Draft of west-side redevelopment plan ready for public Tuesday

BLOOMINGTON, Oct 10, 2008 (The Pantagraph - McClatchy-Tribune Information Services via COMTEX) -- ALLN | Quote | Chart | News | PowerRating -- A plan for the proposed redevelopment of west Bloomington is ready for residents to review and comment on what projects they want as a priority to improve the district. |

Teska Associates will present a draft of its plan for the district, which is roughly bounded by Locust, Taylor, Lee streets and Morris Avenue. The meeting is at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday at Mount Pisgah Baptist Church, 801 W. Market St.

"We are ready to test some of the ideas we've collected," Teska project manager Scott Goldstein said. "We have a wide range of recommendations and we want to know not only what are the priorities but what projects do the neighbors think they want to sign up to help complete."

Recommendations include expanding the bike path along Allin, Front and Locust streets and establishing a bike-share program. The creation of neighborhood watch programs to reduce crime and a program to look after elderly residents are also part of the recommendations.

Goldstein said recommendations for programs at local schools and a program to make Market Street more of a gateway to downtown will require assistance from District 87 and the city of Bloomington.

More than 200 people turned out for two community meetings in May and July. Goldstein hopes attendance is high for Tuesday's meeting.

"This is a draft plan, so input is certainly welcome," Goldstein added.

The city partnered with several organizations, including the Olde Towne and Gridley-Allin-Prickett neighborhood associations, the Economic Development Council of Bloomington-Normal and several local businesses, to study how the area immediately west of the city's downtown can be rebuilt and attract more homeowners and businesses.

The city and State Farm Bank put up $90,000 for Evanston-based Teska to conduct the study.

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GO!

What: Review of the west Bloomington neighborhood plan

When: 6:30 p.m. Tuesday

Where: Mount Pisgah Baptist Church, 801 W. Market St.

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