Read more about the article Garden Hills residents question number of businesses selling liquor in and near neighborhoodDarrell Hoemann
Garden Hills looking east on Hedge Road from Mattis Avenue on Wednesday, December 15, 2021. Photo by Darrell Hoemann/CU-CitizenAccess

Garden Hills residents question number of businesses selling liquor in and near neighborhood

Some Champaign residents in Garden Hills have expressed concern over the number of businesses selling alcohol in close proximity to the neighborhood, saying those…

Continue ReadingGarden Hills residents question number of businesses selling liquor in and near neighborhood
Read more about the article Garden Hills neighborhood improvements in full swingDarrell Hoemann
Garden Hills looking east on Paula Drive from Mattis Avenue on Wednesday, December 15, 2021. Photo by Darrell Hoemann/CU-CitizenAccess

Garden Hills neighborhood improvements in full swing

Neighborhood input “shaped” the design of the ongoing Garden Hills improvement project, of which the latest phase costs an estimated $35 million to install…

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Read more about the article Garden Hills residents feel ‘neglected’ by Champaign over yearsDarrell Hoemann
Garden Hills looking east on Paula Drive from Mattis Avenue on Wednesday, December 15, 2021. Photo by Darrell Hoemann/CU-CitizenAccess

Garden Hills residents feel ‘neglected’ by Champaign over years

For years, Garden Hills residents, property owners and advocates have been unsuccessfully pleading with the city of Champaign for improved living conditions, more city funding and reduced crime. While plans are underway for some improvements, some said it should have come sooner.

Continue ReadingGarden Hills residents feel ‘neglected’ by Champaign over years
Read more about the article United Garden Hills lighting, flooding projects underway after years of resident complaintsUnited Garden Hills, Facebook
Flooding on Anita Dr. in the Garden Hills neighborhood in June 2021.

United Garden Hills lighting, flooding projects underway after years of resident complaints

In June, the city was awarded $25 million through the American Rescue Plan (ARP), a COVID-19 economic relief plan disbursing emergency funds. Half of the funds have already been given to the city, while the other half will be received next year. Kay Nees, finance director of the city, said the ARP was like a “key missing piece” in order to get to work on Garden Hills.  The two efforts, a drainage project to target flooding, and a lighting project to make the streets safer, have their own timeline, budget and design. The first phase of the drainage project has already been completed: creating greenspace to install detention basins. The city worked with residents to demolish properties that were frequently getting flooded to make room for detention basins.

Continue ReadingUnited Garden Hills lighting, flooding projects underway after years of resident complaints