By HOI ABC
BLOOMINGTON (Heart of Illinois ABC) – A $25 to $30 million proposal could renew the ‘Streetscape’ in downtown Bloomington.
City Manager Tim Gleason plans to seek approval for the first part of the plan, a $750,000 study already appropriated in the city’s budget, in August. The changes under the proposal are largely functional, and could include narrowing streets to make way for more parking and outdoor dining, a driverless trolley system and more.
“We want the downtown, we think it is already, that it’s a destination, but we want it to be even more of a destination,” Gleason said.
The funding beyond the initial study is not yet finalized, but it could come from creating a ‘TIF’ District across the entire downtown area, that would funnel future property taxes toward the project.
Charlie Moore at the McLean County Chamber of Commerce says it would be a worthwhile investment that could bring business and tourism and growth to the area.
“Having a plan, a ‘Streetscape plan to really call for that private sector investment, to lure investors into buildings and growth and business development,” Moore said.
“Any enhancement of economic development is going to create a better experience for our visitors,” Visit BN President Crystal Howard said.
The project could take several years to complete and could be done in phases. He says the final cost of the project is not yet finalized, but it should be between $25 and $30 million.
“A beautification component, a functional component.,” Gleason said. “All of the above is possible.”
HOI ABC can be reached at [email protected].
