Stadelman announces $125,000 for Rockford to fight blight
State Senator Steve Stadelman announced that Rockford will receive $125,000 through the Illinois Housing Development Authority to support affordable housing and revitalization efforts.
Funds awarded through the Strong Communities Program can be used for the acquisition, maintenance, rehabilitation and demolition of abandoned residential properties. The program's goal is to return vacant residential properties to productive and taxable use through rehabilitation.
“These funds are important for redevelopment in Rockford and will go a long way to improving our area,” Stadelman said. "This funding goes directly to the local government to invest in improving properties around the city that need care and attention.”
Stadelman has assisted Rockford in its blight reduction efforts including his work in 2019 to pass legislation streamlining the process for Rockford and other municipalites to acquire and demolish or rehabilitate abandoned properties.
“Blight reduction is one of several required components for local economic growth," Stadelman said, "and I will continue to support Illinois’ efforts to revitalize and invest in its cities and towns.”
Shawn Connors of the Rockford Fire Department joined Senator Stadelman in 2019 to speak about the dangers abandoned properties pose for first responders.
Stadelman-secured funds help propel YMCA expansion
Construction is under way on a 9,000-square-foot expansion of the cardio and strength training space at the Swedish American Riverfront YMCA thanks in part to $250,000 in state funds that State Senator Steve Stadelman secured for the $3.1 million project.
Stadelman, a longtime YMCA member, also recorded a promotional video for the larger $15 million to $20 million capital compaign, which includes Wellness Center expansion. YMCA leadership, lead gift contributors Rick and Lana Engen (bottom right) and other donors officially broke ground last week.
YMCA membership is at an all-time high of 15,000 households, with 10,000 of them using the downtown facility most of the time. Visit https://rockriverymca.org/capitalcampaign/ or call Michelle Gorham at 779-500-0810 to donate!
In case you missed me on Facebook ...
Steve Stadelman is at Veterans Memorial Hall and Museum
September 26 at 7:57 PM
