[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6234638,"mediaKeyId","3410969-5ee45f33cb73e965be1edf19c39ace74","parentId",3410969,"title","Normal council adopts resolution supporting Bird City Illinois certification","audioSeconds",6382,"startMs",1319000,"endMs",7701000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3410969-5ee45f33cb73e965be1edf19c39ace74&start=1319&end=7701","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3410969-5ee45f33cb73e965be1edf19c39ace74/thumbnail_1319000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6234638/Normal/McLean-County/Illinois/Normal-council-adopts-resolution-supporting-Bird-City-Illinois-certification","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6234638-0c5abc678e1ccfe611835b61403b94a2/orig.mp4?Expires=1770445332&Signature=jqIyvDH7Fy-VJ-z~7L7jo6KQtm5A6ebtzdOMrqyLUuwCr0sPWYfXXz8Bjw~bXPH13ZT~-LgwyNIzquSSGJL4IELSrdH89wy0Wx9TnEnM~LMbMYovaBLh19ukGTKp44XZWS0fjgwHKzS~3AQE4bG2IMrZqOYgH-~ZWwuFAQV2l7xFhm0zgDa~SRquY5gs92p4yeAr-8dAXsRy0Vy4KW2ASbWN-Ert~JTWBbF3YjUn2PtkCF51HJVbbDJdaVi5ab4HAd1FnHsY9O6mQhvdoAjn1h3ghW8JZCDqSgEvLipSFhYy3pCF25-WUTkLBs2nFTCyYB~1hFEwqoyCYyQ3O-WCXA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Town of Normal, IL","date","2025-05-20T14:19:04Z","article","The Normal Town Council unanimously approved a resolution May 19 supporting the town’s application to become certified by Bird City Illinois, a program that recognizes municipal efforts to improve bird habitat and reduce threats to birds.

Resident Chris Hall addressed the council in favor of the designation and commended town actions to plant native shrubs and trees and improve park habitat. “Bird population decline is real,” Hall said, and he praised the town’s collaboration with local conservation organizations.

Councilmembers voted “Aye” on the resolution; staff will proceed with the certification application and coordination with local partners such as the Grand Prairie Bird Alliance.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Town Of Normal Town Council Meeting May 19th, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The council unanimously approved a resolution May 19 supporting the town’s pursuit of Bird City Illinois certification, citing habitat protection and partnerships with local conservation groups.","taxTitle","Normal, McLean County, Illinois","taxId",4238,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6234643,"Council backs Connect Transit review of sale to Home Sweet Home Ministries for shelter site",233,7466000,7699000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3410969-5ee45f33cb73e965be1edf19c39ace74&start=7466&end=7699","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3410969-5ee45f33cb73e965be1edf19c39ace74/thumbnail_7466000.jpg","/articles/6234643/Normal/McLean-County/Illinois/Council-backs-Connect-Transit-review-of-sale-to-Home-Sweet-Home-Ministries-for-shelter-site","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6234643-292abc9d248b2e857f3520a7acce76cd/orig.mp4?Expires=1770445332&Signature=PQ6e8slbksZp~pECI22leNfktZpDV4fz6fo8-ffsHAt2hkeWhwBjqkifERKlykyjxiw6VIh2H~C9TkIP5OGa~iMrwDVtetzX3JmfZ3~FoAOQLH3MvdFM-qT8bX2oPZY-KLF1N-Bxxh1cQUYq~9MAxu2AEfmCJS~SQEWrJosyqokrRYeJgplvcOtxR1yDIJIsCVSEBLGPrjffq1yXvev8v7ThmjarQYsRVTmYE9fDKIRMzwBK3huhKvH4oiCWk7biop1sWxIqGS6RAwZwwaWgyO3F1ErDULMJxrgNPJ8uwHTllFBrLhqBAp6DLVDHCX2cG08VRmizeZyaJGTG-31rPA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Normal Town Council on May 19 adopted a resolution urging that the Connect Transit Board give thoughtful consideration to transferring 104 East Oakland Avenue in Bloomington to Home Sweet Home Ministries for use as a non‑congregate shelter.

Town staff said the city of Bloomington had held public forums and adopted a similar action; the council’s resolution asks Connect Transit to consider the sale as part of broader local efforts to address homelessness. Councilmembers spoke briefly in favor; Councilmember Byers said the proposal would be “a pretty significant improvement” over the current situation on that property.

The council’s resolution does not compel Connect Transit’s board to act; it records the town’s support for careful consideration and for a potential partnership to host non‑congregate shelter space. The council voted unanimously.","The council adopted a resolution supporting thoughtful consideration by Connect Transit of selling 104 East Oakland Avenue in Bloomington to Home Sweet Home Ministries for a non‑congregate shelter; the item mirrored Bloomington’s earlier action and drew brief council support.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6234648,"Council authorizes $222,423 pressure‑pave pilot for pavement preservation",168,3734000,3902000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3410969-5ee45f33cb73e965be1edf19c39ace74&start=3734&end=3902","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3410969-5ee45f33cb73e965be1edf19c39ace74/thumbnail_3734000.jpg","/articles/6234648/Normal/McLean-County/Illinois/Council-authorizes-222423-pressurepave-pilot-for-pavement-preservation","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6234648-13f8f1a1f7779d1cf1ba43989660583c/orig.mp4?Expires=1770445332&Signature=MqYjDaqDC-NOiz7scG-UUKftdl9oifqNlev757xCTi1t41ZjgA0fmB5nQAD7HDafjg8mmCMKde4TG~gnheChn~GYUHTwX4ZaWPHnBvooebWgzrp81yve4zYPjPqXYAo3-E-9HeD325PxWA0p9ftugZMMtn1BekxUxUbgCjo-waptsBR4ZubP-0URfBagVB7tE-FGrA~QOFrxBgf~VT8bYTC1c1WQX8A0G-Jw9bbyFtHG7tSb7mTehLoCr7~sy6WEOdNf~ERKW3bl-epVwG4diILe~9ibkJL0fLs2w5LUd~pW~qPsfUmoLPBO8-OZ5aSNplx48bNTUcOeNiGFVi3j7g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Normal Town Council voted May 19 to waive formal bidding and authorize a $222,423 contract with Donaldson Construction Company for a pressure‑pave pavement preservation pilot covering roughly 2.6 lane miles.

Councilmember Smith asked staff for details; the town’s pavement program manager said this is the third year of a three‑year pilot. Staff said streets selected for the treatment were last resurfaced between 2016 and 2018 and were identified using the town’s PACER pavement rating system. The targeted segments this year are in the Parkside area; prior years covered Northbridge, Heather Ridge, Northfields and Ironwood.

Staff and Mayor Coos explained the objective is to extend pavement life short of full resurfacing. “It can extend the life of the road by 8 to 10 years,” staff said, and the pilot costs well under full repaving for the lane miles involved. The council voted on a roll call; all members present recorded “Aye.”

If the pilot proves successful, staff said they may recommend expanding pressure‑pave treatments into the town’s regular pavement maintenance program.","The council approved a $222,423 contract with Donaldson Construction Company to continue a three‑year pavement‑preservation pilot using a pressure‑pave method on about 2.6 miles of local lanes; staff said the method extends pavement life by 8–10 years compared with full resurfacing.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6234654,"Council approves Amendment 2 to annexation agreement for Carden Springs PUD",3696,302000,3998000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3410969-5ee45f33cb73e965be1edf19c39ace74&start=302&end=3998","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3410969-5ee45f33cb73e965be1edf19c39ace74/thumbnail_302000.jpg","/articles/6234654/Normal/McLean-County/Illinois/Council-approves-Amendment-2-to-annexation-agreement-for-Carden-Springs-PUD","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6234654-fd48f057c435ff3cf1edad5020bb6e7f/orig.mp4?Expires=1770445332&Signature=CkPpQBHqw1SVDZzay1B9cYoFcK8DQETQsEcGHV16Sf8brAvE1wM7p7LsRUUMCgrEOrHcNReEmKbBcsifwW49OlScmPhGFIEwe5BkKsP~85PoKPnFmue~vLZ4CWIrny-gct~VGHPvENIbsVZTRHWfT3DbsKlCRQf07cGzEd-zsibDe8h39n0-VPNF8uXRRwyEOJIb07PMyBxy6sK6uf80wzNtty8UQB1teR~yiaK0bzTxQlyrKIhANA~nyLYLGky4oajJXB~EA6L89mixZQrzax3h-IxBIy~EKWTpKSvlEeDUCziUXz8JjfnIo~8Qhy98guptwv2EBtuGNcxJfdz0iQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Normal Town Council approved Amendment 2 to an annexation agreement for roughly 36 acres at the northwest corner of Towanda Avenue and Beach Street, part of the Carden Springs planned unit development, during its May 19 meeting.

Town staff told council the measure requires a supermajority for amendment of the annexation agreement; the clerk’s roll call showed six affirmative votes. The council later approved related final development and final plat items for Carden Springs.

The vote followed a brief public‑hearing period during which the mayor asked three times if anyone wished to speak; no speakers addressed the amendment during that hearing. The amendment and accompanying approvals advance the Carden Springs project’s annexation and development approvals.

Councilmembers Preston, Byers, Roberge, Smith, McCarthy and Mayor Coos each recorded “Aye” on the roll call approving the amendment and subsequent Carden Springs items.","The Normal Town Council voted unanimously to approve Amendment 2 to an annexation agreement for the 36‑acre Carden Springs planned unit development at Towanda Avenue and Beach Street.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6234659,"Normal council approves Essex PUD rezoning after hours of public comment",6480,691000,7171000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3410969-5ee45f33cb73e965be1edf19c39ace74&start=691&end=7171","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3410969-5ee45f33cb73e965be1edf19c39ace74/thumbnail_691000.jpg","/articles/6234659/Normal/McLean-County/Illinois/Normal-council-approves-Essex-PUD-rezoning-after-hours-of-public-comment","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6234659-4d51d3983aa508696456dd14b276547f/orig.mp4?Expires=1770445332&Signature=ASrU7Z6yy5fen4-fSPtaAIxCMSmweR0q17jeR~wm~BUD3JRT3LuqR3uAs0r2qmFHP88pmgTBXtH8ZTp-D3nl84Un7HPDILugZ5e07cZH9RooQIUjlLBRFr9NkBWJSbn-bIYpAoFiqj~VnqJGOV93eFaMEBOULvpTU65tErIc9-rr8HBqIr9NvwsQTSjs7VD5zGA8h~sHwjJjNR~5sKDj7EKJDmkMKzfpZNwgHN4KCey5UgRHNdSGY6fXJQjz0gt87lQxV~JVcOFPY7ZTDIpQv2JucMprW5AYrrql9zExFCx9gEZNue-~r9fCkMIi5fYK94KS6-I8v8o9fDxjTGbrKw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Normal Town Council approved an ordinance rezoning about 19.5 acres at the northeast corner of Beach Street and Shelbourne Drive and conditionally approved preliminary subdivision and PUD plans for the Essex development on May 19.

The action follows roughly three hours of public comment in which neighbors urged the council to deny the rezoning or postpone a decision. Many speakers described the land as intended for single‑family homes and said they bought their properties expecting that low‑density use. Others supported the project as infill housing needed to address the town’s housing shortage.

Town Planner Mercy Davidson described the proposal as a mixed plan: two single‑family lots and a string of 0‑lot duplexes in an R‑2 tract and a one‑lot planned unit development of approximately 252 residential units in the larger tract, with townhomes along the east edge and multifamily buildings elsewhere. “The total density would be just under 15 units per acre, which is significantly lower than what code would permit,” Davidson said, and staff recommended approval because the plan meets zoning and comprehensive‑plan goals for infill.

Developer Andy Netzer, president of Young America Realty and representative of Worthington LLC, told the council his group intends to hold and manage the property long term and emphasized design choices and added open space. “We’re proposing 15 units per acre where R‑3 zoning allows up to 23 units per acre,” Netzer said, and noted the proposal shows 41% common recreation space versus the 12% minimum the code requires.

Neighbors raised multiple concerns: traffic and the age of baseline counts, the size and height of the proposed buildings, potential light and noise impacts on backyards, and whether private subdivision covenants should block the project. Several speakers said the traffic data relied on older counts and that on nearby Towanda Avenue and Fort Jesse wait times are already lengthy. One resident, Kylie Shoemaker, age 10, asked councilors, “Will 19 new apartments really bring more value to Normal than the peace of mind knowing kids can play safely?”

Staff and the project’s traffic consultant addressed scope and methodology: the study used normalized 2015 counts in part because 2020 IDOT counts reflected reduced travel during the COVID period; Farnsworth Engineers also analyzed the Shelbourne/Beach intersection using peak‑hour counts taken within 30–45 days of the meeting and concluded the longest additional delay would be about four seconds per vehicle. Davidson also said the developer accounted for background growth and other nearby developments in the study.

On design details, the plan includes two detention areas (a wet and a dry basin) and new landscaping and lighting plans. The applicant removed an internal vehicular connection to Vanderbilt Drive after neighborhood feedback and agreed to extend Vanderbilt as a public cul‑de‑sac serving two new single‑family homes and some duplex lots. Davidson noted one building does not meet a non‑PUD backyard setback that would otherwise be 45 feet; in the PUD configuration that building would be 34 feet from the property line.

The Normal Planning Commission had recommended approval with one recommended change: reduce the height of four apartment buildings bordering single‑family lots from three stories to two. Staff continued to recommend approval as submitted and told council there are multiple precedents in Normal where three‑story multifamily sits adjacent to single‑family homes. Attorney Pat Fitzgerald, representing Worthington LLC, argued the proposal aligns with the town’s 2017 Comprehensive Plan, which the firm said calls for diverse infill housing on remaining vacant lots.

Council members debated the tradeoffs between neighborhood concerns and regional housing need cited by the Bloomington‑Normal Economic Development Council. Patrick Hoban, CEO of the Bloomington Normal Economic Development Council, had told the council earlier that the area faces a multi‑thousand‑unit housing shortfall tied to recent job growth.

After discussion the council voted to approve: the rezoning ordinance, the amended preliminary subdivision plan, and the conditional approval of the Essex PUD preliminary development plan. Each roll call recorded “Aye” from Councilmembers Preston, Byers, Roberge, Smith, McCarthy and Mayor Coos.

The approvals are conditional and include plan details the council and staff will use for final reviews; staff noted PUD interiors (roadways and many amenities) will be privately owned and maintained and that the short extension of Vanderbilt Drive will become a public street maintained by the town. The council noted that private covenants are separate legal instruments; staff said those covenants do not control the town’s zoning action and that the applicant provided documents the town judged to address a prior covenant concern.

The council’s approvals move the project into the next stages of final engineering, permitting and final platting. The applicant and staff will continue design work to respond to technical review and to finalize construction and maintenance responsibilities.","The Normal Town Council voted unanimously May 19 to approve rezoning and preliminary plans for the Essex planned unit development (PUD) on 19.5 acres at Beach Street and Shelbourne Drive, concluding a lengthy hearing with dozens of residents raising traffic, light and covenant concerns.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Normal council adopts resolution supporting Bird City Illinois certification

Council backs Connect Transit review of sale to Home Sweet Home Ministries for shelter site

Council authorizes $222,423 pressure‑pave pilot for pavement preservation

Council approves Amendment 2 to annexation agreement for Carden Springs PUD

Normal council approves Essex PUD rezoning after hours of public comment