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2024/01/05 - Walter's Blog: Best of 2023

Democracy on the Front Lines 
City Administrator’s Blog 
Walter Denton 
 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Best of 2023 

As we enter a new year, it is common to see “Best of” lists in newspapers, magazines, and websites. I am not too proud to join the fray, so here are a few of the highlights from 2023: 

All-Abilities Playground: This new playground opened in November at Community Park and includes play features for all ages and ability levels. The City spent $750,000, and we received more than $70,000 in donations. In particular, the O’Fallon Fraternal Order of Police donated $25,000 for the naming rights and chose to call it “Champions Playground.” 

Community Park Enhancement Project: In addition to the All-Abilities Playground, Community Park will receive a facelift with a new pool, amphitheater, community center, walking trail, and outdoor event space. The City Council spent most of 2023 discussing the design and scope of these projects.Here is a graphic of the final design. Construction will begin in 2024 and be complete in 2025. 

Meijer/Pierce Boulevard: The City Council approved a new Meijer store and various outlet businesses at the corner of Green Mount Road and Pierce Boulevard. The Meijer development will include a 160,000 square foot store offering grocery and general merchandise goods, including pharmacy, electronics, home goods and clothing. In addition to approving the development, the City Council committed to implementing traffic calming measures to Pierce Boulevard. Meijer is expected to open in 2026. 

Forward 50 Great Streets Study: We received a $400,000 grant to conduct a comprehensive study of the Hwy. 50 corridor from I-64 Exit 14 to Scott-Troy Road. The vision of the plan is that “The Highway 50 corridor provides an environment that serves user needs, builds community quality, and capitalizes on opportunities while minimizing functional distress.” This is done by designing changes to Hwy. 50 to make the road safer, more pedestrian friendly, and more attractive. There were several public meeting to gather input, and here is the link to the presentation from the Open House that summarizes the citizen feedback. The final report is expected in May/June 2024. 

New Strategic Plan: While the 2040 Master Plan casts a vision for the next 20 years, the Strategic Plan identifies specific actions that should be taken in the next three years to implement the Master Plan. Since the Master Plan was approved, most of the Strategic Plan’s goals have been achieved. The City Council approved a new Strategic Plan with updated goals and objectives to achieve in the next three years. Here is the link to the Strategic Plan. 

Downtown District Nights: The Downtown District started a new tradition with live music and street party on the first Thursday of June, July, and August. The events were well received with great attendance and a plethora of food and drink options provided by downtown merchants. The District Nights will continue in 2024, so make plans to be there in June! 

City Council Procedures: City Council meetings can be disorienting for residents who do not normally attend. It can be difficult to know how decisions are made and when they can provide comments about items on the agenda. As a result, the City Council recently made several changes to be more transparent and make it easier for residents to know what is going on during meetings. Changes include guidance on public comments, procedures to promote transparency and accountability in decision making, and the adoption of the Illinois Municipal League Civility Pledge. 

Economic Development: There were some exciting projects in 2023: 

  • Spring Hill Suites: The City Council approved this new hotel that will be located at the Green Mount Road and Hwy. 50 intersection. Construction is expected to begin in 2024. 
  • Home 2 Suites: The City Council approved this new hotel that will be located on Regency Park Drive. Construction is expected to begin in 2024. 
  • Outback Steakhouse: Construction began on this new restaurant at the Green Mount Road and Central Park Drive intersection. It is expected to open in March 2024. 
  • Dunkin Donuts: The City Council approved this new restaurant in 2023 located on Frank Scott Parkway near Green Mount Road. Construction should begin in 2024. 
  • Christian Brothers Automotive: Construction is underway on Frank Scott Parkway and Hartman Lane and should open in 2024. 
  • Winn Plumbing Supply: A new warehouse and dealership building is under construction on Shiloh Valley Township Road that will replace the existing Winn Supply located in downtown O’Fallon next to City Hall. 
  • Los Amigos Restaurant: This new Mexican restaurant opened in the old vacant Horseshoe Lounge site on Hwy. 50. 
  • City-owned Venita Drive property: The City released a Request for Proposals (RFP) in September for the sale and development of City-owned property on Venita Drive adjacent to the Family Sports Park. We received one proposal, so look for an announcement early in 2024 about the project. 

Public Infrastructure: 2023 was another busy year for construction. Here are some highlights: 

  • Presidential Streets reconstruction: This year’s phase of the multi-year program included the Presidential streets west of Lincoln, including the reconstruction of the roads and the replacement of water, sewer, and storm sewer lines. 
  • Simmons Bridge reconstruction: The bridge was replaced just south of the Reserves at Timber Ridge subdivision. Residents were inconvenienced for a while, but the new bridge is a big improvement. 
  • Westbrook drainage: New storm drains and pipes were installed to improve drainage in the Westbrook subdivision around Hesse Park and south. 
  • Water quality improvements: Equipment was installed to inject chlorine into the water system at three locations. The improvements will improve consistency and water quality throughout the system. 
  • East State Street Resurfacing: New asphalt was applied on State Street from Smiley to Scott-Troy Road. 
  • Pavement Management Program: $1.7 million was spent to repave and repair O’Fallon streets. This is a multi-year project that will address the maintenance of all city streets. 
  • Wastewater Treatment Plant upgrade: Sewer improvements are somewhat invisible but are essential for community development. The project consists of $15 million in improvements and should be complete in 2024. 

We live in an attractive and safe community with great neighborhoods, schools, and parks. We will continue to work hard to provide exceptional services and to maintain O’Fallon’s superior quality of life. In my next blog, I will share what’s next for 2024.