Springfield ICON

Independent Coalition for Our Neighborhoods

problem properties

  • Huge thanks to the Moving Pillsbury Forward working group!

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    Kudos to Chris Richmond and the grassroots “Moving Pillsbury Forward” (MPF) working group!  MPF is a group of community volunteers focusing on understanding the challenges and issues related to the Pillsbury property.  They are working hard to get everyone together to get the facts out, dispel misinformation, evaluate reasonable options, and work together to move…

  • Problem Properties: Groups want better tracking of violators

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    Vinegar Hill Neighborhood Association President Arlene Flury and Enos Park President Michelle Ownbey are quoted in the SJR about problem properties in their neighborhoods. The problems aren’t limited to 3 neighborhoods. ICON members hail from 17 neighborhoods, and aldermen report problem properties in all wards of Springfield.   Excerpt from the SJ-R 5/30/2017… Neighborhoods want…

  • ICON supports Chronic Nuisance Landlord Ordinance

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    Springfield ICON submitted the following guest editorial to the SJ-R that was published Saturday, March 19 in the SJ-R. Look for more on problem properties coming soon. It’s time to fix our problem properties What’s it like to see the house next door sell for half of what it did 10 years ago? What’s it…

  • Key Gateway Property: Bel-Aire Motel comes down

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    We hope Harvard Park Neighborhood Association gets to keep the Bel-Aire seal for a park or greenspace.  Meantime, we’re posting photos of the demolition.  Kudos to the City and to Harvard Park for working to improve the area. More info at SJ-R.com… Now the City and developers need to put some effort and intentionality into…

  • City Budget Razes Demolition Efforts

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    We’re disappointed that the proposed City of Springfield budget will not match 2014 funds for demolishing Springfield’s worst properties.  While we applaud the increased number of properties demolished in the past 4 years, there’s more work to do.  With a backlog of properties waiting to be torn down, older Springfield neighborhood residents still live next…

  • Crime-Free Housing Ordinances: middle ground leaves room for partnership & improvement

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    Attached is an article from the October 2014 issue of the Illinois Realtor newsletter.  Although the article – by Assistant Director of Advocacy and Local Issues Mike Scobey – argues against some local Crime-Free Housing Ordinances, several statements are in sync with ICON’s goal of improving the quality of life for residents in older neighborhoods:…

  • Enos Park Success in Cleaning up Problem Properties

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    Congratulations to Enos Park for their recent success using direct legal action against problem property owners living within 1200 feet of Enos Park LLC properties! The lawsuits were filed in mid-August, under a section of the Illinois Municipal Code that gives property owners the right to seek legal remedies if a property within 1,200 feet…

  • Enos Park Sues Problem Property Owners

    Enos Park Sues Problem Property Owners

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    Enos Park is once again on the forefront of redevelopment in Springfield, taking 3 problem property owners to court in an effort to get properties repaired, demolished or donated to them for relief from crumbling structures, vagrants, and garbage.  The association has the ability to directly sue the property owners because they own property within…

  • ICON Monthly Meeting Monday, July 28, 7pm

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    To ICON Members and Participants, Our July Monthly Meeting will be held at First Church of the Brethren, 2115 Yale Blvd, Springfield, IL 62703. Agenda This is a combined Membership / Steering Committee Meeting. SATS Transportation Update – Kevin Milhelcic Planning for August 25 special event with Peoria City officials.  York Powers, new Coordinator of…

  • ICON Monthly Meeting June 27th 7pm

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    The Monday, June 25th meeting will be held at the Assisi Conference Center in the Main building of St John’s Hospital. The Assisi Center is right next to the hospital library. There is convenient parking in the garage at Carpenter and North 9th Street. We are anticipating a number of aldermen will attend and review…