Washington, shopping center reach compromise on $50K grant

The owners of the Cherry Tree Plaza shopping center will get a $50,000 business property improvement grant from in two equal installments from Washington — if they meet the city's requirements.

The first requirement is to complete an estimated $90,000 renovation project to increase a 12,500-square-foot vacant space currently occupied by a gym into a 25,000-square-foot space, submitting paid receipts.

The second stipulation gives the owners until the end of 2028 to submit proof of a binding lease agreement or other evidence indicating a sales tax-generating tenant will fill the vacant space.

Washington City Council members unanimously approved the Cherry Tree Plaza grant this week, after they rejected it 4-2 in a July vote.

At that time, some council members expressed concerns then about giving a taxpayer-funded grant to out-of-town business owners, and they wanted assurances that a new tenant will be found.

A representative of American Commercial Realty, the Florida-based company that manages the shopping center, told council members last month that getting the grant was a key to recruiting an interested prospective tenant.

"I appreciate staff negotiating this so that there is some protection for the city and for the taxpayers," said Alderperson Brandon Moss.

"The agreement isn't perfect, but it gives us a safeguard," said Alderperson Mike McIntyre.

"It's a good compromise," said Alderperson Bobby Martin III.

The Cherry Tree Shopping Center is located in the northwest corner of the Washington Road [U.S. Business Route 24] and Cummings Lane intersection.

Council priorities

Here are the council's 2026-29 priorities:

• Establish a direction on the Farm Creek sewer trunkline project.
• The sale and development of the "223" property along U.S. Route 24.
• Redevelopment of U.S. Business Route 24.
• Explore ways to cut costs and reduce the property tax burden.
• Completion of the city space needs study.

The priorities were identified during a recently completed months-long process to create a strategic plan for the city for the next three years.

The process included input from the public and stakeholders.

Vision and mission statements for the city were written during the strategic plan process.

Here's the vision statement: "Honoring our heritage, embracing our future, and growing together as one vibrant community."

Here's the mission statement: "Provide excellent and efficient service that enhances civic pride, growth, and quality of life."

Arndt Municipal Support of Jacksonville oversaw the creation of the strategic plan, which was approved this week by the council.

Candlewood project is a bargain

In other action this week, the council:

• Approved a final payment of about $54,600 to low bidder Illinois Civil Contractors [ICC] of East Peoria for the Candlewood Bridge repair project. ICC was awarded a contract of about $516,300 for the work. The project came in about $25,400 under budget.
• Approved a final payment of nearly $116,000 to low bidder PIPCO of Peoria for the replacement of the water main along Bondurant Street next to Washington Community High School. PIPCO was awarded a nearly $269,000 contract for the work. Snags including the discovery of a 4-inch watermain running parallel to the existing water main on Jefferson Street added about $35,100 to the contract cost. The budget for the contract was $360,000.
• Approved spending up to $110,000 for road salt from Kansas-based Compass Minerals through the state's joint purchase program.
• Approved special use and variance requests from East Peoria-based Civic Digital Displays to construct a 10-by-30 foot digital billboard on city right-of-way adjacent to McClugage Road about 650 feet southeast of Centennial Drive.
• Approved the appointment of Alan Bensing to the Economic Development Commission, and the reappointments of Louis Milot to the Planning and Zoning Commission and Brittany Miller and Cindy Roese to the Tree Board.
• Held a first reading of a city code amendment that requires licensing for smoke/vape shops and limits the number of those shops to the four currently in the city, including one that is within 500 feet of a school. The code exemption for that shop will end if the business moves or gets new ownership.
• Held a first reading of a resolution that adds a representative from the Northern Tazewell Fire Protection District to the Washington Fire Department Board.
• Approved a proclamation honoring Washington High graduate Stuart Levenick, the latest Washington Historical Society "Roots" award recipient. Levenick and his wife Nancy have been involved in many philanthropic efforts. The society will recognize Levenick in a ceremony at 7 p.m. Oct. 8 at the organization's headquarters on the downtown square.

Let's talk

The next "Let's Talk Washington" informal discussion session hosted by Mayor Lilija Stevens will be from 4-5 p.m. Sept. 22 at Sunny Side Street, 1964 Freedom Parkway.

The mayor will be joined by City Administrator Jeff Fiegenschuh, Police Chief Jeff Stevens and Alderperson John Blundy.