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2024/01/25 - Walter's Blog: Highlights for 2024

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

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Highlights for 2024 

January 25, 2024

I previously looked back at 2023 and today we look forward to 2024. Here is a summary of issues and projects that will command our attention this year: 

Community Park Enhancement Project: Construction will begin in 2024 for a Community Park facelift including a new pool, amphitheater, community center, walking trail, and outdoor event space. Here is a graphic of the final design. 

Pickleball Courts: Six new pickleball courts will be constructed this spring at Hesse Park to complement the four existing courts. Pickleball is a very popular activity and hopefully this will provide enough courts for O’Fallon’s pickleball enthusiasts. 

Family Sports Park Improvements: Due to large crowds attending baseball and soccer tournaments, a new parking lot will be constructed off Obernuefemann Rd. north of ballfields 9 and 10 and east of soccer field 1. In addition, a new fitness playground will be installed next to the main playground along the walking trail in the southern area of the Sports Park. 

Downtown District Improvements: Memorial Plaza will be reconstructed at First Street and Lincoln, and new shade structures will be installed around O’Fallon Station. New wayfinding and directional signs will be installed to guide people from the Illini Trail to the Downtown District. 

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! 

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 being 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. 

Website Overhaul: The City’s existing website design is ten years old and needs a facelift. The new website will provide easier navigation and new AI search tools. 

Municipal Elections: While the next municipal election is in April 2025, candidate petitions must be submitted by December 2024. Up for election will be Mayor, City Clerk, City Treasurer, and all seven wards on the City Council. 

Economic Development: Here are some exciting projects coming in 2024: 

  • Outback Steakhouse: This new restaurant at Green Mount Rd. and Central Park Drive should open in late February. 
  • 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 should open this summer on Shiloh Valley Township Road that will replace the existing Winn Supply located in downtown O’Fallon next to City Hall. 
  • Spring Hill Suites: Construction is expected to begin in 2024 for this new hotel that will be located at the Green Mount Road and Hwy. 50 intersection. 
  • Home 2 Suites: Construction is expected to begin in 2024 for this new hotel located on Regency Park Drive. 
  • Dunkin Donuts: Construction should begin in 2024 for this project located on Frank Scott Parkway near Green Mount Road.  
  • Auto Court Drive: We are hoping for new businesses to locate in some of the vacant buildings on Auto Court Drive (formerly Auffenberg Auto Mall). 
  • City-owned Venita Drive property: The City released a Request for Proposals (RFP) last 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: 2024 was another busy year for construction. Here are some highlights: 

  • Fourth Street reconstruction: This year’s phase of the multi-year program includes Fourth Street east of Lincoln as well as Vine, Apple, and Park. The project will include the reconstruction of the roads and the replacement of water, sewer, and storm sewer lines. 
  • Central Park/Hartman intersection improvements: The project will construct an additional left turn lane along southbound Hartman Lane at the intersection with Central Park Drive. Work also will include storm sewer installation, curb and gutter, pavement widening and traffic signal modifications. 
  • State Street drainage improvements: State Street floods regularly during heavy rains, so this project will alleviate localized flooding. 
  • North Cherry drainage improvements: The project will install new storm sewer lines along North Cherry and White Oak Drive. 
  • Ogles Creek Trail: A new walking/biking trail will be constructed along Ogles Creek adjacent to the Reserves at Timber Ridge and Bluffs at Ogles Creek subdivisions. 
  • Public Works Operations Building: Many Public Works vehicles are parked outside, which reduces their life span. The new building will provide indoor storage for vehicles and equipment and will include additional offices and training space for employees. 
  • Pavement Management Program: $2 million is spent each year to repave and repair O’Fallon streets. This year’s program includes streets in the Braeswood subdivision and in the South Walnut/Nancy Drive neighborhood. 
  • 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 completed 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.