me. They’re women like like she is.”

Honorees at the event included the three members of the Black Aldermanic Caucus: Lakeisha Purchase, Shawn Gregory, and Roy Williams. The city’s Director of Communications, Haley Wilson; Director of Community Relations, Ethan Posey; and Director of the Lincoln Library, Gwen Harrison, were all honored as well. The event also recognized the Springfield Police Department’s efforts to increase diversity.

Springfield city council looking at future during budget season

https://newschannel20.com/news/local/springfield-city-council-braces-for-potential-budget-cuts-amid-declining-funds?fbclid=IwY2xjawJou0lleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHqzV8PnWjWFsI39KyFDMxYfvjOLuMv4eeewMLuV9lUnXpP5Yd7jRDJMUBHWc_aem_IGLJ5wX-2uU04TSLysBBAg

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WICS) — As Springfield’s city council navigates the newly approved budget, concerns loom over the declining corporate fund, which has decreased consecutively since 2023.

Alderpeople, including Ward 9 alderman Jim Donelan, emphasize the need for caution in future financial planning.

Ward 5 alderwoman Lakeisha Purchase highlighted the alarming trend, stating, “You see it dropping from 25.6 percent in FY26 to 15.2 in 27 from 15.2 to 2.2 in 28.” As the fund approaches zero, the city may be forced to make cuts.

Ward 10 alderman Ralph Hanauer stressed the importance of foresight when considering new programs.

“We might really want to start thinking about it this year because if we add any new programs this year that goes into next year, there’s going to have to be some cuts somewhere, so we got to keep that in mind,” he said.

dramatic cuts or anything of that nature in the near future, let alone in the long term.” He added, “That’s why we’re always looking at fund balance, that’s why when the fund balance is over a certain amount, we’re making extra pension payments and we’re not just doing it willy-nilly.”

He also noted that budget discussions will continue throughout the year.

“But remember, a lot of the major expenditures, just because the budget authority and the line item is there, we’re still going to be debating these things at the council level,” he said. “And whether it’s buying a new piece of equipment that costs $50,000, $60,000, $100,000, whatever it is, those expenditures come before the council.”

Donelan credited the mayor’s office and departments for preparing materials two months ahead of the deadline, facilitating more discussions between departments.

Postal Union Awaits Word on Consolidation, Possible Privatization

January 16, 2025

By Scott Reeder

https://www.illinoistimes.com/news-opinion/postal-problems-19628953

Springfield postal workers are bracing for bad news as federal officials ponder moving some functions of Springfield’s packaging and distribution center to St. Louis.

The move would be part of a national effort to consolidate functions within the nation’s mail system. In May, Postmaster General Louis DeJoy paused plans to consolidate centers until January 2025 amid requests from both Congress and local elected officials to stop the postal reorganization.

Now that January has arrived and a new president will soon be sworn in, postal workers are becoming more anxious. Proponents of the move say it will save money, but critics contend it will delay mail delivery. Everyone agrees it will mean fewer jobs in Springfield.

At this point, postal union officials say they have been told nothing.

“If you lose the distribution, you lose your postmark. If you mail any kind of letter (from Springfield) that’s got to be canceled, it’s going to go all the way to St. Louis. And St. Louis is historically always late with mail. Everybody felt that during Christmas time. If anything went through St. Louis, it sat there for 10 to 14 days,” Johnny Bishop, Springfield branch president of the American Postal Workers Union, told Illinois Times. “It will affect people getting their medications. … There are some people who still pay (bills) through the mail. That’s a complete disaster for us.”

U.S. Rep. Nikki Budzinski, D-Springfield, has been one of the more vocal critics of the proposal. She told IT that members of Congress are being kept in the dark about the Postal Service’s immediate plans.

“We right now are below the national average on-time mail delivery,” she said.”Consolidating our distribution centers is just going to further exacerbate this issue. So, legislation I’ve introduced on a bipartisan basis would say you can’t close our distribution centers unless you, at the very least, get our on-time delivery of mail up to the national average.”

Bishop said he believes that post offices are being deliberately understaffed to reduce the quality of service and make the public more open to privatizing the mail.

“We normally get about 35 to 40 (seasonal) employees. And I believe this year we got possibly four. They don’t even want to give us any help for Christmastime. I think it is to get the public discouraged,” Bishop said. “I read social media where a lot of people back us and they understand how busy we are. And then there’s people out there who say, ‘Well, we’re tired of it being a mess. They ought to just privatize it.’ That is their goal, to get the public upset with the post office.”

Budzinski noted that Donald Trump has been open about considering privatization.

“President-elect Trump has specifically said privatizing the USPS is on the table in his administration,” she said. “I think we should take him at his word when he tells us he’s going to do something. That is something he is, at the very least, going to explore.”

If a private company were to deliver the U.S. mail, rural areas would be adversely affected, Budzinski said.

“The USPS has provided good-paying union jobs to the middle class in this country for generations. They have ensured mail delivery to all corners of our country and our rural communities,” she said. “To privatize that would be a disaster. And I will be leading the charge against that in this next Congress if that is something that the President-elect decides to pursue,”

Scott Reeder, a staff writer for Illinois Times, can be reached at sreeder@illinoistimes.com.

WMAY’s exclusive post-election sit-down with Ward 5 Alderwoman LaKeisha Purchase

https://www.wmay.com/2023/05/04/wmays-exclusive-post-election-sit-down-with-ward-5-alderwoman-lakeisha-purchase-at-resource-one-in-downtown-springfield/ 

The sun was shining on that Friday. It was a nice day for a walk in Downtown Springfield, with a slight breeze and a cool blue sky above. There are so many shops and interesting little sites as you walk up Fourth, Fifth, and Sixth streets, that it seems a new discovery might be made each time one goes by.

We were on our way on this day, to speak with the recently victorious incumbent alderperson of Springfield’s Ward 5 – still fresh off of her early April victory – but we were not going to an office space.

No, no studio or politically professional setting would be housing this particular interview; instead, we would be enjoying our time chatting at the Resource One showroom in Downtown Springfield – across the way from The Whimsy Tea Company.

And, when we finally walked into the lovely showroom at 321 E Adams St., it did not take us very long to find the Alderwoman – patiently and enthusiastically waiting – in a lovely midcentury modern chair, in jeans, a t-shirt, and her seemingly-trademarked winged and bejeweled glasses.

Ms. Purchase is serious and ambitious as a politician, and as a person with a position and obligation toward others; she is, however, a person first and foremost – a human being just like those she does her best to serve.

It had been some time since last we saw one another, and her eyes lit up as she saw us walk into the showroom; she gleefully noted her triumph only days prior as we found seats to get comfortable in.

“I am thrilled to have had such a huge showing of support from the voters. That really speaks to the close connection I work to maintain with my constituents….That connection is something I enjoy not just during election season, but throughout each year.”

Humans, however, have many, many other sides to them – as well as stories and histories – which are all but mere parts of their greater whole.

“My father is a Letter Carrier for the Post Office and remains very active in the community on behalf of the union. I often joined him in various activities such as food giveaways. But, it’s also no secret that my godmother is the Senate Majority Leader, Kimberly Lightford.

I lived with my god mom all throughout high school, and I used to go to all of her women’s meetings – I used to be the kid that would hand the candy out and run up to the door. So my major ended up being political science with a minor in speech communications. And after seeing my godmother do the work that she did in the community and the money she would bring back home to her community, it was kind of like in my blood. And she [Kimberly Lightford] was just like, you can do this yourself!

As a competitive runner, much of my early college experience revolved around sports. After tearing my hamstring and my inability to bounce back, I turned my attention to activism and public service. I organized a student lobby to fight the elimination of MAP grants, with buses from Carbondale and SIU-Edwardsville to Springfield, as well as a mail & phone campaign to fight for this much-needed student financial support. I worked for the Paul Simon Public Policy Institute and was subsequently a Vince Demuzio Intern, which led to my current position with IDOT.

When Majority Leader Lightford moved up – at the time – to assistant Majority Leader, I thought, ‘maybe I could run for park board.’ And now, who was our State Senator at that time? Doris Turner, and she was like, ‘Well, no, I want you to try Capitol Township,’ I said, ‘what is that?’ And she goes, ‘We’re gonna learn what it is.’

So prior to my role as Alderwoman, I served as Capital Township trustee. I was proud of my work to educate the public about the role of township government and to connect citizens to the vital resources available to them. That work helped lessen the burden of the pandemic by partnering with agencies that provided resources to residents.

And, in my short time as Alderwoman, I have voted to pass a historic budget to give necessary funding to improve the City and my ward, particularly focused on providing more resources to our police and fire departments and other first responders.”

But what, in her experience, is it like to be the Alderwoman of Ward 5 in Springfield? As she heads into a full term in the position, she reflected upon what her life has thus far consisted of in the position – both in the good and bad – as well as what her mindset was during the recent, heated election campaign, and what it is when she speaks to colleagues and discusses ordinances and the like.

“Let’s talk about what Ward 5 looks like – that was one of your questions. Yes, absolutely. It’s a very mixed-use ward. I have my neighborhood associations, primarily Vinegar Hill. Enos Park, Linkin Park, and right behind Springfield High School. That area going up to MacArthur is considered part of the historic West Side neighborhood association.

Then you have the Medical District. I’m over both hospitals – Memorial and St. John’s. And then you have – what I call – the economic engine of the city of Springfield: our downtown. We have so many gems in Ward 5 when it comes to the Presidential Museum and Library, the Oak Ridge cemetery too; plus, we have our state employees here. We also have the Old State Capitol with its own, lovely history as well.

Every night, 80% of my job is responding to emails, phone calls, and text messages…I feel like it’s my obligation – as your representative – to tell you what’s going on and keep you in the loop for the sake of transparency…I think the biggest concern in Ward 5 was that people didn’t feel a part of the process; they weren’t educated concerning what the process of getting a pothole filled entails.

So, I do a lot of emails, and I CC my constituents on the emails that go to all of the departments – the respective departments – and I say ‘Hey, can we put in a ticket order,’ then at the end, I always mention that an updated status would be greatly appreciated. So then they [the department or departments in question] can tell me when they put it [the work order] in, and when they’re expected to go out. So I think people have just really appreciated being a part of the process.

I believe in building bridges, making no permanent enemies, and they say permanent friends, but I feel like we’re a family up there. I respect everybody. I may have raised my energy a little bit higher. A few times here and there, but I always have tried my best to respect people…They [those individuals who ran against Alderwoman Purchase] both said negative things about me during the election – or their camps said negative things about me, and I’m human. So some of it was hurtful.

But at the end of the day, if I’m preaching to the next generation to stay above the fray, I have to practice what I’m preaching; I need to be an example. So I took that very seriously too. And it taught me – during this process – a lot of patience. That is, self-reflection, and figuring out the things that I can do to keep my nerves calm – no matter what.”

Throughout our time together, Alderwoman Purchase keeps a thoughtful, kind, and open perspective. We chatted about the importance of groups like ICON and other community and neighborhood collectives, about what the people of the communities really care about; individuals quietly walked in and out of the Resource One showroom all the while, as the sun set a marvelous scene outside as two in the afternoon neared three.

Alderwoman Purchase – looking out towards Springfield’s May 5 inauguration – then discussed her focuses in Ward 5, across the entirety of Springfield, plus the City Council, how it must operate, and why functioning in a certain manner is so critical for the city of Springfield moving forward – as much as anything else.

“I focus my work as Alderwoman on four priorities: economic vitality, public safety, infrastructure improvements, and quality neighborhoods. They are all interwoven. My commitment is to ensure the fundamental rights to personal safety, quality housing, and a job that can support a family. Those principles serve as the guide to my decision-making.

It is a question of balance in the allocation of resources. I am fiercely devoted to the needs of Ward 5. A little experience as Alderwoman has taught me to balance resources not only across Ward 5 but across Springfield as a whole. We are only as healthy as our neediest area. I look forward to working with the new mayor and the new city council to make sure all areas’ needs are met.

But [concerning civility on the City Council], if you see the City Council arguing and treating one another poorly, then how can I expect you to bring it to us in a professional manner yourself – if you watch us disrespect each other all the time? So I just want people to take accountability for their actions; we can agree to disagree, but we have to have some type of decorum up here.”

As our time together became ever more fleeting, and each party was thanking the other for the time, thoughtful questions, and answers, Alderwoman Purchase noted her enthusiasm for the work that she has ahead of her with the City Council members – new and old.

My commitment is to ensure the fundamental rights to personal safety, quality housing, and a job that can support a family; those principles serve as the guide to my decision-making each and every day…I’m excited to work with [the] new Council members and the new Mayor to hear the new ideas they wish to bring forth. As for things I plan to work on, I’m very excited about increasing UIS’ presence downtown.”

LaKeisha smiled further, and as we all left Resource One on our way onward on such a lovely Friday afternoon in Springfield, one sentence, in particular, rang in our ears across the rest of the day.

“Sometimes you have to take a gamble or risk in the present in order for more positive actions and accomplishments to be possible moving forward.”

Our thanks to Alderwoman Purchase, her staff, as well as the entire staff of Resource One for their time, thoughtfulness, and hard work.

The Lofts on Madison gets go-ahead; city council adds labor agreement amendment

The Lofts on Madison gets go-ahead; city council adds labor agreement amendment

https://www.sj-r.com/story/news/local/2022/12/21/springfield-city-council-gives-ok-to-new-medical-district-development/69739794007/

The full Springfield City Council Tuesday gave its approval to a $28.3 million proposed development by a New York company at Fifth and Madison streets, but not before adding an amendment ensuring that a Project Labor Agreement has to be negotiated in the future.

The unanimous vote signals the go-ahead for Adirondack Community Development to move forward with its lenders on The Lofts on Madison project.

There was an initial motion to hold the ordinance for two weeks after some council members pointed out that they only received the developer’s agreement at 5 p.m. Tuesday.

An amendment was added about the PLA, but Victor Salerno, the chief executive officer of Adirondack, said he has already had “a number of discussions” with the Central Illinois Building & Construction Trades Council and “we’ve given verbal commitments that we would enter into a PLA.”

“(I was) a little surprised it got added into the legislation, but at the end of the day we were going to enter into one anyway,” Salerno said afterward the meeting. “We’re happy about it. We’re excited to move forward.”

Under a PLA, terms and conditions of employment for specific building projects are negotiated between the developer and unions, including percentages of the local workforce, women, and minorities on the project.

The project would bring 136 “market rate apartments” to downtown Springfield and the Mid-Illinois Medical District.

The landing spot for the complex, 301 N. Fifth St.– the north side of Madison Street between Fourth and Fifth streets — has been a vacant lot for at least the last 50 years, city officials said.

It includes 87 one-bedroom, 30 two-bedroom and 19 three-bedroom units on the upper five floors. Rent would range from $1,100 to $1,450m monthly.

There would be retail space on the first floor and Salerno said again Tuesday “he would love to see a Trader Joe’s” or some other market go into the spot.

The project is unique because the 1.1-acre site will be its own TIF district. Details of the TIF will need to go back to city council for approval.

“This is a self-financed project in the sense that you’re only going to get money from that TIF if the assessed value of that vacant parking lot somehow becomes so much valuable with (a 136-unit development),” pointed out Ward 7 Ald. Joe McMenamin.

School District 186 board member Bill Ringer said Monday that D186 personnel wasn’t contacted about the property going into “a targeted TIF.”

“It’s important to us that we’re going to possibly be giving up a future revenue stream for a very long time,” Ringer said after Monday’s school board meeting. “We educate our kids using property tax money.”

Salerno said lenders are looking closely at interest rates.

The approval moves the project, Salerno said, from “pie in the sky to an actual working path.”

“We’ve been telling them that there’s going to be a TIF and there’s going to be expansion of the enterprise zone, but until there’s legislation passed that says the city is going to do this, there wasn’t much further we could go (with lenders).

“We would like to go lock in our financing as quickly as possible. This is still a very rate-sensitive environment, and all our numbers are predicated on rates not going up that much more.”

Adirondack would put in about $3 million in private equity and independent financing of about $21 million.

The Lofts on Madison would create 40 full-time retail and commercial jobs and 10 full-time employees working on the property side as leasing agents, maintenance supervisors and a community manager.

Mayor Jim Langfelder said he wasn’t surprised about the PLA because it has come up as a talking point with other projects, like Poplar Place.

“What I appreciate now with the city council,” Langfelder said, “is they had the foresight to move forward with the project instead of delaying it because the developer is taking the risk and it’s important that he does get his financing in place before the end of the year.

“Everybody is in agreement that it is going to be a great project of rejuvenation for downtown and the medical district. This was an important step.”

Contact Steven Spearie: 217-622-1788, sspearie@sj-r.com, twitter.com/@StevenSpearie.