Springfield, IL (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – The Springfield City Council Tuesday night approved a proposal that transfers the land the former Downtown Springfield YWCA to the State of Illinois.
The vote was 7-1-1. Alderman Roy Williams, Ward 3, voted no. Alderwoman Erin Conley, Ward 8, voted “present.” Conley is an employee of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. Alderwoman Jennifer Notariano, Ward 6, was absent.
Williams last week opposed simply giving away the property and Tuesday proposed an amendment which would bind the state to complete the plan as proposed, as opposed to, for example, changing its mind and putting up one or more buildings.
“We put money in that – $1.5 million to buy it,” said Williams. “It was under Mayor (Mike) Houston, but they did it. That’s $1.5 million down the drain. Then we get a mayor who just decides, I’m giving it away but won’t explain herself. Won’t say why. Something stinks.”
The alderman who represents that part of downtown, Shawn Gregory, Ward 2, embraced the project. “I have full faith in the governor and his team to develop this. It’s right outside the Governor’s Mansion. Not just for himself, but as we move forward with different governors.”
Under a plan, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources wants to turn the “Y Block” near the Governor’s Mansion into a music and entertainment venue, a “natural play area” for children, and a walking path.
