Monday, November 23, 2009 East Central Illinois
The Answer Book 2005
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Champaign has plenty to like BY JERRY SCHWEIGHART © 2009 THE NEWS-GAZETTE I was asked to write what I like about Champaign and my first thought was "What''s not to like." Let me go down some of the best parts of the city. When I go to other cities, many of them have malls that are run-down with many vacant storefronts. Champaign is fortunate in that the owner of Market Place Mall elected to update our mall and spent a great deal of money to do so and there are very few vacant storefronts. Our downtown has new life and is a major entertainment area, with new or redeveloped businesses that have fine foods and many forms of entertainment. There are also many people who live in the downtown area, and they help make it a vital and safe environment. That''s not all additional future plans for downtown are being reviewed to continue the growth and excitement of this area. Not to forget the campus area: There have been many old buildings removed and new buildings replacing them. The city has built new streets, sidewalks and lighting, resulting in new retail in this area. There are many exciting plans for the future in the South Research Park area, where many new buildings have already been built the past couple of years, bringing new quality jobs to Champaign. The South Research Park area will continue to grow and add new jobs, as a new hotel, convention center and ice rink with a double sheet of ice are in the planning stages. We are proud of the quality Big Ten sports in our area which have brought many exciting teams to compete at the University of Illinois. We have enjoyed many Big Ten and national championships and have seen many of our players go on to compete at the professional level. Champaign has one of the best park districts in downstate Illinois. The beautiful flower islands all around the community and the quality softball and soccer fields are a few of the amenities. We also have one of the finest community colleges, which is quick to adapt to training the changing work force needs in the area. Parkland College also provides resources for many working people in the area to continue their quest for an education. Krannert is not in the city of Champaign, but it is one of the jewels of the University of Illinois which they share with the entire community. It brings major entertainment events to the entire area. However, I feel that many in the community have not realized that this is a community place to be shared and enjoyed by all. While there are many more things that I love about this community, I want to make sure that I include my two favorites. The people in this community are the finest, friendliest and most sharing people that I have ever encountered. My favorite things are the many fine coffee shops which I visit on a regular basis. The people that I encounter in the coffee shops are a wealth of information. They have an answer for everything; it may not be correct, but they have an answer. Jerry Schweighart has been mayor of Champaign since 1999. |
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