The Springfield City Council on Tuesday voted down a proposal to give them oversight of certain new apartment and storage unit developments. The proposal comes about a month after the council approved raising the threshold to trigger oversight of large scale developments. Springfield mayor Jim Langfelder had proposed a change to the city’s large scale […]
Government
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Building permit roundup – June 15-21, 2017
The following building, electrical or other permits were recently approved for projects in Springfield by the City of Springfield Building and Zoning Office: -Silverleaf Children’s Academy, 2715 S. Fourth St., obtained a permit for a 3,800-square-foot remodel. The contractor is Joyner Construction, and the project valuation is $80,000. -Glen Garrison obtained a permit obtained a permit […]
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Springfield prepares to build Ash and Laurel underpasses
The City of Springfield is poised to accept a $14 million federal grant to help pay for new underpasses where Ash and Laurel streets cross the 10th Street rail corridor. The underpasses are the next phase of Springfield’s ongoing rail relocation project. At a Springfield City Council Committee of the Whole meeting on Tuesday, the […]
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Redpath proposes new TIF to enable subdivision development
Ward 1 Ald. Chuck Redpath is proposing the creation of a new TIF district near Rochester to enable a subdivision development. The Springfield City Council Committee of the Whole voted on Tuesday to forward the proposed ordinance to the full city council for a vote. According to a proposed ordinance under consideration by the city […]
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City considers further change to large scale development oversight
The Springfield City Council is considering another change to its oversight of large scale developments, potentially specifying that certain multi-family residential projects and storage unit projects would be subject to review. In May, the council approved raising the project acreage which would trigger the review process. On Tuesday, the council’s Committee of the Whole forwarded […]
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Dish Network ordered to pay $280m in fines over telemarketing practices in Illinois and three other states
TV provider Dish Network LLC was ordered to pay $280 million in fines this week in a federal lawsuit filed in Springfield. The lawsuit, filed in March 2009 by the attorneys general of Illinois and three other states, alleged that Dish Network violated federal law regarding telemarketing practices. In an order filed June 5, U.S. […]
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Home builders protest tax on repair service
By Monica Stabile The Home Builders Association of Illinois spoke out Tuesday against service tax legislation which they say would cause a loss of more than 500 jobs and almost $8 million in state revenue. Meanwhile, the bill’s sponsor says she would change the proposal if other lawmakers would agree. The proposal being considered by […]
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Illinois considers entrepreneur ‘learner’s permit’
By Monica Stabile Legislation to provide financial incentives for first-time business owners was approved Wednesday by the Illinois Senate. Dubbed the “Entrepreneur Learner’s Permit,” the pilot program hopes to boost small business growth by reimbursing some licensing and permit costs to first-time business owners. Entrepreneurs who qualify for the program include new information services, biotechnology and […]
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Legalized recreational marijuana could boost state revenue
By Monica Stabile State lawmakers are exploring the possibility of a budding industry to create an additional revenue source for Illinois by legalizing recreational marijuana. Chicago Democrats Sen. Heather Steans and Rep. Kelly Cassidy have proposed a measure that would allow adults aged 21 and older to possess, grow and purchase marijuana as long as […]
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Bill would claw back tax breaks for businesses leaving Illinois
By Monica Stabile Illinois House Democrats passed legislation on Monday that would require businesses which move all or part of their operations out-of-state to repay money from tax breaks. The Keep Illinois Business Act would preserve taxpayer’s money by preventing companies from “abusing” Illinois tax incentives and hurting economic development, said Rep. Michael Halpin, the […]
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City hopes to use TIF for home rehab, first responder grants in Enos Park
The City of Springfield wants to establish a pair of programs in Enos Park using TIF funds for exterior home rehabilitation and grants to police and firemen who choose live in the neighborhood. The Enos Park Exterior Rehabilitation Program would provide up to $15,000 to owner-occupied properties in the TIF district covering the Enos Park […]
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Developer seeks TIF approval to buy former surveying museum downtown
A Springfield developer is hoping to buy the downtown building that formerly housed the National Museum of Surveying, using $120,000 in TIF funds. Chris Nickell’s 521 East LLC seeks to access TIF money for the purchase of 521 E. Washington St. The City of Springfield sought to buy the building with $425,000 in TIF funds […]