10-07-2024 City Council Highlights

COUNCIL APPROVES HOME REHABILITATION; SHAWNEE AND HANCOCK VIADUCT PROJECT TO IMPROVE SAFETY FOR TRUCKS

FREEPORT, IL — Highlights from the October 7, 2024 Freeport City Council meeting include the approval of a home rehabilitation as part of a 2021 Grant, steps being taken to improve the Hancock Viaduct, and an award given to an Officer of the FPD for a recent high-pressure scenario.

Home Rehabilitation Grant Approved for Use

The 2021 Community Development Block Grant for Housing Rehabilitation was awarded to the City of Freeport in the amount of $550,000 where $64,000 is allocated to grant administration and $486,000 goes to the rehabilitation of homes. These funds were available to low-to-moderate income residents to improve their owner occupied single family housing units.

While other properties are in line to be approved, Council approved the rehabilitation of 749 E. Center Street, with work including electrical renovations, installation of 16 new windows, exterior stair replacement and more. After much work behind the scenes, the Community and Economic Development Department is pleased to utilize the grant funding to help improve living conditions for residents in need. “Though the application period wrapped up long ago, we look forward to continuing to find unique ways to helping residents improve their properties,” said Community and Economic Development Director Wayne Duckmann.

Shawnee and Hancock Viaduct to Receive Safety Improvements

Council members approved improvements for the Shawnee and Hancock Viaduct to allow safer passage for all traffic in that area. Fehr Graham will oversee the contract carried out by Helm Group.

The improvements would include replacing the water main, storm sewer, and lowering the road by 2.5 feet to allow semi-truck traffic and safety equipment to enter the Arcade area from this viaduct location permanently. The project is expected to be completed by May 2025.

Other News

Freeport Police Chief presented an Award of Valor to Patrolman Daniel Moore for his bravery and professionalism during the high-pressure scenario at Hosmer Apartments on September 4, 2024. Among many other actions taken that day, Moore was able to carefully remove a female from the danger of a threatening individual with firearms.

Council also approved the acceptance of the FY25 Less Lethal Alternatives for Law Enforcement Grant in the amount of $15,686 worth of new Tasers for the Freeport Police Department. Officers of the FPD are required to carry a Conducted Energy Device as a less-lethal Use of Force option. This would replace old devices with new ones.

More information about these topics and more can be found in the City Council meeting packet, viewable here: LINK TO AGENDA