At the beginning of Tuesday evening’s (Jan 6th) Danville City Council meeting; Mayor Rickey Williams, Jr spoke excessively about the news in late 2025 that Hyster-Yale was moving to Avon, Indiana; along with the news that a proposed new consolidated Hyster-Yale site for the Danville area was turned down. Williams recalled that it was two years ago that Hyster-Yale talked about a new Danville area site for consolidation.
The major focus was on land northwest of Bowman and West Newell, owned by developer Paul Offutt. Although the mayor and Offutt have clashed in the past, Williams stated that the entire effort on this proposed facility showed how numerous parties, including the State of Illinois, could work together. Williams recalled getting significant help from the state when Hyster-Yale first asked for an additional $1.5 million, and later an additional $5 million. Then, the mayor recalled, Offutt came up with a way to save up to perhaps $10 million on the project; by dropping the price to Hyster-Yale to construct the facility on his property. But despite all that, Hyster-Yale said “no thank you” and turned their future focus to Avon, Indiana. But Mayor Williams said ongoing efforts are a sign that something can still arrive there.
AUDIO: We still advanced forward the idea of making that area an enterprise zone; which would come with huge tax benefits as we move forward as a community. And would help us to continue in developing that area.
When reached by CIMG, Paul Offutt agreed; stating that as hard as all parties worked with the state on the recent effort, another entity, perhaps someone from the Chicago area looking to move downstate, should be drawn to this 50 acre site.
And on another point: Who can help them get here? Mayor Williams says whoever takes over as executive director of Vermilion Advantage needs to take more of a proactive than a reactive approach. He says Logan Cronk’s Community Development staff should not make all initial contacts.
AUDIO: For example; any time we reach out for new restaurants, 95-99% of the time it’s been Logan and his team. That’s a role that Vermilion Advantage should be taking on. And I do believe that they will.
Williams is on the Vermilion Advantage Board of Directors, as they seek a new leader after Mike Marron’s recent departure.
