Council Dedicates Funds to East Side Growth

The council unanimously approved reallocating $50,000 for targeted east side development after a heated debate on equity and representation. Other highlights include support for a new apartment project for residents with disabilities, updates on major redevelopment efforts, and new rules for bus bench advertising. 22mins

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Economic Development Planning & Zoning
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Original Meeting

Tuesday, April 15th, 2025
11725.0
Springfield City Council Meeting Tuesday April 15 2025
Full Meeting on YouTube
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Alex Rosen
Durham, North Carolina
As the Executive Director of See Gov, I focus on how to best achieve our mission of expanding thoughtful and consistent participation in democracy. I develop See Gov's technology, work to grow our impact, and find ways to sustain our nonprofit. I live in Durham, NC and make highlight reels for Durham and other See Gov pilot communities.
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In This Video
  • Mayor Buscher recognized the upcoming retirements of Police Chief Scarlette and Fire Chief Canny, each with over 27 years of service.
  • Chief Canny reflected on the personal sacrifices made by family throughout a 28-year career with the fire department.
  • Mayor Buscher invited Chief Scarlette to speak, who expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve the city and its residents.
  • The Council voted to hold action on docket #2025-008, concerning 203 N Glenwood Ave, for 30 days.
  • The Council considered a request for a zoning variance to extend a dock at 2600 W Lake Shore Drive, with staff recommending denial and a citizen signed up to speak.
  • Mike Barton urged the Council to uphold existing dock regulations on Lake Springfield and reject the requested variance, citing fairness and the importance of maintaining the lake's character.
  • The Council approved the petition to extend the dock at 2600 W Lake Shore Drive, with 10 members voting in favor and none opposed.
  • The Council began discussion on a proposal from North Arrow Development to increase apartment units and reduce parking at 849 N 9th St, with Alderwoman Purchase expressing support for the recommendation.
  • John Cronin, representing N Arrow Partners, described plans for a 24-unit apartment building for people with disabilities and explained the request for reduced parking requirements due to the anticipated needs of residents.
  • Mayor Buscher expressed support for the proposed apartment project and commended Envision Unlimited for its work and management.
  • The Council unanimously approved the motion with 10 members voting in favor and none opposed.
  • Mayor Buscher introduced an ordinance to approve an addendum to the agreement with the Springfield Sangamon County Growth Alliance, authorizing an additional $250,000 payment, and invited a representative to present to the council.
  • Ryan McCrady from the Springfield Sangamon Growth Alliance described regional marketing efforts to attract business opportunities to Central Illinois.
  • Ryan McCrady reported that local employment has increased since before the pandemic, average private sector wages have remained steady after a significant rise, and the Growth Alliance conducted over 100 business retention meetings in the past year.
  • Ryan McCrady provided updates on the Shield Sports Complex construction and the ongoing environmental remediation at the Pillsbury Mills redevelopment site.
  • Ryan McCrady reported that funding has been secured for full cleanup and demolition at the Pillsbury Mills site, discussed strong developer interest in the property, and provided updates on the downtown Med District master plan and support for businesses affected by MacArthur Blvd. redevelopment.
  • Ryan McCrady provided updates on major warehouse construction projects and highlighted new housing developments as important steps to support job growth.
  • Alderman Donelan clarified the distinction between the Growth Alliance, which focuses on marketing and business attraction, and the city's Office of Planning and Economic Development, which administers grant and funding programs.
  • Ryan McCrady explained that the Growth Alliance operates as a public-private partnership, which is now the national standard for economic development, and highlighted the importance of confidentiality in business attraction efforts.
  • Alderman Gregory discussed the need for a minority subcommittee within the Growth Alliance to focus on the east side and asked Ryan McCrady about executive committee diversity, learning there are currently no people of color on that committee.
  • Alderman Gregory explained the rationale for proposing an amendment to create a Growth Alliance subcommittee focused on addressing east side priorities and ensuring targeted use of funding.
  • Alderman Gregory called for concrete commitments to direct city funding toward small businesses and development on the east side, emphasizing the need for written assurances rather than verbal promises.
  • Ryan McCrady responded to questions about reallocating Growth Alliance funding for an east side subcommittee, clarifying that no one had previously discussed amending the funding, while Alderwoman Purchase and Alderman Gregory explained the intent to shift funds within the board for this purpose.
  • Ryan McCrady clarified that as president of the Growth Alliance, they do not have the authority to approve contract changes alone and would need board approval for reallocating funds.
  • Alderman Gregory called for the Growth Alliance to provide the same level of support and resources to east side businesses as is offered to other business interests, emphasizing the need for direct assistance and funding.
  • Alderwoman Purchase expressed support for an amendment to address east side development, highlighted concerns about lack of downtown growth, and requested regular updates on project progress from the Growth Alliance.
  • Mayor Buscher questioned why redevelopment efforts have not focused on South Grand and the east side, expressing frustration over the lack of planning and attention to these areas.
  • Alderwoman Conley expressed support for addressing disparities in development across the city, emphasizing that progress in all neighborhoods benefits the entire community.
  • Alderman Gregory urged the Council to move forward with a vote on reallocating $50,000 for targeted development, expressing frustration over the lengthy debate compared to other funding decisions.
  • The Council unanimously approved an amendment to the ordinance, with 10 members voting in favor and none opposed.
  • The Council unanimously approved the amended ordinance with 10 members voting in favor and none opposed.
  • The Council discussed an amendment to restrict advertising on bus benches to commercial and public service announcements, with concerns raised about limiting private business decisions.
  • Alderman Williams explained that the proposed amendment would prohibit political advertising on bus benches located in the public right of way, emphasizing the city's authority to regulate such content and clarifying that commercial advertising would still be allowed.
  • The Council approved the amended bus bench advertising ordinance, with the mayor breaking a tie to support the amendment and the final vote passing unanimously.
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