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Landmarks Illinois urges city to continue to look at Bresee options

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Landmarks Illinois urges city to continue to look at Bresee options


Jun. 4—Landmarks Illinois, a statewide membership-based historic preservation nonprofit group, has despatched a letter to the Danville Metropolis Council relating to the town pursuing the demolition of Bresee Tower.

In accordance with Landmarks Illinois officers, Danville Mayor Rickey Williams Jr. is pursuing demolition of the historic constructing with out contemplating all potential reuse choices.

Landmarks Illinois included Bresee Tower on its Most Endangered Historic Locations in Illinois in 2012 and has been monitoring potential preservation progress on the property, together with being involved with builders who’ve expressed curiosity in rehabilitating the historic constructing, in accordance with Kaitlyn McAvoy, communications supervisor with Landmarks Illinois.

The letter from Quinn Adamowski, regional advocacy supervisor, states Landmarks Illinois is an “on-the-ground advocate, providing technical help, sensible assets, small grants and entry to strategic partnerships to present individuals the instruments they should save essential locations of their communities.”

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“Now we have monitored the begins, pauses and lulls in redevelopment efforts. Now we have additionally intently watched media protection over the previous couple of years by which the one public narrative is that the biggest constructing in Vermilion County should be demolished with out giving due consideration to potential reuse. We perceive the place Mayor Williams stands. Nevertheless, with no public debate, it’s unknown the place members of the group, if introduced with all of the information and opinions, would stand on this problem.”

The letter continues, “Now that the town has the deed to the constructing, successfully making Bresee Tower a public-owned construction, civic leaders have an obligation to current taxpayers with all potential choices for its future. If, finally, there isn’t a curiosity in redeveloping Bresee Tower, then the mayor can be confirmed right in his evaluation that, as he said (to media) … “There isn’t any chance for this to be reimagined at this level.” Are the residents of Danville okay with the town spending $3 million, an estimate from 2018, on tearing down a constructing with out investigating potential curiosity for redevelopment?”

“On Sept. 13, 2018, Bresee Tower (formally the First Nationwide Financial institution Constructing) was listed on the Nationwide Register of Historic Locations. Along with the popularity as a helpful place worthy of preservation, this designation opens the door to vital monetary incentives for personal reuse. With itemizing on the Nationwide Register, a reuse venture of Bresee Tower might make the most of a 20 p.c Federal Historic Preservation Tax Credit score. Communities have leveraged this federal incentive to spark financial exercise and job creation. Bresee Tower provides this chance to Danville. Additionally, there’s an Illinois Historic Preservation Tax Credit score that may be layered with the federal credit score to offer a further 25 p.c credit score for historic rehabilitation initiatives.”

“To be clear, highlighting federal and state historic preservation tax credit is extraordinarily essential to draw skilled builders. Landmarks Illinois has been involved with two builders with curiosity within the property. One in every of them, Celadon Properties, has a proposal to redevelop Bresee Tower utilizing federal and state historic preservation tax credit alongside reasonably priced housing primarily based monetary incentives. We’re conscious that Mayor Williams has had conversations with Celadon Properties about its proposal and that he recommended their venture wouldn’t be a viable use of the constructing. We consider there needs to be a public dialogue concerning the proposal from Celadon Properties, which is assured its proposals is viable. We additionally assist issuing an RFP (request for proposals) that can probably end in proposals from different builders who’ve an award-winning observe document like Celadon Properties.”

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“Personal rehabilitation would end in job creation, tax revenues and would keep away from the $3 million price of demolition. We consider a reuse possibility that would generate financial exercise and new property tax revenue, leverage state and federal incentives and stop taxpayer-funded demolition is price contemplating.”

“In accordance with Mayor Williams, the town can be issuing an RFP for demolition. We name on the mayor and different civic leaders to concurrently problem an RFP for redevelopment so that every one choices have a good public listening to. We encourage the Danville Metropolis Council to work with native advocates and organizations like Landmarks Illinois to guage options and leverage incentives earlier than transferring ahead with pursuing the demolition of Bresee Tower.”

The letter additionally was copied to Williams, Logan Cronk with the Metropolis of Danville, state Sen. Scott Bennett, state Rep. Mike Marron and Vermilion Benefit’s Tim Dudley.

Williams went inside Bresee Tower earlier this week and mentioned, “Sadly, it is trashed. It is method worse than I believed it will be.”

He walked by all 12 flooring. The constructing has dangerous infiltration of water the place the carpets on the seventh flooring had been drenched, and there was water injury on different flooring, such because the fourth and fifth flooring, Williams mentioned.

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“Sadly, it is simply nasty and terribly far gone,” Williams mentioned.

In response to the Landmarks Illinois letter, Williams mentioned the Collinses had 4 years to do one thing, and nothing was executed. They’ve not fulfilled guarantees made since November 2018, he mentioned.

Williams additionally mentioned basically he is had conversations with potential improvement teams, together with Celadon, however he was not given data he requested.

Town is ready to see if there can be an precise enchantment over the deed switch of Bresee Tower to the town. Metropolis officers are also continuing with demolition RFPs.



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Illinois

'Tipsy' artist Shaboozey joins Illinois State Fair 2024 lineup

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'Tipsy' artist Shaboozey joins Illinois State Fair 2024 lineup


SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WLS) — Crossover country sensation Shaboozey has been added to the Illinois State Fair lineup.

The artist, with the hit single “Tipsy,” will take the stage Sunday, Aug. 18.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

Shaboozey also contributed to Beyonce’s chart-topping album “Cowboy Carter.”

Tickets go on sale this Saturday at 10 a.m. on Ticketmaster.

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According to the fair’s website, tickets start at $20; a pre-show party can be added on for $30.

Others performing at the 2024 Illinois State Fair include Keith Urban, Jason Isbell, Lil Wayne, Jonas Brothers, The Smashing Pumpkins and Miranda Lambert.

The fair takes place from Aug. 8 to 18 at the state fairgrounds in Springfield.

Visit statefair.illinois.gov for more information.

Copyright © 2024 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.

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Timeless Enters Illinois Cannabis Market

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Timeless Enters Illinois Cannabis Market


Timeless will launch in Illinois with six strains from its signature “Choose Your Mood” collection, “Energy” (Sativa), “Chill” (Hybrid), and “Rest” (Indica), as well as its NOIR Live Resin Terpenes and Timeless All-In-One vaporizers, all uniquely designed to suit the specific needs of each consumer. In addition, Timeless will debut an exclusive ‘Greetings From Illinois’ flip case and battery, a limited-edition combo featuring cultural references unique to Illinois. Team Timeless will be taking over retail partner locations throughout July to educate consumers on Timeless products, strains and their effects, as well as offering special promotions, doorbusters and food from local vendors.

“We are thrilled to begin the next chapter of our journey in the midwest in Illinois,” said Timeless Founder Rocky Huang. “Having previously launched in Missouri and Ohio, we know first-hand how incredible the midwestern cannabis market is and introducing our high-quality products to Illinois marks an exciting next step to further increase our presence in this region. By blending the state’s rich culture with our commitment to community, we hope to build long-lasting relationships with adult-use consumers.”

Timeless products will be available with activations at select Curaleaf locations starting Wednesday July 3rd, followed by Zen Leaf on the 4th, and continuing with OKAY, Trinity, Bud & Rita’s, Be, Windy City, and Ivy Hall dispensaries in the weeks to come. In addition, new locations carrying Timeless later in the month will include The Cannabist, Ayr Wellness, Consume, RISE, Mission, and nuEra.

To learn more about where and when to find Timeless in Illinois this summer and the schedule for Timeless Takeovers at dispensaries, please visit the Timeless Illinois Launch Webpage. For more information on the Timeless brands, collaborations, and product availability, please visit https://www.timelessvapes.com.

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About Timeless:
Timeless was founded in 2011 with the vision of creating a leading lifestyle brand around high-quality cannabis products and unique engagement through the pillars of “Community, Culture, and Legacy.” Timeless began making cannabis products in 2013 and is celebrating their 11th anniversary. Their passion for innovation, unique brand building, and customer engagement has led Timeless to be a leading national House of Brands in the industry. Today, Timeless operates in Arizona, California, Oklahoma, Ohio, Missouri, New Jersey, and now Illinois, and is headquartered in Scottsdale, Arizona. To learn more about Timeless please visit: https://www.timelessvapes.com.

SOURCE Timeless Refinery



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Restrictions on face masks proposed around country, but ACLU of Illinois has concerns

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Restrictions on face masks proposed around country, but ACLU of Illinois has concerns


CHICAGO (CBS) — Just four years ago, a mask requirement for indoor spaces was issued in Illinois at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, and masks were still required on the Chicago Transit Authority and other mass transit as recently as the spring of 2022.

But now, there is a growing movement of lawmakers and communities who want to ban masks. Civil liberties advocates have some major concerns about that idea.

In surveillance videos of crimes being committed, the perpetrators are often wearing masks over their noses and mouths. In many cases, the coverings help hide the faces and identities of those responsible.

“They’re not wearing those masks to protect themselves from COVID,” said Ald. Ray Lopez (15th). “They are doing it for a very intentional reason.”

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For anyone caught committing a crime while wearing a mask, Lopez is proposing an enhanced penalty on top of any sentence a judge hands down.

“I’m not trying to ban wearing masks in the city of Chicago,” Lopez said, “but only trying to specifically target those individuals who are intentionally trying to conceal their identities while breaking the law.”

In northwest suburban Lake in the Hills, face coverings will not be allowed at the Rockin’ Rotary Ribfest unless for medical or health purposes. Organizers singled out decorative masks—such as skeleton, ski, or character masks.

This comes after fights broke out at a festival earlier this spring in Lake in the Hills. 

Lake in the Hills police said in part, “[W]e can’t ignore that we are seeing a trend locally and nationally of individuals with ill intent using face coverings to hide or disguise their identities.”

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But the American Civil Liberties Union of Illinois has expressed concerns.

“I think one of the things we are concerned about is the broadness and breadth of a lot of these sorts of bans,” said Edwin Yohnka, director of communications and public policy for ACLU Illinois.

Masks have also been used to conceal people’s faces during protests—including at the pro-Palestinian protest encampments at universities around the area and the country this past spring, and other events—notably including a protest that happened at 2:30 a.m. this past Saturday outside the home of U.S. Rep. Brad Schneider (D-Illinois) in Highland Park and left many neighbors alarmed and on edge.

After concerns about people shielding their faces while committing antisemitic acts, New York state Gov. Kathy Hochul is considering a mask ban on public transit.

“We’re talking about people who use facial coverings to cover up their identity,” Hochul said.

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Yohnka said similar bans could unlawfully target people’s right to protest anonymously.

“What we’re seeing—I think largely in response to, you know, recent protests—are a sense that, you know, people should not be able to be masked in public for any reason,” Yohnka said. “We’ve never required that someone to identify themselves to speak. These laws suggest that people must be uncovered.”

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