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The Brick Block - 101 West Main Street Report |
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Because of the City Attorney's concerns about the ongoing legal action related to the building at 101 West Main Street, the City Council has not been able to fully share information with our citizens about the process. With many of those legal issues behind us, we would like to take this opportunity to provide the community with information and status of activities concerning this building. First and foremost, it is important to understand that in dealing with this unexpected event, the City has been guided by four key principles: 1. The protection of the health, safety, and economic welfare of the public in a timely manner. 2. Respect the rights of the property owner and follow the intent and letter of the law in all proceedings to rectify an unsafe situation. 3. Pursue solutions in a cost-effective manner and minimize or eliminate the need for use of local tax dollars. 4. Maintain the long term business fabric of the downtown, realizing that a viable building is better than an empty lot (a view supported by economic development professionals and community input). Demolition of the building was always a solution in consideration, but it was complicated by the fact that all three building sections of the "Brick Block" building: 101, 103, and 105-107 West Main Street are one structural unit owned by three different individuals. In the professional analysis of the building's condition provided by the City's engineer and contractors, it was estimated that the cost of tearing down 101 and providing adequate support for the remaining buildings would be $371.000, which is more than the $360,000 cost projected for rebuilding 101. The City entered into an ownership agreement for 101 out of necessity. The City found no evidence that the building's owner was assuming responsibility for the state of the building. The owner's inaction strongly suggested that the City would be ultimately responsible for the disposition of the building. Ownership provided the City with flexibility to deal with the issue and a way of speeding up the emergency stabilization process that was bound up in legal action. At the present time the repair of this building as a viable place of business is the most cost-effective alternative for dealing with this incident. We are investigating, along with structural engineers, contractors, and economic professionals, the various scenarios to do so at minimum to no cost to our taxpayers. This investigation meshes well with our guiding principle to maintain the health, safely and economic viability of our unique downtown assets. These principles and directions were not adopted in isolation, in haste or without forethought. They are a result of the collective Community Vision Goals developed in 2007 through the Western Illinois University, Management and Planning Programs in Non-Metropolitan Groups (MAPPING). MAPPING included extensive input and involvement from a diverse group of over 100 Morrison citizens from all sectors of our community. The maintenance and economic preservation of the downtown area was determined to be a high priority of the MAPPING program. This position was earlier supported by community input related to the development of the Morrison Comprehensive Plan of 2002. Prior to the events leading to the collapse of the east wall of 101 West Main, the City had begun to explore ways to stabilize and improve both the structures and the livelihood of businesses in the downtown. We think it is in the community's interest to investigate ways to help business and building owners help themselves. The City developed a relationship and entered into a development agreement with Peoples Economic Development Corporation, a corporation whose business goal is helping communities deal with economic development and preservation issues. Peoples was attracted to Morrison because we have a unique and historic business district, and Morrison is one of ten Illinois communities selected as demonstration communities to receive funding and technical assistance for the economic revitalization of our downtown business district. Peoples agreed that the exterior restoration of 101 West Main would be a good first project for which they can obtain support for federal grant funding. We have ample reason to think and have been so assured, that through this relationship we will receive a grant in the amount of $370,000 for the reconstruction of the exterior of 101 West Main Street, and receive future assistance for the development of the interior. If we demolish 101, we will not receive this funding, and future assistance to help other businesses make the necessary critical repairs to their buildings will be seriously imperiled. The former Director of Economic Development Programs for the Illinois State Treasurer and the former Director and CEO of the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency are the principals for Peoples Economic Development Corporation in Illinois. Their team includes experts in the areas of architecture, planning, finance, economic development, municipal management, banking, geography and mapping. The Mayor and City Council of the City of Morrison have developed initiatives to better develop a community relationship with its businesses. 1. On Wednesday, July 15th, from 5:00 to 7:00 pm. in the Community Room of the Odell Library, the Chamber of Commerce is hosting a panel-format question and answer session with both Chamber of Commerce and City officials. All interested business owners are encouraged to attend and to submit their questions. 2. The City is forming a business advisory commission. This idea has been in planning and the concept was approved by the City Council at its June 22nd meeting. The purpose of this committee is to create a direct relationship with the business community and to jointly work together. 3. The City is moving its Council meetings to a larger, more welcoming, and more accessible venue in the Community room beginning with its regular meeting Monday. July 13, at 7 p.m. Following is a timeline detailing the activities associated with 101 West Main Street. August 2008
September 2008
October, November, December 2008
January 2009
May 2009
June 2009
by Editor, theCity1.com |
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