Rep. Mitchell renews push to use Lincoln Estates homes for Ill. veterans

[December 10, 2010]  State Rep. Bill Mitchell, R-Forsyth, stopped in Lincoln yesterday afternoon, on the ground of the former Lincoln Developmental Center, renamed Lincoln Estates.

Mitchell held a press conference to state that he was renewing his push to use the shuttered LDC for Illinois veterans -- specifically the four group homes that were built by the state in 2004 and never opened.

Mitchell proposed that the four four-bedroom buildings be used to house Illinois veterans with Alzheimer's or for other services for disabled veterans.

"The state of Illinois spent over $4 million to build this facility and it is sitting empty," Mitchell said. "Logan County has been struggling since the closure of LDC and we need jobs here. Finding a use for LDC will help boost economic development and create jobs in the Lincoln area."

Mitchell is proposing that a task force or working group be convened to jump-start talks on what should be done with the facility. Mitchell wants the task force to include legislators, local elected officials, economic development officials and state officials.

"We need closure on the LDC issue," Mitchell said. "It's time for our state's leaders to decide what we are going to do with this facility. The state is spending $1 million per year on maintenance for an empty facility. Gov. Quinn has been a strong supporter of our veterans, and our community leaders should work with the governor to come up with a plan for LDC.

"We have veterans returning every day with serious injuries and permanent disabilities. We also have an aging population of elderly veterans that need long-term care. The state spent the money to build a new facility here in Lincoln, and we should be using it to serve Illinois veterans."

Mitchell originally made a proposal in August of 2006 to use the four homes for veteran services. He was asked if the political landscape to get something done was better now.

Mitchell said he was reluctant to use the word "better," but that with more and more interest in returning veterans, he hoped federal dollars could be garnered to use the homes for veterans.

"The state is broke and we need to tap into federal resources. I think there is a lot of support right now for veterans," Mitchell said.

He went on to say that he is open to everyone's ideas on how to use the grounds.

[Text from file received from Rep. Bill Mitchell; LDN]