United Contractors Midwest (UCM) started work in the Northeast Quadrant on Monday, May 8, 2017. They have removed the island median on the east side of the square, and temporarily patched where medians were. The sidewalk will be poured in the Northeast island tomorrow, Wednesday, May 17th (weather permitting). All ADA compliant ramps from the outer to inner part of the square leading up to the north side of the Courthouse will be complete on Wednesday also. City of Macomb crews will back fill all islands once the project is complete.

Contractors are still waiting on construction material to be delivered on site to the staging area, located in the A.R. Cooper municipal parking lot at N. McArthur and W. Jackson St. In order to progress, United Contractors Midwest will be moving to the Northwest island on Thursday, May 18, 2017. They will be removing the island median on the west side of the square and temporarily patching where the medians were.

The estimated date of completion for the Downtown Revitalization Project is August 15, 2017. More information can be found City of Macomb website, Downtown Macomb/Facebook, Downtown Kiosk, or join us in the City Hall Community Room for weekly update meetings each Thursday at 2:00 p.m.

City of Macomb Downtown Development announces Downtown Revitalization project weekly update. United Contractors Midwest (UCM) started in the Northeast Quadrant on Monday, May 8, 2017. They have removed the island, median on the east side of the square, and temporarily patched where medians were. Contractors are still waiting on construction material to be delivered on site to the staging area, located in the A.R. Cooper municipal parking lot at N. McArthur and W. Jackson St.

Early in the week of May 15th United Contractors Midwest will install ADA compliant ramps from the outer to inner part of the square leading up to the north side of the Courthouse.

The estimated date of completion for the Downtown Revitalization Project is August 15, 2017. More information can be found City of Macomb website, Downtown Macomb/Facebook, Downtown Kiosk, or join us in the City Hall Community Room for weekly update meetings each Thursday at 2:00 p.m.

Beginning Wednesday, May 17th, 2017 at 7:00 a.m. Western Ave from W. Adams St. to North Edge of Corbin Hall will be closed to traffic for approximately 2 weeks for road construction.

The Public Works Department appreciates the cooperation and indulgence of the public during this construction phase. We apologize in advance for any inconvenience the construction activities may cause. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Public Works at 309-833-2821.

Beginning Monday, May 15, 2017 a contractor will be replacing the pavement in the Bayberry Cul-de-sac. The contractor will start the work, weather permitting, at approximately 9:00 am Monday morning. The project will be completed in a week or two.

Garbage pickup will be up the hill at a designated area.

The Public Works Department appreciates the cooperation and indulgence of the public during this project. We apologize in advance for any inconvenience this activity may cause. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Public Works at 309-833-2821.

City of Macomb Historic Residential Home Plaque Program

Program Purpose
The City of Macomb Historic Residential Plaque Program is being initiated by the City of Macomb Historic Preservation Commission in cooperation with the McDonough County Historical Society in 2017, and up to four (4) homes may be recognized each year. The plaques, which appear on historic properties in Macomb, are a way to increase community awareness of architecturally and historically significant properties, which promotes a sense of pride in local historic preservation. Homeowners or organizations conduct research on the history of their property. Upon completion of an application and fee, the City of Macomb Historic Preservation commission reviews the application to see if the structure qualifies for a plaque, which is awarded based on the property’s architectural and/or historical merit during the month of June.

Application Process
The completed application form from the home research resource packet should be submitted with:
• An 8-by-10-inch current color photograph of the property illustrating structure or site features to be considered
• If possible an 8-by-10-inch historical photograph of the property illustrating structure or site features to be considered
• Documentation of research of the structure’s date, architectural style and other related historical significance

The application will be reviewed by the City of Macomb Historic Preservation Commission. If a property meets the appropriate criteria, the plaque may be approved for issuance. Arrangements will be made with the individual property owner for the plaque presentation in coordination with the annual Heritage Days celebration. Throughout the plaque application process, community development staff members and members of the Historic Commission are available for consultation. To use the Western Illinois University archives, contact the Archives in Malpass Library on the campus of Western Illinois University at 309-298-2717 for an appointment.

1.What is a City of Macomb Residential Historic Homes plaque?
The plaque recognizes Macomb residential homes considered architecturally and/or historically important to Macomb. It identifies homes that are significant to Macomb’s history through the integrity of their location, architecture, materials and historical association.
2.Does my home qualify?
The first step is to request a packet of information from the City of Macomb’s Community Development Office (309) 833-4944. The information includes resources for research that can also help owners in their quest for documenting the building’s age and prior ownership. You can contact the City of Macomb Historic Commissioners or WIU archives.
3.Will the plaque restrict remodeling or renovations I plan to do?
The plaque will not interfere with an owner’s rights in making changes or improvements to their property. However, the issuance of a plaque does not reflect or offer tax credits or abatements for rehabilitation projects or properties.

The City of Macomb and Waste Management request the assistance of the citizens of Macomb in the Spring City-Wide Clean-Up May 15 – 18, 2017 followed by a second pickup on the Monday route on May 22. Residents should place their refuse and trash curbside no earlier than 48 hours before their regular garbage pickup day. Clean up begins at 6:00 a.m. on your normal pick up day. Unfortunately, some residents are not placing their refuse and trash out until after the crews have passed their homes, which necessitate contractors and city crews to retrace their steps, prolonging the time and resources devoted to the effort. Mayor Mike Inman encouraged city residents, “This is a beneficial service provided to the community. On-time placement of refuse and trash keeps the cost down and reduces the neighborhood unsightliness associated with the program.”

Residents are advised that refuse and trash should be placed in containers or bundles weighing less than 50 pounds. Sturdy bags, including plastic trash bags, will be permitted containers for this event only. “White goods” and bulk items are to be placed as close to the curb as possible. Loose refuse and electronics are not permitted.

Other items not included in the pick up are: Yard Waste, Liquid Waste (paint, motor oil, thinner), Hazardous Waste (gasoline, propane, chemical wastes, insecticides/pesticides), Electronics (TV’s, Computers, Fax/Copy Machines, Cell Phones, Stereo Equipment), Tires, Batteries, Large Auto Parts, Construction and Demolition Debris, or Concrete Preparation.

City of Macomb Downtown Development announces the beginning of construction on the Downtown Revitalization project. The Downtown Revitalization project (Phase I) will address the storm sewer drainage on the south side of the Square, removing and rebuilding the middle islands and milling/overlaying of the pavement to include one block coming off of the square in each direction. Staging for this project has begun and full construction will start May 15, 2017.

Monday, May 1 – Begin sawing of pavement for the installation of storm sewer in all parts of the Square. Should take two days. Nothing more until about May 15 until all materials arrive on site.

About May 15 – The crew will begin excavation and installation of storm sewer in the NE quadrant of the Square. After completing that quadrant, the crew will do the same in the NW quadrant, moving counter- clockwise around the Square until done with the storm sewer. Also while working in each quadrant, the crew will remove and replace the corner islands before moving on. This process will take 8 – 12 weeks.

July 15/Aug 1 – The crew will begin to mill and overlay the streets with about 2 inches of new hot-mix asphalt. Again, this will be taken one quadrant at a time, starting in the NEquadrant. The total project is scheduled to be done by August 15.

“The square will never be closed down, at any point, during construction,” said Downtown Development Director, Kristin Terry. “All construction will be done in quadrants and we want to remind folks that United Contractors Midwest (UCM) will utilize the minimum space needed to work safely and efficiently”, stated Terry.

The estimated date of completion for the Downtown Revitalization Project is August 15, 2017. More information can be found City of Macomb website, Downtown Macomb/Facebook, Downtown Kiosk, or join us in the City Hall Community Room for weekly update meetings each Thursday at 2:00 p.m. As the project progresses updates will be provided in a timely manner. “We appreciate your patients during this amazing transformation of the Historic Downtown,” stated Terry.

City of Macomb’s annual City Wide Clean Up will be held Monday, May 15, 2017 through Thursday, May 18, 2017 with a second pickup on Monday, May 22, 2017 in the northwest quadrant.