By Howard Packowitz
NORMAL – Opponents of an office plaza in Uptown Normal have until Friday to save three buildings that would be demolished to make way for the five-story Trail East development.
Almost a month ago, the town’s historic preservation commission refused to grant demolition permits for the buildings on Beaufort Street, along with a colorful mural adorning the exterior of one of the buildings.
Mayor Chris Koos said the town council appears ready to allow a 30 day window to expire, rejecting pleas to pursue landmark status for the structures on the northeast portion of Uptown Circle.
Stan Nord, who’s running for a council seat in the April 2 election, has taken to social media pleading for the public to contact council members.
“A huge constituent base, and your own commission are asking to save a bit of history,” Nord said in a Facebook posting.
Koos believes Nord’s objections are politically motivated.
“I’ve heard this from 2001 from people that have run for office. They’re taking a position of being against something so they can stand out in an election cycle. I’ve been down this road before four or five times already. That’s what’s going on here,” said Koos.
Nord said the town is wasting taxpayer money by providing financial incentives for a project that isn’t creating new businesses and jobs.
“Economic incentives should be used to bring new businesses, new revenue, and new permanent jobs to our community. The businesses you say are moving into this building are already located in our community,” said Nord.
“No new jobs, no new homes, no new customers to shop or eat in our community. We are just shuffling around what is already here at a huge expense to Normal residents, our history, and Unit 5,” Nord also said.
Koos said existing businesses moving into Trail East are adding to their workforce, and Council member Kevin McCarthy claimed the planned food hall will act as an incubator so local food entrepreneurs can start up their own businesses.
“So we have a new business that’s in the business of helping other people start businesses,” said McCarthy, whose seat is not up for re-election this year.
McCarthy added the developer is planning on bringing in another business incubator to set up shop at Trail East.
Howard Packowitz can be reached at [email protected]
