ABOVE: City of Danville Community Development Administrator Logan Cronk
In late October, the City of Danville had a press release that Danville was encouraged to apply again for the Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) Homeowner Assistance Fund Home Repair Program. And then, on Tuesday (November 12th), Danville received a phone call that they’ll be receiving $690,000 in additional funds, and that Danville’s execution of the program is being used as a model for other cities interested in the program. Community Development Administrator Logan Cronk says he credits that to his staff, and especially Christina Turner for her efforts navigating the program.
AUDIO: Some of that will be going towards the administrative cost for managing the program. But a good majority of it will be going towards more homes on the waiting list. We’re super excited, and hopefully you’ll just keep seeing these homes being fixed up around the town. Christina is responsible for all grant management with me. She does all the vouchers payables, and puts together the extensive grant documentation that goes along with a grant like this.
As was mentioned in the press release, no additional applications for the program will be taken. Instead, those that applied the first time will keep their places in line, and will be contacted by the city if they are selected for work on their homes.
Meanwhile, the city has acquired the properties that once held two long time Danville businesses for tear down and future use purposes. One is the old Millikin Dry Cleaners at 615 North Vermilion. The other is the old Chart Records at 131 North Vermilion downtown, next to the city owned property at 129 North Vermilion where the front wall was recently knocked out. Cronk says the city knew what the condition of the Millikin building was, but were a bit surprised when they found out the condition of the old Chart Records.
AUDIO: The old Millikin Dry Cleaners building was owner instigated. The building truly has no more useful life and is turning dangerous. Chart records, it was a surprise to the City of Danville to see the condition of the roof and the walls.
A variety of future uses could come to either location. Mayor Rickey Williams, Jr mentioned that the Millikin location is close to Red Mask’s Kathryn Randolph Theatre, and they have been asking about possible additional nearby parking space.
