Read more about the article Many in Wilber Heights yet to apply for permits to repair homes after amendment of longtime zoning ordinanceNathalie Murillo
Aerial shot of Wilber Heights. Screenshot from Google Maps.

Many in Wilber Heights yet to apply for permits to repair homes after amendment of longtime zoning ordinance

For decades, Champaign County forbade its residents in Wilber Heights to make repairs to their homes, even when seriously damaged. But even after a…

Continue ReadingMany in Wilber Heights yet to apply for permits to repair homes after amendment of longtime zoning ordinance
Read more about the article ​​University of Illinois​ campus food pantries help struggling students, tackle stigma​; Groceries often more expensive on campus​ 
Bevier Cafe, at 905 S Goodwin Avenue in Urbana, runs the Everybody Eats program.

​​University of Illinois​ campus food pantries help struggling students, tackle stigma​; Groceries often more expensive on campus​ 

With grocery costs notably ​greater​ in the heart of campus, two University of Illinois programs are dedicated to providing food assistance to students in…

Continue Reading​​University of Illinois​ campus food pantries help struggling students, tackle stigma​; Groceries often more expensive on campus​ 
Read more about the article East Urbana residents have filed dozens of environmental complaints against Emulsicoat asphalt plant — and they’re not stoppingDarrell Hoemann
Emulsicoat, Inc exterior (705 E University Ave, Urbana, IL 61802) on Sunday, December 19, 2021. Photo by Darrell Hoemann/CU-CitizenAccess

East Urbana residents have filed dozens of environmental complaints against Emulsicoat asphalt plant — and they’re not stopping

East Urbana residents living near the Emulsicoat asphalt plant have complained of headaches, nausea and irritation of the throat, nose and eyes in a…

Continue ReadingEast Urbana residents have filed dozens of environmental complaints against Emulsicoat asphalt plant — and they’re not stopping
Read more about the article SafeWalks escorts drastically dropped over the last few years
A student patrol officer vehicle. The student patrol escort University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign community members via the SafeWalks program.

SafeWalks escorts drastically dropped over the last few years

SafeWalks, a University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign program, ensures students and staff can walk back home safely at night, but the number of times…

Continue ReadingSafeWalks escorts drastically dropped over the last few years
Read more about the article Condemned Champaign apartments’ out-of-town owners facing two city lawsuits seeking reimbursementapartments.com
Champaign Park Apartments received the most complaints in Champaign from January 1, 2021 to mid February 2023. During this time, 393 units were condemned by the city.

Condemned Champaign apartments’ out-of-town owners facing two city lawsuits seeking reimbursement

Earlier this year, 35 buildings at the Champaign Park Apartments were condemned — prompting two lawsuits filed by the city against the owners after…

Continue ReadingCondemned Champaign apartments’ out-of-town owners facing two city lawsuits seeking reimbursement
Read more about the article Southeast Urbana sees less shootings since neighborhood plan, but domestic violence a growing concernSUNA
The neighborhood boundaries of the southeast Urbana neighborhood, divided into four quadrants. The map was created by the neighborhood association and is available on its website.

Southeast Urbana sees less shootings since neighborhood plan, but domestic violence a growing concern

In 2016, the Southeast Urbana Neighborhood Association and its steering committee met with leadership from the Lierman and Historic East Urbana neighborhoods to address…

Continue ReadingSoutheast Urbana sees less shootings since neighborhood plan, but domestic violence a growing concern
Read more about the article Most aggravated assaults near University of Illinois happen on Green Street, campus crime log shows Google Street View
Joe's Brewery on Google Street View. Screenshot taken on August 23, 2023.

Most aggravated assaults near University of Illinois happen on Green Street, campus crime log shows 

For every 10 aggravated assaults in Champaign and Urbana since fall 2020, four will happen on Green Street, according to the University of Illinois…

Continue ReadingMost aggravated assaults near University of Illinois happen on Green Street, campus crime log shows 
Read more about the article Champaign and Urbana shootings fall since 2021 peak; cities pondering what preventive programs workedDarrell Hoemann
Looking south to the Champaign Police Department Building on First Street. Photo by Darrell Hoemann/CU-CitizenAccess

Champaign and Urbana shootings fall since 2021 peak; cities pondering what preventive programs worked

In the past eight years, Champaign and Urbana witnessed a steep hike in gun violence and then a swift decline after 2021 — but…

Continue ReadingChampaign and Urbana shootings fall since 2021 peak; cities pondering what preventive programs worked
Read more about the article Champaign gunshot detection tech not meeting expectationsChampaign City Council
The city council voted 6-3 on a resolution "Authorizing the Purchase and Installation of Automated License Plate Readers, Gunshot Detection, and Related Equipment from Flock Group, Inc.," in December 2021.

Champaign gunshot detection tech not meeting expectations

On February 13 this year, a one-year pilot program began in Champaign with Raven gunshot detection technology. Records obtained in a Freedom of Information…

Continue ReadingChampaign gunshot detection tech not meeting expectations
Read more about the article Residents complain about continuing early morning garbage pick-ups, but cities fail to find remediesGoogle Maps Street View
Republic Services Waste Transfer at 921 Saline Ct, Urbana. Image from Google Maps Street View.

Residents complain about continuing early morning garbage pick-ups, but cities fail to find remedies

https://youtu.be/1yeXSeADVVE Video captured by Kate Maguire. Loud booming and crashing sounds of waste hauler trucks emptying bins can start before dawn in Urbana —…

Continue ReadingResidents complain about continuing early morning garbage pick-ups, but cities fail to find remedies