Essex Development Controversy: Will Covenants Protect Property Owners?

By: Diane Benjamin What does this screen shot from last night’s Normal Town Council meeting tell you? . Does the Deputy Clerk have her hand over her heart? It sure doesn’t look like it. The citizens of Normal are paying the salary, benefits, and pension for a Deputy Clerk who refuses to say the Pledge […]

Essex passed – Citizens expected different?

By: Diane Benjamin I hear the Planning Commision meeting last Thursday was around 4 hours long. Many citizens from the area spoke, their quiet neighborhood and property values will be affected. Chris Koos’ handpicked commission members mostly ignored them and approved the project. I think 3 story buildings got reduced to 2 stories. Will that […]

Normal Planning Commission TODAY

By: Diane Benjamin I expect lots of opposition to show up for this meeting: . Media coverage should be enlightening. I won’t be covering it.

Proposed Essex Development, Collie Ridge, Corner of Shelbourne and Beech

By: Diane Benjamin I have been contacted by numerous residents of Normal regarding this development. The property was originally zoned for single-family use but was abruptly rezoned for multi-family housing in the heart of a single-family neighborhood. Area residents fear this will disrupt their tranquil lifestyle, increasing traffic and crime. Normal’s leadership appears unresponsive to […]

Collie Ridge/Essex paused (for now)

By: Diane Benjamin The below was posted in a Facebook group fighting to keep their single family housing neighborhood. Just because it was withdrawn for January 4th doesn’t mean it won’t be back. Don’t let you guard down!