Read more about the article Garden Hills neighborhood faces dark times, literally and figuratively
The intersection of Mattis Ave. and Paula Dr. in Champaign lacks street lighting most of the way down Paula Dr. in the Garden Hills neighborhood.

Garden Hills neighborhood faces dark times, literally and figuratively

The city’s multi-decade improvement plan for Garden Hills has increased the community residents’ trepidation as they see general deterioration and an abundance of issues piling up while the city’s improvement efforts appear to have slowed. “We’re just not a priority, let’s put it that way,” resident Amy Revilla said.

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Read more about the article South Willis neighborhood creates togetherness in a time of isolationGoogle Street View
The intersection of Green St. and Willis Ave. on Google Street View, last updated in October 2015.

South Willis neighborhood creates togetherness in a time of isolation

With the South Willis area relying heavily on community-centered events and interactions, the coronavirus pandemic has made it difficult for neighbors to interact and participate in activities like they have in the past. Despite these challenges, they have found a way to come together in an even stronger way during these unprecedented times.

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Read more about the article Limited funding prevents West Urbana brick sidewalks from being accessibleSydney Wood
A brick sidewalk in need of repair located near the intersection of South Busey Ave. near West California Ave. in Urbana. Photo taken November 2, 2020.

Limited funding prevents West Urbana brick sidewalks from being accessible

Despite ongoing major road construction within West Urbana, multiple stretches of brick sidewalks that do not meet the standards of the federal disability act will not be fixed. Urbana City Administrator Carol Mitten said the City doesn’t have the finances to correct every non-ADA compliant sidewalk in Urbana that is outside of MCORE’s construction zone.

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Read more about the article Lierman neighborhood continues to face difficulties to receive “quality of life”Lierman Neighborhood Community Garden - Facebook
The Lierman Neighborhood Community Garden posts photos of the community and events taking place in the garden regularly. Photo from Facebook in September 2020.

Lierman neighborhood continues to face difficulties to receive “quality of life”

A community garden in one Urbana neighborhood has helped its residents overcome two prevailing issues: crime and food insecurity.

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Read more about the article Clark Park neighbors work to bring back community-wide eventsClark Park's Community Facebook Page
A free pantry located on the corner of James and Daniel in the Clark Park neighborhood is part of the efforts made by community leaders. Fresh produce, food, masks and other items were available for free.

Clark Park neighbors work to bring back community-wide events

This year, the COVID-19 pandemic is significantly limiting the ability for Clark Park community leaders to plan and host their staple events. The 61821 zip code, which includes Clark Park, has had 549 confirmed cases of COVID-19 according to data from the Champaign-Urbana Public Health District.

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Read more about the article Former News-Gazette building sold to local businesswoman
The former News-Gazette building in downtown Champaign on Monday, September 28, 2020. photo by Darrell Hoemann/C-U Citizen Access

Former News-Gazette building sold to local businesswoman

The former owners of the News-Gazette have sold the building at 15 East Main Street in Champaign for nearly $1.2 million to local businesswoman Laura Kalman, according to documents filed in U.S Bankruptcy Court in Delaware.

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Read more about the article Displaced Bristol Place residents to return homeGoogle Earth
Bristol Place is located near Neil St. and Bradley Ave., with new leasing options available through Lamoine Property Management in Champaign.

Displaced Bristol Place residents to return home

The site of the old Bristol Place neighborhood on Bradley Avenue and Market Street in Champaign was demolished in March of 2018. The neighborhood was riddled with crime, was a blight that could not be eradicated without rebuilding the area from scratch, the Bristol Park board stated.

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Read more about the article Urbana Park District planning demolitions of affordable housing to expand park space, neighbors concerned
Two homes located at 907 and 909 East Main St. were demolished on Monday, Oct. 8.

Urbana Park District planning demolitions of affordable housing to expand park space, neighbors concerned

Two homes at 907 and 909 East Main St. were demolished to create more open space to expand Victory Park, located at 1000 E.…

Continue ReadingUrbana Park District planning demolitions of affordable housing to expand park space, neighbors concerned

Anschick’s First Neighborhood Association disbands

Anschick’s First Neighborhood Association disbanded in September without a replacement neighborhood association, leaving a group of residents without representation within the community. These residents live in single-family homes, most occupied by one or two people on average, according to the U.S. Census in 2010. As a working-class area, homes are moderately kept and there is little crime in the area in comparison to other parts of the city.

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Read more about the article Silverwood residents hope new name will create positive changeGiovanna Dibenedetto
The new street sign for Silverwood.

Silverwood residents hope new name will create positive change

In the past 6 months, there have been 56 violent crimes, most of which were assault and domestic violence-related offenses. Urbana police reports also show a plethora of break-ins and domestic violence. While Dibenedetto acknowledges that violence is an issue, she says that efforts have been made in the community to decrease violence in all forms, including a new name change.

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