Springfield, IL (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – Members of the Springfield City Council remain concerned about some of the powers State Senator Doris Turner’s bill allowing for a new hotel and an expanded BOS Center may give a new governing body.
Alderman Roy Williams tried this week to get a resolution on the agenda he says will make sure the council is at the forefront of Senate Bill 3499.
“We have to understand what’s going on and what they’re doing with our wards. I realize it ain’t [sic] Ward 10, but it is still downtown,” said Williams. “That’s still a significant amount of wards that it does touch and bother. This (Capital Area Tourism Authority) that they’re going to create may not need to be created. That’s why we’re an authority. That’s why we’re here.”
Williams’ emergency effort failed, but his resolution will be on the April 21st council agenda. Still, some around the horseshoe think Williams’ measure comes too soon. Ald. Erin Conley called it “putting the cart before the horse.”
“I think she’s got some really great ideas. (Turner has) always been a strong advocate for the city and the entire city,” said Conley. “I’m not entirely certain I agree with the premise that is in this resolution.”
Turner is a former Springfield Alderman and Sangamon County Board member. The legislation references the County Board and Sangamon County in a number of instances.
The measure calls for the use of “STAR” bonds to fund the work, paid back through taxes paid by those who use the facilities — $200 million worth. Ald. Shawn Gregory — who shares the concerns of Williams. But he otherwise likes the idea of the legislation, while wondering why stop with just $200 million.
“We can do this. We have projects. It don’t [sic] have to be $200 million; we should be going for the $300 million…bringing in $65 million in annual revenue to quality for that,” said Gregory said. “Between the BOS, History Across the Tracks, and other projects, we can do something transformative for the city.
Members of the Springfield City Council Aldermanic Black Caucus were to have met with Turner Wednesday night.
