Marram Health Center | Partners | NWI.Life

Normal Council OKs Actions Related To Uptown Pedestrian Underpass Project

The Normal Town Council approved several measures Monday related to the pedestrian underpass project at the train station in Uptown.

Council members discussed and approved an agreement with Union Pacific Railroad Company concerning the "construction, maintenance, and use" of the railroad during the project.

Council member Kathleen Lorenz raised concerns about the language in the agreement, drawing attention to sections that stipulate Normal would be on the hook for any "significant cost" associated with repairing the railroad because of the underpass project.

Town officials described the language in the agreement as "boilerplate" and clarified they don't foresee the railroad needing any repairs due to the underpass project.

"They're casting a very wide net, as you would expect," said city manager Pam Reece, referring to the language Union Pacific Railroad Company used in the contract.

The council also discussed and authorized an agreement with CIRBN LLC to create an alternative fiber optic cable route to serve town facilities during the underpass project in the amount of $49,258, and an agreement with AmerenIP to temporarily relocate a KV line during the project, which will cost $164,920.

Lorenz also asked if all of the costs associated with the underpass that were approved Monday were part of the initial cost planning and estimate for the project. Reece confirmed that they were.

Also at the meeting, student members of Youth on a Mission, a project seeking to engage area high school students in municipal government, presented four projects recommending changes to the Town of Normal government and policies.

"Youth on a Mission is a youth council from the Town of Normal," explained Paige Malloy, who serves as the program's coordinator. "The students in this program spend about seven months working on a project that they care about. Back in October they spent a whole weekend with us here in the Uptown station coming up with ideas that they want to see in our community, researching those ideas, and then sharing those ideas with a lot of people."

The students met with many elected officials, including council members, state Rep. Sharon Chung, and U.S. Rep. Eric Sorensen.

The first three presentations directly addressed diversity, equity, and inclusion concerns, and were titled "Refreshing the Human Relations Commission," "Unity Through Public Display," and "Immigration Initiative."

The final presentation, given by Normal Community High School sophomores Vivaan Reddy and River Stokes-Dorsey, proposed creating a micro-community in Normal to address the housing crisis. Such a community would have small homes for individuals to live in, and provide them with workforce development and similar opportunities.

This presentation sparked the interest of Lorenz, who said Home Sweet Home Ministries is considering a similar solution in Bloomington to the currently growing homeless encampment there.

Lorenz spoke in favor of these kinds of solutions, adding that "it does take zoning changes… it takes some political will."

The students mentioned that a micro-community called Hope Village is currently in development in Champaign-Urbana.

In other business, the the council:

Approved rezoning a property on Willow from a single-family home to multi-family units. This move comes amid broader conversations following the McLean County Regional Planning Commission's release and presentation to the council of a Housing Recovery Plan that recommends zoning more multi-family units to address the housing shortage.

Authorized a purchase agreement for a parcel on Charlotte Drive in the amount of $10 for stormwater improvement. Town officials hope this will address some of the area residents' concerns that have been brought to the council concerning flooding, though Reece noted the move does not address the "sump pump issue."

Head To Uptown GR For Mother's Day

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) – We all know that mom deserves the very best, so when shopping for Mother's Day, we really want to find that one of a kind gift that we know mom will love. When you shop local, you're likely to find unique gifts that are handcrafted, that are unique and just as special as mom is! So, where do you find gifts like that? Uptown Grand Rapids, a vibrant district that encompasses four walkable neighborhoods in Grand Rapids: Eastown, East Hills, East Fulton and Wealthy Street. We have Ingrid here today with some ideas!

IN EASTOWN DISTRICT:High Tea – A classic British afternoon tea-room that offers an upscale tea-time fine-dining experience. WOMAN OWNED! LOCAL SUPPORTING LOCAL!

IN EAST HILLS DISTRICT:Nestology – Home décor, apparel and accessories boutique that is largely comprised of handmade goods from local makers. WOMAN OWNED! LOCAL SUPPORTING LOCAL!

IN EAST FULTON DISTRICT:Cakabakery – A custom dessert bakery with a daily rotating assortment of from-scratch cookies, cupcakes and more. LOCAL SUPPORTING LOCAL!

IN WEALTHY STREET DISTRICT/MOM'S DAY MINI HOP:Plant Shop –Big assortment of traditional and specialty indoor plants of all sizes, as well as modern botanical interior design and consulting services. WOMAN OWNED. PARTICIPANT IN WEALTHY STREET MOM DAY HOP.

Phoenix and Rose – Brand new boutique opening on May 11. Shop offers metaphysical and handmade items created by the owner plus a courtyard that will serve as an outdoor activation space for yoga, sound baths, reiki, etc. WOMAN CO-OWNED. PARTICIPANT IN WEALTHY STREET MOM DAY HOP.

Louise Earl – Butcher shop (locally sourced 100% hormone and antibiotic free) but also impressive culinary speciality shop featuring cookware, gourmet grocery goods, and extensive wine and bubbly. WOMAN CO-OWNED. PARTICIPANT IN WEALTHY STREET MOM DAY HOP.

Uptown Grand Rapids

Directory: UptownGR.Com/Directory-UptownInstagram/Facebook: @UptownGR

Uptown Night Market Returns With Impressive 80-vendor Lineup

HARLEM, N.Y. (PIX11) — The Uptown Night Market is kicking off on Thursday under the arches at 12th Avenue and 133rd Street.

The open-air market, which begins at 4 p.M., features 80 vendors and performances from DJ Cosi and Harlem Late Night Jazz.

The market runs through October and is held every second Thursday of the month. Admission is free but RSVPs are encouraged.

Ben Mitchell is a digital content producer from Vermont who has covered both local and international news since 2021. He joined PIX11 in 2024. See more of his work here.

---