PEKIN, Ill. – The city of Pekin is seeking help from the state to cover planned downtown improvements.
Pekin has submitted a grant application to the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity to cover half of $3.5 million in planned work.
The work includes improvements to make the city ADA compliant by 2025, after a class action lawsuit settlement in 2022., along with sidewalk improvements, street pathing, facade improvements, and separating a combined sewer line.
Mayor Mary Burress tells 25 News the downtown area is a key hub for Pekin.
“Any city that has a vibrant downtown is growing, and it attracts people from out of town,” Burress said.
The city plans to cover its half of the work through city taxes and central business TIF funds.
The $2,000 fee for the grant application was covered by the chamber of commerce, due to current debt the city of Pekin is currently under.
Pekin officials are hopeful to know by the fall the results of the application.
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