CITY OF JACKSONVILLE RELEASES JDC SURVEY RESULTS
Jacksonville, IL – The City of Jacksonville, in collaboration with the Jacksonville Area Chamber of Commerce and Jacksonville Regional Economic Development Corporation (JREDC), have released the results of a community survey focused on the future of property formerly known as the Jacksonville Developmental Center.
Over the summer, Jacksonville engaged the community by asking questions regarding the future of the former JDC property. The working group is eager to utilize the results of the survey as stakeholders strive to help move the property into productive use.
Overwhelmingly, respondents voiced the desire to maintain green space on the former JDC grounds. In addition, mixed use and commercial/retail use were identified as potential uses for the redeveloped property. The nearly 500 respondents to the survey also emphasized the need for family-friendly activities and attractions, with most indicating they do not wish the space to be used for low-income housing. The full results of the survey can be found on the city’s website: https://cms6.revize.com/revize/jacksonville/news_detail_T15_R34.php.
The most recent fire that broke out on the former JDC campus on December 8 underscores the safety issues associated with the derelict buildings. City of Jacksonville Fire Department officials approximate responding to over a dozen fires since the State of Illinois closed the facility in 2012. State officials granted approval for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) to conduct a phase I environmental study on the grounds in hopes to secure funding for remediation measures. The testing began on December 16 and the results are forthcoming.
City of Jacksonville Mayor Andy Ezard stated, “We value community input as we explore the possibilities for this important site and work together to shape a vibrant future for Jacksonville.” He continued, “Community participation is crucial in helping us understand the community’s vision and priorities for the redevelopment of the JDC property. As we begin tedious work to redevelop the property, understanding what our residents value is critically important.”
This initial survey marks the beginning of a multi-year process, encompassing planning, community engagement and future redevelopment. The City of Jacksonville, Jacksonville Chamber and JREDC have been working with Kansas State University’s Technical Assistance in Brownfields department and the Delta Institute for assistance with the project. The group is celebrating the USEPA grant recently awarded for environmental testing and seeking opportunities for more funding to help remediate the state-owned property.
“We are thankful to our partners at KSU and the Delta Institute for their help on this project,” said City of Jacksonville Community Development Director Brian Nyberg. “And we are especially proud of our good relationship with the State of Illinois as they afford us the opportunity to explore redevelopment options for an area of Jacksonville that many consider the heart of our city.”