During Tuesday evening’s Danville City Council meeting, an adjustment to the Downtown Danville Tax Increment Financing (TIF) District was passed; allowing for $50,000 in grants from the TIF to go to Bresee Bar and Grill’s plans to have outdoor seating at their North Street location. As Danville Community Development Administrator Logan Cronk stated to CIMG once again, this is not just to help one entity. Instead, it is meant as an assist for the entire downtown area.
AUDIO: Really, we’re trying to adapt to what most, if not all, successful downtowns across the country are doing. They’re expanding sidewalks, they’re bringing in the arts culture; and people want to hang out and spend time downtown. This isn’t just for one business to expand and utilize. It’s to bring people downtown, and spend more time and more money.
Alderman Tom Hightown (1st Picture, center) and Mayor Rickey Williams, Jr (2nd Picture, center) exchange opinions on opportunities for TIF districts and development on Danville’s east side.
With Aldermen Butler, Strebing, and Ahrens absent; the vote went 10 “yes,” and one abstention. The latter came from Alderman Tom Hightower. He stated that too much attention for development is going downtown, and not enough on Danville’s east side that he represents. When Mayor Rickey Williams, Jr stated that TIF district opportunities are also available for the east side, Hightower countered that no one from the city ever comes by to share information about it. Hightower says he actually learned more from last Friday’s (July 17th) STEPUP meeting at Second Church of Christ.
AUDIO: I didn’t have an idea these many resources were available until I went to the STEPUP program. Now that I found out there are so many resources and stuff available; I’m going to make certain that I find, for my constituents, the right resources and the right things they need.
In other City Council action, the zoning special use permit for the old Logan Street Appliance Center was approved at 216 North Logan; where Marcus Johnson and Brittani Phelps have plans for a new youth athletic training center.
Also, the City of Danville’s two year package of $2,500 in monthly assistance to the Danville Rescue men’s homeless shelter was approved. However, Catherine Ewing took to the podium to talk about how much assistance is still needed to help with daily expenses. Ewing was joined at the podium by Hope Garrett, who stated she is helping Michael and Catherine Ewing in trying to find a better deal on their the shelter’s insurance; which is currently $2,700 per month.
Hope Garrett (L) joins Catherine Ewing at the podium; to tell the Danville City Council about attempts to find Danville Rescue a better insurance deal.
