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Neighborhood revitalization and prohibition of new natural areas in residential neighborhoods to be discussed at next council meeting

The Decatur City Council will be voting on whether to accept a donation by the Howard G. Buffett Foundation to revitalize the Johns Hill Neighborhood and consider adopting changes to an ordinance that would prohibit new natural areas at the next city council meeting on Monday, August 17 at 5:30 PM.

HOWARD G. BUFFETT FOUNDATION TO DONATE UP TO $8 MILLION FOR INFRASTRUCTURE IMPROVEMENTS

Previously, the Howard G. Buffett Foundation provided the city of Decatur with over $1 million for demolition, land clearing, and land acquisition within the Johns Hill Neighborhood bounded by Cantrell St., Jasper St., Wood St., and Martin Luther King Jr. Drive.  The city council will consider an agreement in which the Foundation will contribute up to $8 million toward infrastructure improvements in the neighborhood including street replacement, sidewalk upgrades, curb and gutter reconstruction, alley paving, street lighting, and broadband and camera installations. 

CITY PROPOSES BAN ON NEW NATURAL AREAS IN RESIDENTIAL AREAS

Approximately six weeks have passed since the city first proposed banning new natural areas in residential zones.  Despite requests to eliminate the ban, city staff continues to advance an ordinance that would ban the development of future natural areas in residential zones. 

The benefits to natural areas and experiencing nature is well-documented.  Spending time in nature enhances our well-being and improves multiple health factors including lower incidences of diabetes and heart disease, and increased longevity in seniors.  Having natural areas where most of our citizens live will allow more of our citizens the opportunity to benefit from nature. 

THE CITY COUNCIL WILL VOTE ON MONDAY, AUGUST 17 AT 5:30 PM.  PLEASE EXPRESS YOUR VIEWS.

Meetings take place at the Theater located on the second floor of the Decatur Civic Center (1 Gary K. Anderson Place).  Free parking is available in the lot immediately south of the entrance.  Citizens are encouraged to attend meetings and express their views.  Citizens are allotted 3 minutes per person near the beginning of each city council meeting.  In addition, citizens can provide comments regarding one regular agenda item per meeting for up to three minutes provided they notify the city in advance (and prior to the start of the meeting).  You can request to speak on a particular agenda item at a council meeting by filling out an on-line form at: https://www.decaturil.gov/mayor-and-council/advance-request-to-speak-at-council-meeting/. 

AGENDAS FOR CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS ARE AVAILABLE ONLINE - An agenda and information about each agenda item for each city council meeting can be found at: https://www.decaturil.gov/mayor-and-council/council-meetings/.

CITIZENS ARE ENCOURAGED TO PROVIDE FEEDBACK TO CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS – If you would like to discuss this or any other issue with a city council member, phone numbers and e-mail addresses for each council member can be found at the following link: https://www.decaturil.gov/mayor-and-council/council/. 


Horn for Decatur
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