Arjun Thakkar

Contentious housing project in Urbana divides city council members, residents
During a Monday Committee of the Whole meeting, the city considered a developer proposal to build a four-story apartment building on West Main Street just north of Boneyard Creek.

Champaign considers increase in stormwater utility fee, seeks funding for road maintenance
Champaign’s draft capital improvements plan discusses various road and infrastructure projects. Officials discussed concerns with the adoption of electric vehicles, noting the change is reducing local gas tax revenue for road improvements.

City of Champaign budget proposal calls for new homeless services manager, boosting fire department staff
The city’s budget proposal calls for new spending that would continue gun violence prevention programs, support homelessness services and fund pedestrian-friendly road construction projects. Officials also authorized funding to keep the Strides shelter open through June.

Congresswoman Budzinski discusses recent rumors of ICE in C-U and Farm Bill during meeting with local officials, advocates
Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski and Urbana Mayor DeShawn Williams met with advocates in Champaign on Monday to discuss immigration enforcement concerns. The meeting comes after false rumors spread last week that Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers were being sent to the area.

South Mattis Avenue in Champaign to close through December for resurfacing, new bike lanes
South Mattis Avenue will be closed through December starting this week from Windsor to Curtis Road. Champaign officials say the new design will be easier to maintain and create new options for people who are not driving.

Savoy celebrates 70 years since the village’s incorporation
The village of Savoy turned 70 years old last week. In that time, the town has grown from a few hundred residents to nearly 9,000 people. Officials there are looking forward to future development projects.