Alton, Illinois Development News
GatherGov Agents listens to meetings 24/7 delivering the latest real estate development updates, legislation, and news.
Development News from the latest meeting
Alton City Council Meeting
Published: Jul 23, 2026
Resident Voices Concerns on Surveillance, Public Safety, Property Maintenance, and Infrastructure
Jeff Bridges, a resident of 18 years, raised several concerns. He questioned the presence and use of Flock cameras, stating they infringe on Fourth Amendment rights, and noted 323 cameras in the surrounding area, with two on Ridge Street and implied cameras on the 'Rotary'. He reported alleged drug dealing activity on Diamond Street with constant car traffic at late hours, stating police action has been insufficient. Bridges criticized the Building and Zoning office, likening it to an HOA, for issuing violations for grass over 6 inches tall instead of offering volunteer assistance for elderly or disabled residents. He recounted a personal injury from a deer-vehicle accident and advocated for certified mail for violations. He also requested repaving for Diamond Street, which he claims has not been addressed in over 30 years and is in poor condition for driving. Finally, he raised concerns about a tree at 1023 Diamond Street leaning towards his house, owned by a shell company in Ohio, which he has been unable to get removed and cannot afford to remove himself.
Council Refers Demolition Proceedings, Approves Street Closure, Discusses Event Reports
Alderman B presented three resolutions: approving a request to sell/serve alcohol at the Alt Pride Festival, authorizing temporary street closure for the Marquette kickoff party, and initiating demolition proceedings for 1262 State Street. These were referred to committee. Alderman B also presented a resolution to commence demolition proceedings for 901 Bradley Avenue (accessory structure only) and referred it to committee. Another resolution to commence demolition for 1130 Eastston was referred to committee. The new chair of the Plan Commission, Tim Li, was announced, and the service of the previous chair, Mark Hackworth (over 20 years), was recognized. Additional resolutions were referred to committee: introducing an ordinance for sidewalk popup shops, authorizing street closure for Deliverance Temple Complex homecoming, introducing an ordinance for an annual multi-year capital improvement plan, and authorizing ARPA funds for a capital projects fund. A resolution authorizing temporary street closure on Sixth Street for Deliverance Temple Complex Resource Fair was approved and rules were suspended. The council also addressed a request for the report on the '40 days of no violence', with Mayor Goins stating Audible Brown spearheaded the event and would need to be consulted.
Resident Opposes Zoning Changes for 845 Danforth Street, Citing Lack of Progress and Safety Concerns
Mary Norman expressed opposition to any zoning changes or special use permits for the property at 845 Danforth Street, formerly Ursulan Convent. She stated there has been no movement or cleanup at the site, including no progress on demolishing the condemned building due to potential asbestos issues, and no work on securing the property. Norman alleged that metal has been removed from the site. She questioned whether recent postponements of hearings (due to the city attorney's absence) excuse the applicant, Catco, from complying with code violations and securing the building. Norman argued that 845 Danforth is too large a project for Catco, questioning their ability to manage it and their stewardship of donated funds, citing a lack of business, financial, safety, and sustainability plans. She believes the property requires professional rehabilitation beyond the $30,000 indicated online and that allowing unauthorized access is unsafe.
Mayor Expresses Legal Concerns Over Appointment Ordinance; Council Votes Against Two Mayoral Appointments
Mayor David Goins addressed the council regarding appointments and ordinance 799, which declares prior appointments null and void. He stated that independent legal opinions suggest ordinance 799 conflicts with the Illinois Municipal Code and is likely unenforceable, posing legal risks. He explained his oath to uphold state and federal laws puts him in a difficult position. He believes lawful appointments made before ordinance 799 remain effective unless lawfully terminated. He will not submit reappointments under ordinance 799, emphasizing this is not a termination and officials should continue their duties. He requested the council lay over appointments until further legal evaluation. Following this, a motion was made to accept all mayoral appointments except for Rodney Cathy and Greg Cathy. The motion passed with five ayes, one nay, and one absent. Separate motions to accept the appointments of Rodney Cathy (failed with five nays, one aye, one absent) and Greg Cathy (failed with four nays, two ayes, one absent) were then made and failed. Alderman Mandela had previously allegedly pressured the mayor regarding the Cathy appointments.
City Council Extends Waste Services Contract, Approves Demolition for 620 Leonard Street
A resolution was presented to authorize the extension of the contract between the City of Alton and Republic Services for municipal waste services through March 31st, 2027. This resolution was referred to the committee of the whole. Additionally, a resolution to commence demolition proceedings concerning 620 Leonard Street was moved to suspend rules and approved. The vote was six ayes, zero nays, one absent.
Get Weekly Development News of Alton
Get it now for $25/year. Stay ahead of market moving news.
From $25/year
The Alton News archive
Deliverance Temple in Alton
Our Daily Show! Ft. Rainbow House, Fulton Sheen Beatification, and Sydney!
Our Daily Show With CJ Nasello: Ft. Longevity, Downtown WestEnd, & Firecracker Race!
Our Daily Show With CJ Nasello: Ft. Stephens Planning, OSF, and Rainbow House!
Our Daily Show! Ft. JCH Foundation, Caritas, & River Dragons!
Wood River City Council Meeting
Get it now for $25/year. Stay ahead of market moving news. Get your edge today.
GatherGov Market Intelligence
For Owners & Developers
See entitlement risk and deploy capital where there is the highest probability of return
For AEC
Win more projects by discovering opportunities before your competitors do.
Frequently Asked Questions About Alton ,Illinois Real Estate Development
Get Weekly Development News of Alton, Illinois | From $25/year