NORMAL, Ill. (WMBD) — A majority of Normal residents who attended the Town Council meeting on Monday didn’t approve of plans to build a new apartment complex on what is now farmland.
Despite that opposition, the council voted to rezone the parcel at the northeast corner of Beech Street and Shelbourne Drive near the Collie Ridge subdivision. The move allows the land’s owner to proceed with plans to build a multi-unit housing complex.
Public comments took 45 minutes with many sharing their disapproval of developer Young America’s new plans for multifamily developments — apartments — near their single-family homes.
“You proudly state that you work to maintain the integrity of our older neighborhoods,” said resident Beth Rooker. “I am here today to ask you respectfully, but firmly, that you stand by those words.”
The land is being purchased by Worthington LLC., a company operated by Young America Realty’s president and owner Andy Netzker. But it’ll be Young America, which is a real-estate and apartment management company, who runs the apartment.
“For 25 years, this property has been in stalemate and it could continue indefinitely as farmland,” Netzker said. “But I don’t think that that’s ideal for Normal, and that is not what the comprehensive plan calls for.”
The main concerns voiced by residents included fear of safety and mistrust in council.
“Imagine what will happen if Young America flips these apartments into student or Section 8 housing,” said resident Luke Funfar. “I imagine louder, larger and more frequent gatherings in the park. I imagine violent demonstrations that pose a danger to our lives, property and our fine police officers.”
Funfar was one of the residents who made a point to tell the council “you are public servants, you answer to us.”
“We, the people, gave you your power. We, the people, can take it back,” he said.
He also ended his public comment by quoting Beyoncé, saying, “Like Beyoncé said in one of her biggest hits, ‘don’t you ever for a second get to thinking you’re irreplaceable.’”
Patrick Hoban, the head of the Bloomington-Normal Economic Development Council, said the housing would allow for employees who work in the area to be able to give back to businesses in the twin cities, as opposed to businesses where they would commute to.
“We’re getting more people commuting in, which means that they’re taking those paychecks back to their communities,” he said. “I’m for housing, I am for retaining some of these paychecks that back in our community so have more disposable incomes for our restaurants and our retailers.”
Gretchen Nabb, a resident of Normal for more than 25 years, voiced her support for the apartments, saying it could give younger and older people an opportunity to have the lifestyle they need.
“These townhomes and apartments are going to be used by seniors like me who want to downsize,” Nabb said. “It’s going to be used by young families who are just starting out.”
Changes were made to the project’s layout after the developer met with neighbors to get their input.
Councilmembers also unanimously approved a resolution supporting Connect Transit’s sale of 104 East Oakland Avenue to Home Sweet Home Ministries for a non-congregate shelter project.
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