Grocery store a priority for ISU students in Uptown renovations

Posted on July 29, 2022
Multiple students from Illinois State University spoke out about including a grocery store in the plans. (WJBC File Photo)

By HOI ABC

NORMAL (Heart of Illinois ABC) – The town of Normal shared ideas for the new Uptown south located at the center of town during a Town Meeting.

The town revealed the results of a survey that over 800 community members completed. Many wanted the 8-acres to be a walkable, bike-able green space that balanced shops, outdoors and resident areas.

Multiple students from Illinois State University spoke out about including a grocery store in the plans. The students shared their struggles with getting affordable whole foods within walking distance of their campus.

“We need a cost-effective grocery store in the uptown area and this project would be perfect for there,” One ISU student said.

“We have no food. We are hungry and having a grocery store I think would be beneficial,” Another student said.

The meeting also highlighted 3 potential ideas for reconstruction, but final ideas won’t be done until later this year.

HOI ABC can be reached at [email protected].

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