Wednesday, December 30, 2009

Normal Green Hero

The Governor named Normal Mayor Chris Koos as one of the recipients of the 2009 Environmental Hero Awards. According to the Illinois government website, these awards are "given in recognition of a strong commitment to the health and protection of the environment in Illinois." Also, Normal is listed as an example of "greening" best practices: "The Town of Normal is including cutting-edge environmental standards in the creation of new buildings and other construction uptown. Their approach is to follow the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) standards for Neighborhood Development."

I'd say that this recognition is another feather in Normal's cap, but that kind of implies that a bird has been harmed. I'll have to think of a more environmentally appropriate way to describe it. In any case, it's a reason for taking pride in our community!

Sunday, December 27, 2009

Normal Snow

It's snowing, and snowing, and snowing, and snowing...in Normal. Yes, it's a winter wonderland. And the rabbits can no longer move about unnoticed!

Wednesday, December 23, 2009

Normal Cinemas Saved

Ok, so I was wrong about housing replacing the University Cinemas. For now, at least, the property will stay as is (sorry, Jeff). As I watched the Council meeting and listened to the discussion about what businesses might locate on that site if it stays B-1, I was thinking about what could go there. A neighborhood hardware store might be nice. Or, of course, it would be a nice new location for the Normal Post Office. Right off of Main St. and enough property for a new facility to be built!! I'm always scouting about for a new, MORE CONVENIENT, location for the Post Office. (The old building has obvious historical value so I'm not suggesting tearing it down. Just move the Postal services to a better location.)

Saturday, December 19, 2009

Normal University Cinemas

It appears that housing will be built on the site of the University Cinemas on Main Street. I rarely go to movies but I'd say about half of the movies I've seen since I moved to this area have been at the University Cinemas (the other half were at the Parkway). I prefer the "smaller" theaters over the multiplexes, although they aren't as nice as the old one-screen theaters. It just seems like there's more attention to detail when there is only one screen (plex?) for management to handle.


I sympathize with residents in the Main St. area who are upset about multi-family housing being built there. I hope that things work out better than they expect. Change is about the only constant in the town of Normal, but that doesn't make it easy for those impacted by the change.