2613 West Kirby Case Update
Due to outstanding code violations including boarded doors and windows, the property at 2613 W Kirby Ave. became subject to the requirements of the vacant nuisance residential buildings ordinance. Failure of the property owner to comply with the ordinance requirements resulted in the case being forwarded to the City Legal Department for litigation. Now-retired Property […]
North Prospect Volunteer Cleanup Event
On May 13, a group of volunteers organized by Michael Chrasta of the non-profit organization The Vine and the Fig Tree performed a litter clean up in the North Prospect area. Volunteers from Youth Build and Meijer participated in the cleanup through morning and afternoon shifts. Twenty-nine 30-gallon bags of litter were removed from the […]
COVID Relief Funding – Partner Profile and Update CU TRI
The City funded CU Trauma and Resiliency Initiative (CU TRI) with $60,000 in COVID Relief funds to initiate trauma response and crime prevention programs. Thus far CU TRI has recruited a total of 12 individuals who have agreed to attend the training and play an active role in their “Healing Neighborhoods” project. They identified 2 […]
Virtual Landlord Forum
On May 4, 2021, Neighborhood Services partnered with Champaign County Regional Planning Commission (CCRPC) and Habitat for Humanity to host a virtual forum for area landlords. Presenters were CCRPC’s Community Services Director Lisa Benson, And Habitat for Humanity’s Family Services Manager Jim Mueller. Sixty-two landlords joined the meeting to learn about new rental assistance funds […]
Virtual Home Maintenance 101 Workshop
On April 22, 2021, Neighborhood Services collaborated with Habitat for Humanity to conduct a virtual Home Maintenance 101 workshop. Rehab Technician Joe Lewis presented maintenance tips for homeowners: including visual checks inside and outside the home; replacement of furnace filters; smoke and carbon monoxide detectors; and knowing the locations of main water and gas shut […]
IHDA Homeownership Programs
The Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) gave a presentation to City staff and partners at the monthly meeting of the Community Reinvestment Group. Javier Gamucio, IHDA’s Director of Homeownership, presented information on IHDA’s housing downpayment assistance programs. IHDA currently offers five mortgage products that offer down payment, closing cost assistance and 30-year fixed rate mortgages […]
Solar Decathlon Open House
On April 10, 2021, City staff attended the grand opening of ADAPTHAUS, located at 1202 N. Walnut. ADAPTHAUS was created by the Illinois Solar Decathlon student team for the US Department of Energy’s 2020 Solar Decathlon, which is a competition that challenges students to design and construct high-functioning, low carbon homes. ADAPTHAUS is a modular […]
Virtual Neighborhood Leaders Meeting
On April 7, the Neighborhood Services Department – Coordination Division hosted its monthly virtual neighborhood leaders meeting. City Manager Dorothy Ann David was the keynote presenter for the meeting which was held via Zoom. During her presentation, the City Manager shared information on City operations during the COVID-19 pandemic. Her presentation highlighted the City’s resiliency […]
Tips to Protect Your Home and Stay Warm During Frigid Temperatures
With frigid temperatures settling into Central Illinois for the next week, the City of Champaign reminds residents and landlords to take proactive measures to protect your homes and stay warm during this long period of forecasted freezing temperatures: Replace the air filter in your furnace to help it run as efficiently as possible. Consider adding […]
Vacant Lot Disposition Program Creates Opportunity for Unique Affordable Housing Options
The Neighborhood Services Department (NSD) Programs Division administers the vacant lot disposition program on behalf of the City. A key goal of the program is to identify suitable reuse options for vacant City-owned lots throughout Champaign. In some instances, lot size and location reduce a lot’s desirability and development possibilities. These situations call for innovative […]