“Demolition of Historic Booker T. Washington Elementary Underway,” UC-IMC, May 20
The demolition of Booker T. Washington Elementary began on May 19, 2010. A new two-story school costing $18 million is going to be built to fulfill the requirements of the “consent decree.” The new school will double in size, significantly impacting the neighborhood.A traffic study has been conducted showing the increased traffic in the area.
“Interstate 74 widening from Champaign to Mahomet off state’s list,” News-Gazette, May 20
Illinois Department of Transportation representatives said Thursday that the state has dropped the project that would widen Interstate 74 between Champaign and Mahomet.
“At least from a local, common sense point of view, the road to nowhere is no more,” said state Rep. Chapin Rose, R-Mahomet.
“UI trustees OK tuition hike, $620,000 Hogan salary,” Pantagraph, May 20
The decision to increase tuition as trustees were also agreeing to a hefty pay package for incoming President Michael Hogan prompted harsh criticism from protesters who marched outside the meeting, including state Sen. Martin Sandoval, a Chicago Democrat.
But both trustees and interim President Stanley Ikenberry said the decisions were justified.
“Survey: Riding bike to work remains uncommon locally,” State Journal-Register, May 20
A survey of more than 500 local residents finds that most rarely, if ever, bike to work, primarily because of safety concerns.
The popularity of biking and walking for fitness and fun has grown along with a network of bike/recreation paths, according to the survey by a Leadership Springfield team of the Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce.
“Some want change in law banning chickens in Champaign,” News-Gazette, May 18
Supporters proposed an amendment to the Champaign municipal code that would legislate “not only for the city’s and neighbors’ benefit, but also for the sake of the chickens,” said Chris Watson, a volunteer at the Catholic Worker House.
Mayor Jerry Schweighart told one of the supporters on Tuesday night that he would distribute a petition to the other council members to allow for a change in the code. Five council members would have to sign the petition for the issue to be placed on the agenda.
“Kennedy: New U of I President, a ‘Bargain’,” Chicago Public Radio, May 21
[Chairman of U of I Board of Trustees Chris] Kennedy says newly hired U of I President Michael Hogan is “a bargain” at $620,000 a year.
He says Hogan has the ability to bring in $700 to $800 million a year in federal funding.
Kennedy says that’s especially important in light of the state’s fiscal issues and declining financial support.