TIF Districts provide funding for public infrastructure that would not otherwise happen and jumpstart economic recovery in distressed area, but many areas of the City currently don’t benefit from a TIF and continue to suffer neglect and abandonment. Downtown Springfield benefits from its own TIF producing $5 million annually for exclusively downtown projects, and Enos Park benefits from its $400,000 annual TIF, recently used to implement lighting and sidewalk improvements.
MacArthur TIF
On September 6, 2011, the Springfield, City Council voted to begin creation of Springfield’s ninth tax increment financing district along MacArthur Boulevard, an initiative sponsored by me and Ward 6 Alderman Cory Jobe. The proposed TIF district area would include both sides of MacArthur from South Grand Avenue to Summit Avenue, from alley to alley, but would include only properties fronting the street. Aldermen also approved a $29,000 contract with Peckham, Guyton, Albers & Viets Inc. to serve as the city’s consultant on creation of the district.
Private funding for the TIF start-up will come from The Chamber $10k, Town and Country Shopping Center $10k, Town and Country Bank $3k, Leland Grove $1k, City of Jermoe $1k, and the MBBA $5k. The seed money would be paid back from TIF revenue.
The set-up plan will follow an accelerated schedule for TIF formation, including preparation, an eligibility study, Springfield City staff review, public hearings with all public taxing bodies and proximate property owners, and the Joint Review Board. The TIF could be finalized as early as February or March of 2012.
A timeline for the start-up process can be downloaded here… (PDF)
TIF Update November, 2011
The City Council adopted the first of several resolutions and ordinances in September 2011 to establish the “Mac” TIF. On Nov 18, our City filed a Redevelopment Plan for the corridor with the City Clerk. This will now trigger a series of Notices and events culminating with a Public Hearing in early 2012. Hopefully the TIF will finalize by late February and Hy-Vee can then break ground. Hy-Vee can use future real estate tax revenue (TIF funds) derived from increased property values at the site and reimburse itself for some of its development costs. Follow the SJR and other news sources for more information.
TIF Update December, 2011
The Joint Review Board voted unanimously December 23 to recommend adoption of MacArthur TIF.
TIF Update January, 2012
By Deanna Stroisch, State Journal Register – January 20th
About 20 people attended the 20-minute hearing at Municipal Center West — one of the largest crowds for a public hearing that Mike Farmer, the city’s director of planning and economic development, can remember.
In its 77-page report, PGAV Planners estimates that redeveloping MacArthur from South Grand to Summit avenues — the area eyed for the new TIF — could cost $27.5 million. Most of that eventually could be paid for through the district. Consultants suggested a redevelopment plan consisting of both private and public investments, ranging from fixing streets and sidewalks to rehabilitating existing properties and demolishing others. The 106-acre study area includes a total of 183 parcels, of which only four are vacant land.
Ward 7 Ald. Joe McMenamin said there is “overwhelming support within Ward 7 and along the boulevard.”
Aldermen will debate three different proposals creating a tax increment finance district along MacArthur Boulevard, along with a plan to redevelop the area next month. A final vote could come Feb. 21. Council debate and a vote on creating a new TIF district, along with a plan to redevelop the area, are scheduled for next month.
Read the full story at sj-r.com…
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IDOT MacArthur Boulevard study to be released next week Apr 15, 2016
Tim Landis
The State Journal-Register
MacArthur Boulevard alternatives in a state transportation study to be released next week range from basic repaving to roadway expansion plans that would affect up to 156 parcels of land along the busy thoroughfare.
The Illinois Department of Transportation has scheduled a public meeting for Thursday on six alternatives — ranging in cost from $1.1 million to $16.5 million — resulting from a two-year study of boulevard traffic patterns, safety issues and beautification between South Grand Avenue and Wabash Avenue. A group of city officials, including Mayor Jim Langfelder and Ward 7 Ald. Joe McMenamin Read the rest of this entry »
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Local Business Notes: Grocery stores to condos — what’s next for Esquire? Apr. 25, 2015
Tim Landis
The State Journal-Register
THE ESQUIRE THEATRE site — once the building is gone — is ideal for a grocery store, two 36-unit condos, standalone retail centers and 137 parking spaces. At least that was the idea in the fall of 2010.
The Lakota Group urban planning and consulting firm offered its vision after several months of working up and down the MacArthur Boulevard, interviewing business owners and residents. Five years ago, the big challenge remained what to do with the former theater building at MacArthur and South Grand Avenue by either repairing it or knocking it down. Read the rest of this entry »
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Crews prepare former Esquire Theatre for demolition Apr. 21, 2015
Tim Landis
The State Journal-Register
A member of the family that founded the Family Video Inc. nationwide chain of video stores is the new owner of the former Esquire Theatre in Springfield. The immediate plan, said a representative for Eric Hoogland, is to demolish the property at MacArthur Boulevard and South Grand Avenue. The building has been vacant since the theater closed in 2003. Read the rest of this entry »
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Ruler Foods in works for Esquire property on MacArthur Boulevard Jun. 11, 2015
Tim Landis
The State Journal-Register
Discount grocer Ruler Foods plans to build at the site of the soon-to-be-demolished Esquire Theatre in Springfield. A representative for the property owner confirmed Thursday that Ruler Foods, a discount brand of the Kroger supermarket chain, has a contract to purchase the property and has begun site testing.
It would be the second Ruler Foods in Springfield Read the rest of this entry »
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Developer withdraws plan for Esquire Theatre site Aug. 12, 2014
Tim Landis
The State Journal-Register
The latest plan for redevelopment of the old Esquire Theatre property in Springfield stalled before it started. Springfield developer Chris Stone said Tuesday he has pulled plans for a retail strip center on the property at MacArthur Boulevard and South Grand Avenue after he was presented with a much more ambitious — and costly — proposal that added townhouse apartments, assisted-living facilities for seniors and a seven-story office tower.
Ward 7 Ald. Joe McMenamin, whose ward includes the Esquire Read the rest of this entry »
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Letter: Neighbors appreciate new store, sidewalks Jun. 30, 2014
On behalf of neighbors who walk from the north, west and south to the new Hy-Vee Store on MacArthur Boulevard, we want to express our appreciation to Ward 7 Ald. Joe McMenamin for lobbying on behalf of the neighborhood to extend the last stretch of sidewalk west on Cherry Road to Douglas Avenue.
With the instant loyalty that clearly is being shown to this remarkable new store, we have observed happy customers with their red Hy-Vee sacks walking, biking, pushing strollers, walkers and even in wheelchairs from opening day. This last piece of uneven ground had become about impassable for foot traffic following construction, with deep holes and such to the point that entry meant walking on the increasingly busy Cherry Road, dodging traffic.
In the name of safety, we not only applaud Ald. McMenamin’s efforts Read the rest of this entry »
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Curtain may fall as former Esquire Theatre faces repairs deadline May. 17, 2014
Tim Landis
The State Journal-Register
The former Esquire Theatre in Springfield is facing a fix-or-demolish deadline this fall under a city ordinance that took effect in 2011. More than a decade after the last movie rolled, the vacant former theater building on MacArthur Boulevard near South Grand Avenue would be among early tests of an ordinance that took effect in October 2011 intended to crack down on abandoned properties. The ordinance required that buildings be brought up to code or demolished after three years on a city boarded-up property list.
The Esquire went on the list Nov. 29, 2011, according to city records. “I think the tipping point will be in the fall,” said Ward 7 Ald. Joe McMenamin Read the rest of this entry »
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Hy-Vee sets May 13 opening date for MacArthur grocery store Apr. 28, 2014
Tim Landis
The State Journal-Register
Hy-Vee will open a supermarket and convenience store on MacArthur Boulevard in Springfield on May 13. The corporate announcement on Facebook Monday came more than 2 1/2 years after the project was announced and 11 years after Kmart left the spot at 2115 S. MacArthur Blvd. that is now home to Hy-Vee. Read the rest of this entry »
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Hy-Vee supermarket construction on schedule for mid-spring opening Jan. 11, 2014
Tim Landis
The State Journal Register
The Hy-Vee supermarket is on schedule to open on MacArthur Boulevard mid-spring. Much of the work at the former Kmart site moved indoors before the snow and bitter cold that hit the region in the past week, said Ruth Comer, spokeswoman for the Iowa-based chain.
She said a store director likely would be named soon, Read the rest of this entry »
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MacArthur Park Apartments improved, but work remains Oct 27, 2013
Tim Landis
The State Journal-Register
Even longtime critics say MacArthur Park Apartments has turned a corner after years of neglect that left many of the units unliveable and the complex with a reputation as a hot spot for crime.
“It’s been quite a transition,” said Ward 7 Ald. Joe McMenamin. The apartments in the 2100 block of South MacArthur Boulevard are in McMenamin’s ward. Read the rest of this entry »
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Hy-Vee aims for spring 2014 opening in Springfield – Jun 24, 2013
Tim Landis
The State Journal-Register
The Springfield residents were among more than 100 people at the groundbreaking Monday for the long-awaited supermarket and convenience store. The Iowa supermarket chain is building on the site of the former Kmart at 2115 S. MacArthur Blvd. Plans are to open in late spring 2014. Company representatives say the store will have 400 employees.
Much of the attention Monday was on the return of a full-service grocery store to MacArthur Boulevard nearly two decades after Schnucks closed.Read the rest of this entry »
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Decline in Kmart building value to aid TIF Apr 16, 2013
Tim Landis
The State Journal-Register
The nearly 40 percent drop in the fair market value of the Kmart building on MacArthur Boulevard since the store closed in 2003 should benefit the tax increment financing district created to aid development in the area, says Ward 7 Ald. Joe McMenamin.
Hy-Vee Corp. plans to open bids next Wednesday for conversion of the former Kmart, 2115 S. MacArthur Blvd., to a full-service supermarket. Construction should begin in June, and the store is expected to open in the spring of 2014, according to the company. Read the rest of this entry »
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MacArthur Blvd. advocates’ next focus: Esquire Theatre Jan 24, 2013
DEANA STROISCH
The State Journal-Register
With a Hy-Vee deal approved, the focus along MacArthur Boulevard is shifting to the former Esquire Theatre. The building, the largest undeveloped property along MacArthur, has been empty for nearly a decade.
Ward 7 Ald. Joe McMenamin, whose ward includes the former theater property, said conditions have improved to attract a developer. Land costs have declined, interest rates are low, a new tax increment financing district exists, and there is “renewed pride and activity in the neighborhoods.” Read the rest of this entry »
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Council OKs funding for Hy-Vee construction Jan 08, 2013
Deana Stroisch
The State Journal-Register
Construction of a Hy-Vee grocery store along MacArthur Boulevard is expected to begin this spring, after Springfield aldermen Tuesday unanimously agreed to provide the company with $3.5 million in tax increment financing.
Ward 7 Ald. Joe McMenamin thanked local businesses and agencies, such as the Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce and Town & Country Shopping Center, for making pledges to jump-start the TIF district. “Hy-Vee will transform a blighted block into an oasis and restore pride to nearby neighborhoods that felt abandoned by major retailers in recent years,” McMenamin said. Read the rest of this entry »
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TIF agreement reached on Hy-Vee project Dec 14, 2012
DEANA STROISCH
The State Journal-Register
Mayor Mike Houston’s administration is recommending Hy-Vee Co. receive more than $3.5 million in tax increment financing to build a supermarket along MacArthur Boulevard. If the TIF money is approved by the Springfield City Council, construction of the 88,000-square-foot grocery store on the site of the former Kmart, 2115 S. MacArthur, could begin in the spring and take less than a year, Hy-Vee spokeswoman Ruth Comer said Friday.
The company also has an agreement to purchase the former Town & Country Shell station, which closed in October. The TIF request represents nearly 36 percent Read the rest of this entry »
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Slow pace of Hy-Vee negotiations concerns some Aug 10, 2012
Tim Landis
The State Journal Register
A group of residents and business owners along MacArthur Boulevard said Thursday they are concerned plans for a Hy-Vee supermarket have yet to be approved by the city nearly a year after the project was announced. City officials said the project remains on track, but negotiating a major development agreement, including financial incentives, takes time. Read the rest of this entry »
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Hy-Vee, city officials discussing incentives for MacArthur Project Mar 9, 2012
TIM LANDIS
The State Journal Register
Discussions have just begun with Hy-Vee Corp. about incentives to convert the former Kmart on MacArthur Boulevard to a supermarket, city economic development director Mike Farmer said Thursday. “In the next two or three weeks, they will be in town to sit down with us and go through their proposal,” Farmer told the MacArthur Boulevard Business Association.
Hy-Vee is expected to seek TIF funds to help pay renovation costs. A TIF Read the rest of this entry »
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City, Hy-Vee in final talks on MacArthur Boulevard grocery Feb 25, 2012
TIM LANDIS
The State Journal-Register
Hy-Vee Corp. will have to make one more trip to the Springfield City Council before the Iowa-based supermarket chain can begin conversion of the former Kmart building on MacArthur Boulevard, city officials say. Plans are for both to happen this spring.
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Widespread support seen for MacArthur Boulevard TIF Jan 23, 2012
DEANA STROISCH
The State Journal-Register
Trevor Miller says the roads, power lines and other infrastructure near his business on MacArthur Boulevard are in need of repair. Miller, who owns A Cut Above Barber Shop, 1812 S. MacArthur Blvd., was one of four people who spoke during a public hearing Monday on the city’s plans to redevelop a struggling section of MacArthur Boulevard using tax increment financing. “I’m all for it,” he said. “I can’t wait to see it get started.” Read the rest of this entry »
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Hy-Vee proceeds with purchase of old Kmart property Jan 20, 2012
TIM LANDIS
The State Journal-Register
Hy-Vee Corp. has exercised its option to buy the former Kmart building, an abandoned bowling alley and a payday loan store on MacArthur Boulevard in order to build a supermarket and convenience store.
Company spokeswoman Ruth Comer said Friday the Iowa-based retailer would like to begin construction as soon as possible, pending city action on creation of a tax-increment financing district along the boulevard. “We did close on the three properties we were looking at,” said Comer. “We’ll be watching closely what the city does with the TIF, as it will figure into our plans.” Read the rest of this entry »
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Aldermen move to approve Hy-Vee development Jan 03, 2012
DEANA STROISCH
The State Journal-Register
Springfield aldermen on Thursday gave initial approval to providing $3.5 million in tax increment financing to help Hy-Vee Co. build a supermarket along MacArthur Boulevard. The agreement was put on the consent agenda for final approval next week.
Hy-Vee officials have said construction on the site of the former Kmart, 2115 S. MacArthur Blvd., could begin in the spring and take less than a year. Read the rest of this entry »
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Ward 7 Newsletter January 2012
Dear Friends and Neighbors, Winter 2012
This letter updates various issues in Ward 7 and our City.
While canvassing our neighborhoods last year, many residents commented on the poor
condition of our roads and sidewalks. Many are cracked and deteriorated.
With that in mind, I have talked on several occasions with Mr. Mark Mahoney, our new City Public Works
Director, regarding the sidewalk, street, and other improvements needed in Ward
7. Although there is no guarantee, Read the rest of this entry »
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Payday loan limit having early impact, officials think Dec 31, 2011
DEANA STROISCH
The State Journal-Register
Springfield has one fewer payday loan and title store today than it did nearly two years ago, when aldermen passed rules limiting where the businesses could locate.
Data from Springfield’s planning and zoning department show that three payday loan companies have closed since 2008. Another is to be torn down to make way for a Hy-Vee grocery store on MacArthur Boulevard. Read the rest of this entry »
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Ward 7 Update November 2011
Highlights
Hy-Vee: The Future
The Hy-Vee planning and zoning process continues with all positives so far.
Hy-Vee’s zoning case next goes to the City Council December 20, 2011 for approval.
On Oct 6, I brought Hy-Vee officials in to see Mayor Houston. The Mayor and his administration have been extraordinarily helpful.
MacArthur Boulevard Tax Increment Financing District – TIF
The City Council adopted the first of several resolutions and ordinances in September 2011 to establish the “Mac” TIF. On Nov 18, our City filed a Redevelopment Plan for the corridor with the City Clerk. This will now trigger a series of Notices and events culminating with a Public Hearing in early 2012. Hopefully the TIF will finalize by late February and Hy-Vee can then break ground. Hy-Vee can use future real estate tax revenue (TIF funds) derived from increased property values at the site and reimburse itself for some of its development costs. Follow the SJR and other news sources for more information. Read the rest of this entry »
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Hy-Vee plans for old Kmart & MacArthur TIF Oct 29, 2011
TIM LANDIS
The State Journal-Register
HY-VEE’s plans to convert the former Kmart on MacArthur Boulevard to a full-service supermarket appear on track to reach the Springfield City Council in December. The Iowa retailer is scheduled to return to a Springfield-Sangamon County Regional Planning Commission committee on Thursday with a revised proposal for the supermarket and convenience store at MacArthur and Outer Park Drive. The Springfield Planning and Zoning Commission is scheduled to hear Hy-Vee requests Nov. 16 for conditional-use permits to allow for a service-station convenience store, a drive-up pharmacy and package-liquor sales. Read the rest of this entry »
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SJ-R Our Opinion: Hy-Vee plans are welcome good news Sep 29, 2011
THE STATE JOURNAL-REGISTER
The filing this week by the Hy-Vee supermarket chain of plans to renovate the former Kmart and bowling alley property represents a major step — in fact, the major step — in the revival of the MacArthur corridor.
Hy-Vee, which operates 230 stores in eight Midwestern states and is based in Des Moines, Iowa, filed plans with the Springfield-Sangamon County Regional Planning Commission to turn the property into a super center that will include a supermarket and a 2,830-square-foot gas station/convenience store. It plans to raze the bowling alley and use the existing steel superstructure of the old Kmart for a new, 92,474-square-foot grocery store. Read the rest of this entry »
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MacArthur TIF district Sept 06 2011
DEANA STROISCH
THE STATE JOURNAL-REGISTER
Aldermen voted to begin creation of Springfield’s ninth tax increment financing district along MacArthur Boulevard.
The proposed TIF district area would include both sides of MacArthur from South Grand Avenue to Summit Avenue, from alley to alley, but would include only properties that front the street.
Aldermen also approved a $29,000 contract with Peckham, Guyton, Albers & Viets Inc. to serve as the city’s consultant on creation of the district. The process could take more than a year.
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MacArthur Boulevard TIF proposals submitted to aldermen Aug 17, 2011
DEANA STROISCH
THE STATE JOURNAL-REGISTER
Proposals to create Springfield’s ninth tax increment financing district along a struggling section of MacArthur Boulevard were introduced to aldermen this week.
Mayor Mike Houston said he believes the area will meet the requirements needed to be designated as a TIF district. “The real secret in terms of dealing with something along MacArthur is limiting the boundaries,” he said. The city is targeting MacArthur Boulevard from South Grand Avenue to Summit Avenue. Houston said the TIF district area would include both sides of MacArthur — from alley to alley – but include only properties that front the street. The troubled MacArthur Park Apartments Read the rest of this entry »
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MacArthur TIF supporters to ask city for $15K Aug 11, 2011
TIM LANDIS
THE STATE JOURNAL-REGISTER
Supporters of a tax increment financing district on South MacArthur Boulevard plan to ask the city of Springfield for $15,000 toward the $49,000 cost of hiring a consultant and designing a plan for the district.
Ward 7 Ald. Joe McMenamin told a meeting of the MacArthur Boulevard Business Association on Thursday that he expects the request to be introduced to the Springfield City Council next week.
“It would be enough to accomplish all of the start-up implementation and to have a TIF in being roughly 14 months from today,” said McMenamin. Read the rest of this entry »
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MacArthur TIF; interest reported in Kmart building Jul 14, 2011
TIM LANDIS
THE STATE JOURNAL-REGISTER
Two Springfield aldermen want to move quickly to create a tax increment financing district to improve blighted areas of MacArthur Boulevard. There still is the question of cost and winning city council approval, Ward 7 Ald. Joe McMenamin and Ward 6 Ald. Cory Jobe told the Macarthur Boulevard Business Association on Thursday.
But they said developer interest in the boulevard has picked up — including an out-of-state developer who is interested in the former Kmart building — and TIF incentives could help that momentum continue.
“It’s very important that we move quickly with a TIF along MacArthur,” McMenamin said. Read the rest of this entry »
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Joe McMenamin for Ward 7 