Infrastructure

The new $1.7 trillion federal spending plan just signed into law includes millions in earmarks for projects in McLean County, including Illinois State University’s nursing college, a new pedestrian and bike path along College Avenue, and a sewer project in Heyworth.

The Bloomington City Council on Monday increased its combined property tax levies to about $28.6 million, an estimated 7% increase over last year’s figure.

City Manager Pam Reece said the Vision Zero-Go Safe Plan to eliminate auto collisions with walkers and bikers is one the themes to emerge from a recent strategic planning session.

The Main Street Water Main project is big, more than 5,000 feet in length. Two stretches of Main Street would see pipes replaced — between Division Street and Virginia Avenue, and from Beaufort Street to College Avenue.

Illinois State University President Terri Goss Kinzy says people on campus can feel the difference in energy from the last two years that were dominated by COVID-19. She takes the high spirits among students on the first day of class, and among faculty during an opening reception, as positive signs.

A new ward map for Bloomington reshapes the city’s districts ahead of the April 2023 election, with downtown now entirely falling within Ward 6.

It could be easier to plant a bunch of signs in your yard in Normal. Town staff have requested that the council ask the Planning Commission to rework the sign ordinance.

Bloomington will soon have quicker access to legal marijuana after the city council this week approved a zoning provision clearing the way for the new weed sales outlet near Walmart on the city's west side. Estimated potential revenue from a second marijuana sales outlet could be $300,000 a year.

Gov. JB Pritzker was in Bloomington on Wednesday to promote the impact of his Rebuild Illinois plan, which he said has repaired and replaced more than 3,500 miles of roads and nearly 350 bridges statewide.

The new five-year capital projects blueprint for the Town of Normal includes more than 400 projects and an estimated $157 million in spending. The town council takes up the Community Investment Plan Monday evening.