Ryan Fiala

The mayor of Normal is answering criticism of the town council decision's to move ahead with the Uptown underpass project despite steep price increases and a larger town share of the $40.3 million cost.

Some Uptown business owners are criticizing a proposal to raise food and beverage and hotel-motel taxes in Normal. They’re also not happy about an accelerated timeline to a council vote on Monday — just three business days after the proposal became public.

McLean County could soon be getting its fifth craft brewery—and its first in Uptown Normal.Plans are underway to open the Fiala Brothers Brewhouse at 127…