Belleville OKs funds for demolition of senior home that's set to be replaced

BELLEVILLE A city plan to provide $250,000 for demolition costs related to construction of a new home for seniors survived a vote of the Belleville City Council Monday night, over the vocal objections of several aldermen.

In a 10-6 vote, the council agreed to reimburse St. Pauls Home for the demolition of its existing facility at 1021 West E Street, following the opening of a new, $30 million one in 2015 on the same site. The city will reimburse St. Pauls Home with funds from a tax increment financing district.

While the plan was strongly supported by Mayor Mark Eckert and the majority of the council, opposition came from several aldermen who said the expenditure would set a precedent of assisting non-profit organizations that would not contribute future tax revenues to the city.

In a lengthy prepared statement, Alderman Kent Randle asked, What happens when TIF goes away and our streets and other infrastructure have sat on hold while we fund nonprofits? Who will be next in line, will it be our churches? The Jewish Federation of Southern Illinois? The Salvation Army?

Eckert argued in favor of the plan, saying St. Pauls Home deserved the citys support for its courageous mission of serving the elderly and continuing to be part of a neighborhood that has changed drastically over the years. He also said the city had previously assisted projects pursued by other nonprofits, including the YMCAs construction of a major new facility in downtown Belleville. Other aldermen also voiced support for the St. Pauls Home expenditure.

In a separate action taken without any debate, the council unanimously approved a plan to pay for demolition costs of up to $175,000 as part of a plan for the development of The Cottages at Cathedral Square, another residential project geared to the senior market. That project, however, is a for-profit venture not exempt from property or sales taxes.

View original post here:
Belleville OKs funds for demolition of senior home that's set to be replaced