City of Lincoln receives $675,000 DCEO grant for downtown revitalization

[January 18, 2012]  Lincoln Mayor Keith Snyder announced Tuesday evening that the city of Lincoln has received a grant agreement from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity authorizing a $675,000 CDAP Flexible Opportunity grant for the revitalization of downtown Lincoln.

The grant funding will be used for three purposes:

1. Develop an overall downtown revitalization plan.

2. Fund building demolition and code compliance work within the downtown area.

3. Fund facade improvements that are historically accurate and aesthetically pleasing.

It is anticipated that the downtown revitalization plan will include a streetscape design plan for new sidewalks, lighting, landscaping and other public space elements; a facade improvement plan for various blocks downtown; a strategic plan for the downtown business district; a parking and traffic study; a plan for the creation of a historic preservation ordinance; and a downtown sewer study.

Snyder commented:

"We are very excited about this grant and the ability it will give us to not only plan for a new downtown Lincoln, but to address critical issues like code compliance and begin to make improvements to downtown facades.

"This grant will give us the opportunity to proactively plan the future of downtown Lincoln. Through these plans and additional steps, we can expand small-business opportunities; provide local citizens with additional shopping, dining, entertainment and services options; increase our hometown pride; and make Lincoln more attractive to visitors and prospective residents."

Snyder said that the development of the plans will depend on public involvement, and that involvement will be a key to the success of a revitalized downtown.

"The downtown belongs to every one of us," he said. "It's the heart of our city, and for us to continue to thrive, we need a vibrant downtown."

[Text from news release from Lincoln Mayor Keith Snyder]