Resident raises safety, sidewalk and parking concerns as council adopts parking-code changes tied to new Goldfarb Center

Kenan Albright, a Macomb resident, urged the City Council to address pedestrian safety and parking capacity near the incoming Goldfarb Center, saying the development will bring out‑of‑town traffic and that sidewalks and lot capacity on Adams Street may not be adequate.

"I'm really excited for the Gulf, Gulfar, Center coming in, and parking seems to be an issue in that corner of town," Albright said, noting there is "also... no sidewalk on the South Side of Adams" and warning that exiting theater crowds could create a "dangerous situation." He described the project as "a 100 and, I think, $10,000,000 gift to Macomb" and urged the city to plan pedestrian routes and visitor experiences as the center opens.

Councilmembers moved forward with the second reading of an ordinance to amend sections 15‑2‑14 and 15‑2‑15 of the Macomb Municipal Code, changes the city attorney said fall under the Illinois Municipal Code and Illinois Vehicle Code and reflect the Community Development Committee's recommendation. Alderman Vigenesek (addressed by the chair during discussion) asked the resident to coordinate with Western Illinois University on questions about parking near the new center.

After brief discussion, the council voted by roll call to adopt the ordinance amendments (recorded as all ayes). The changes are reflected in exhibits A and B attached to the ordinance and were placed into effect as council approved the second reading.

The council did not specify any immediate sidewalk construction or funding in this discussion; Albright and others urged further planning to connect downtown lodging and dining to the new venue on foot.