Tag: Jeff Giebelhausen

Written by Diane Benjamin - editor

Citizens Fight Back: Logan County

By:  Diane Benjamin Logan County has more than it’s share of problems.  I’ve written a few stories about the Atlanta Public Library: https://blnnews.com/2017/10/13/the-citizens-of-atlanta-saved-themselves-200000/ https://blnnews.com/2017/10/13/atlanta-library-makes-huge-oma-violation/ https://blnnews.com/2017/07/13/atlanta-more-small-town-shenanigans/ These stories barely touch the surface of the problems in not only Atlanta, but now Lincoln. All the controversy revolves around one guy:  Bill Thomas. If the name sounds familiar, […]

Written by Diane Benjamin - editor

Food fight: Downtown Bloomington

By:  Diane Benjamin I find it hilarious that Renner’s claim to economic development victories include two businesses stolen from Normal:  Dick’s Sporting Goods and a Kroger’s Superstore.  Both wanted more room, more room just happen to available in Bloomington – of course tax rebates didn’t hurt.  He still claims Greentop, Hy-vee, and now Ovation theaters.  […]

Written by Diane Benjamin - editor

Bloomington is ANTI-business

By:  Diane Benjamin Governor Rauner ran on a platform of making Illinois business friendly.  He has failed because the Democrat super-majority in Springfield doesn’t care if companies move across the border to save millions of dollars.  They don’t care if Caterpillar leaves the state along with other companies who can’t compete in this high-tax high-regulation […]

Written by Diane Benjamin - editor

OOPS! Explain please Tari

By:  Diane Benjamin Thanks to a reader who pointed this out to me!  Around 1/3 of my stories are tips from readers, I REALLY appreciate it. FY 2016 Adopted Budget Book 1-Budget Overview & General Fundd The below is from Book One Budget Document on the City Website:  (including the spelling)  http://www.cityblm.org/index.aspx?page=21&parent=8220 Note it’s 2016 […]

Written by Diane Benjamin - editor

Want cheap property taxes?

by:  Diane Benjamin Buy a Condo in the Ensenberger Building! I was looking for something else when I stumbled on some astounding numbers. Below are Condo Sales in the Ensenberger Building.  The Property Taxes are from the Assessor’s website.  Some properties list the Selling price, some don’t.  I looked up the ones without a selling […]

Written by Diane Benjamin - editor

Becoming Normal

By:  Diane Benjamin Jeff Giebelhausen finally got around to registering the LLC name he’s been using to sell his Bloomington plans under:  http://www.ilsos.gov/corporatellc/CorporateLlcController On the agenda for Monday night:   Below is what will be required under the Resolution:    The plans include tons of staff time.  Just like Fazzini’s jet fuel garbage plans, it […]

Written by Diane Benjamin - editor

Reports from the Giebelhausen event

By:  Diane Benjamin I’ve talked to 3 people who attended the Giebelhausen event last night.  Here’s the summary: Not many people attended Opposition far out-numbered supporters No new facts were presented Giebelhausen dreamed of more than one hotel downtown Nothing is going to happen without taxpayers being at risk Profit-sharing is the way he is […]

Written by Diane Benjamin - editor

Legal & Giebelhausen

By: Diane Benjamin From Bills and Payroll for 2/22/16:  http://www.cityblm.org/index.aspx?page=242&parent=9535   Another $57,721.33 sent to Springfield for Legal! How much of that is work on a downtown hotel? How much more will the City rack up at your expense? Yes, Giebelhausen’s proposal is costing you money. Speaking of Giebelhausen, he wants to change East Peoria’s […]

Written by Diane Benjamin - editor

Giebelhausen: REVENUE sharing

By:  Diane Benjamin This document was handed to the Council last Tuesday night.  It has since been posted for the public:  Giebelhausen-additional information A few things struck me as strange.  The words Revenue Sharing are used when what is really meant is Cost Sharing. Yes, the City will see increased revenues if the project is […]

Written by Diane Benjamin - editor

Tari’s downtown obsession

By:  Diane Benjamin I think Tari’s constant focus on downtown comes from sites like this one: “What do baby boomers, families, young professionals and new U.S. immigrants all have in common? They’re driving the reurbanization of America. After decades of flight, cities are becoming the go-to choice of living. Access to amenities—including parks, transportation, restaurants, […]