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Urbana council sends 1717 South Pho lease to council after heated debate; ordinance passes committee
Summary
After debate over community input and public-safety strategy, the Committee of the Whole moved Ordinance 2026-06-014 (authorizing a three-year lease at 1717 South Pho for a community engagement and violence-prevention office) to the regular council agenda; committee roll call recorded mixed votes and the motion passed to send the ordinance forward.
Police department staff presented a proposed lease at 1717 South Pho (Sunny Crest Plaza, Suite 16) for a 2,700-square-foot space to house community engagement and violence-prevention work. "The lease term is structured as a three-year lease agreement with two optional two-year renewal periods. The base rent is $2,500 a month with three percent annual increases," Lieutenant McKenna told the committee while describing the space and intended staffing.
Under the proposal, the office would contain workspace for the community engagement sergeant and officer, the co-response clinician and behavioral-health detective, clergy patrol workstations, and meeting space for community outreach. Staff said the parking area could support outdoor events and that the lease contains a termination-for-convenience clause and a municipal non‑appropriation clause.
The committee debated whether the office had sufficient formal community input and whether the model would achieve the stated public-safety goals. Council member Verale (speaking in favor) emphasized urgency and community harm from gun violence: "Let's give it a chance. It's a three-year program. We're not saying 20 years. We're not putting millions of dollars behind it." Council member Grace (speaking in opposition) criticized the planning and input process and said the program lacked sufficient formal community collaboration.
Council member James moved to place Ordinance 2026-06-014 on the regular council agenda and the motion was seconded. The committee recorded votes during roll-call: Council Member Evans — No; Council Member Hersy — Yes; Council Member Jones — Yes; Council Member Wilin — No; Council Member Quizenberry — Yes; Mayor Williams — Yes. The motion passed in committee and the ordinance will appear on the regular council agenda for final action.
Votes at a glance (other items in committee): staff also moved Resolution 2026-06-021R (five-year Capital Improvement Plan) to the regular agenda (committee voice vote) and approved Resolution 2026-06-22R to increase a liquor license for Good Judy's Espresso and Bagel Bar (2740 Pho Road, Suite D) by voice vote with at least one recorded 'nay'.
Ending: The committee advanced the lease ordinance to the regular council agenda and scheduled additional budget and program hearings as part of upcoming council business.
