The Normal Town Council is expected to vote Monday on whether to prohibit pedestrian loitering at busy intersections and take the first step toward stopping more smoke shops from opening in Uptown.
The ordinance to prohibit pedestrian loitering comes as panhandlers – asking for money, food or other assistance – have become regular fixtures at some Bloomington-Normal intersections.
In a memo to council members, Town of Normal staff say pedestrian loitering increases “the likelihood of vehicle vs. vehicle and vehicle vs. pedestrian traffic accidents caused by drivers reacting to unexpected pedestrians.”
The proposed ordinance prohibits pedestrians from loitering in all medians not designed for pedestrian occupancy located at intersections with traffic lights. The occupancy prohibition extends along the median to 100 feet back from the intersection. The ordinance also prohibits loitering in the medians found at the intersections of Greenbriar Drive and Fort Jesse Road, and Greenbriar Drive and Shepard Road. Both intersections are not signalized and can be difficult to navigate at busy times.
The town says the "proposed ordinance would not impact pedestrians that are lawfully crossing the street and does provide exceptions for emergencies, certain roadwork, and special events that have closed down a street."
Smoke shops in Uptown
Uptown Normal is already home to several smoke shops. But there may not be any more allowed in.
The Town Council on Monday will consider whether to begin work on a zoning change that would ultimately prohibit “tobacco shops and similar establishments” from opening in Uptown in the future. (Existing shops would be allowed to continue as a nonconforming use, according to the town.)
The town has historically kept tight control over building design, land uses, and public spaces in the Uptown area. Town zoning code lays out what kinds of businesses are allowed, and tobacco shops are currently OK.
“Tobacco shops may no longer be a suitable permitted use in the (Uptown) zoning district,” town staff wrote in a memo to council members. “Since the district’s creation, the retail tobacco market has changed dramatically. These types of establishments now stock items such as vaping supplies, electronic cigarettes and other alternative nicotine products and hemp-derived cannabinoids, such as cannabidiol and Delta 8-THC. Many of these products are being marketed in ways that appeal to youth and young adults. Additionally, with the decriminalization of cannabis in Illinois, these stores frequently promote cannabis accessories. The proliferation of these establishments in Uptown would run counter to the purpose and policy of the zoning district.”
If the council approves, the issue will then go to the Normal Planning Commission for a public hearing (possibly in May) and further action on the zoning text amendment.
