Eminent Domain was meant for government to obtain land from private citizens for the public good.  Until 2005, public good meant for schools, public buildings, & roads, but the Supreme Court decided eminent domain could be used against a private citizen for use by another private citizen.  The Town of Normal is now famous for […]

I drove by this lot today to see who is allowed to park there.  The part labeled 2 is mostly reserved for the Coffee House on Beaufort.  3 – I didn’t see how to access it, but I may have missed something.  This is NOT a straight parking lot where it is clear what you […]

All the the following is public information or it was obtain under the Freedom of Information Act. On August 20, 2008 – Simon Wilson sold the following parcels to One Main Development for $1,412,500: 14-28-435-013  114-122 E Beaufort 14-28-435-027  North of -013 to College 14-28-435-014   North of -013 to College 14-28-435-030    North of -013 to […]

by Diane Benjamin The Town of Normal doesn’t have just 1 or 2 Tax Increment Finance districts, it has 4 – all started since Chris Koos became mayor.  The original intent of TIF districts was to encourage developers in blighted areas.  According to one of my sources, TIF districts are now used more to provide […]

Normal didn’t stop at 2 Tax Increment Finance Districts – More tomorrow by Diane Benjamin The last report on properties bought – sold – given away – and held by the Town of Normal focus on the Normal Uptown Increment Redevelopment.  Part of that strategy is to pay for the plan using the difference between […]

by Diane Benjamin Since Chris Koos has been elected Mayor more than once – You Did! In previous posts about the Town of Normal, I stated in 2003 every citizen was $11.52 in debt to Normal.  By 3/31/11 every citizen was $1725.18 in debt.  The 3/31/12 financial statements have not been issued yet.  A look […]