Rep. Kelly awards $850,000 to City of Paxton for Market Street streetscape improvements
Paxton, IL. – U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly (IL-02) joined state Sen. Chris Balkema, state Rep. Jason Bunting, and Paxton Mayor Bill Ingold yesterday to award $850,000 in federal funding to the City of Paxton to continue streetscape improvements along Market Street in the city's downtown core. Rep. Kelly secured the funding through the annual Community Project Funding request process.
The investment builds on a first phase of Market Street streetscape work, completed with $1.1 million from the now-terminated HUD CDBG Revolving Loan Fund, that repaired sidewalks and added ADA-accessible curb ramps, lighting, and landscaping from State to Pells Street. This next phase will extend those upgrades from Pells to Center Street—a block home to 17 storefronts, 15 businesses, Majestic Park, and City Hall. The improvements will create a safer Market Street that supports downtown businesses and closes remaining ADA and pedestrian safety gaps. Sales tax revenues along the corridor have grown since the streetscape plan began, reflecting the strong private investment and community support behind Paxton's downtown revitalization.
“I am proud to have brought home $850,000 to continue the revitalization of Market Street,” said Rep. Kelly. “This investment tells small businesses and families that Paxton is a place worth investing in, and with sales tax revenue up more than 50 percent along this corridor, it's clearly working. Thank you to Mayor Ingold and the City of Paxton for seeing this through.”
“Strong communities are built through strategic investments and leaders who are willing to work together to get things done,” said State Senator Chris Balkema (R-Channahon). “I appreciate Congresswoman Robin Kelly's efforts to secure this investment for the City of Paxton, and I congratulate the city on this important milestone. Revitalizing downtown Paxton will strengthen local businesses, enhance quality of life, and help ensure the community continues to thrive for generations to come.”
“With this grant, the City of Paxton is able to move forward with its vision of changing and improving the downtown to become a destination point for visitors, shoppers and even those looking for a new home,” said Bill Ingold, Mayor of Paxton.
“Clark Dietz, working with the City of Paxton, believes this next phase of the Paxton Streetscape Project will improve how members of the community access the downtown area while helping to continue the revitalization of Market Street with enhancements, which will include new sidewalks, street lighting, and intersection improvements,” said Michael J. Livermore of Clark-Dietz Engineering Firm. “These infrastructure upgrades will help create an attractive, accessible, and vibrant downtown area, supporting both community life and economic development.”