One week after Carl Abbott expressed concern to a Danville Council committee about having to move because of the Kirchner Building Services relocation project northwest of Gilbert and Fairchild, he returned to the full City Council with more passion and brought a neighbor with him. That neighbor, Doug Clark, did not mince any words to the council, nor to us afterwards.
AUDIO: Well, I find it odd that the City of Danville was always able to find me when there was an alleged code violation at my address. But they couldn’t seem to find me when they wanted to talk about this issue. Why would that be, I wonder? So they found me then. Why couldn’t they find me now? I think they’re trying to be secretive, for their own purposes. I’ve been betrayed.
For Abbott, the concern is, why isn’t there a compensation plan being worked on now, so he can at least have some peace of mind.
AUDIO: Let’s just open the lines of communication, even though it should have happened on that end first. The city should have contacted, whatever. What I’m dealing with is this, and I’m not getting solid answers. That’s all I’m asking for, just get me an answer, or let me go find one. Dear God, please let no other family, or no other resident, have to go through this.
Abbott said he was told if he moves too soon he could lose compensation, and Mayor Rickey Williams, Jr said; there’s a reason for that. An agreement with Abbott’s landlord must be done first.
AUDIO: If we give Mr. Abbott opportunity to relocate, the building could be open for another year or two before this project comes to fruition. So in the meantime, that person could then rent out the building, and then we’re going to have to move someone else. So relocation is contingent upon the sale of the property.
Meanwhile, the city’s agreement with the developer for Turk Furniture to be turned into three restaurants on the bottom floor was passed by the full council, with the city kicking in $600,000. But as far as what restaurants are coming, the mayor said, one remains certain, that’s Firewater BBQ; the other two are in the works, though one will be Italian.
AUDIO: I can tell you the Italian restaurant is nailed down to two, and the third restaurant is about a 60/40, so it’s not a certain yet. Firewater BBQ is for sure, we will be getting an Italian restaurant of some kind, and then the third restaurant is still yet to be determined.
Ward One Alderwoman Brenda Brown addresses the City Council on her need to step down because of moving to another ward.
Also from the meeting, Ward One Alderman Brenda Brown has officially resigned from the City Council because she’s moving to another ward. But Brown says, she’ll still be around.
AUDIO: I’m involved with other boards in Danville, and so that will probably involve me with some of the things with City Council. But I do intend to still attend meetings for City Council, and if any way that people still call me to be a voice for whatever ward it is. Because I have a great passion for my home of Danville, Illinois; a great city.
Brown’s position is now officially declared vacant; residents can send their interest in the position, along with a resume, to Mayor Williams.
We should also mention that Alice Payne was named to fill the position on the Danville Public Library Board once held by Linda Bolton. Library Director Jennifer Hess says, Bolton is very much missed.
AUDIO: I would not be lying to say that I miss Linda every day; miss her enthusiasm and her energy on the board. We have our Linda Bolton gathering space that was named after her, which is a good reminder of her passion for the library. We look forward to moving ahead.
For Fiscal Year 2021-2022, the Danville Public Library reported nearly 29-hundred library card holders, over 126,000 items borrowed, and over 10,000 attendees to 300 different programs.
