URBANA, Ill. (WAND) - The Urbana community gathered for a block party in Sunnycrest Center parking lot Sunday. The goal was to look ahead towards the future of Philo Road.
"We're just hoping to build momentum and excitement around reimagining this area, but grounding it in that community feedback," Olivia Jovine with the City of Urbana said.
Over recent years, Philo Road has faced challenges with business closures and other community concerns. Mayor Deshawn Williams said he has received feedback about youth crime and violence.
This block party aimed to hear the concerns of community members and cultivate a fun space to share them. Everything from music, free food and activities were offered.
"We have listening sessions every 30 minutes. Around housing, infrastructure, safety, all of which, you know, are important pieces to our community members. Right now is just for our community to have a voice at the table and ensuring that we take that information and we move forward and actually execute on a solution," Mayor Williams said.
As of now there is no timeline or specific project for Philo Road, but Mayor Williams said all the feedback has been documented and will be used to create a game plan for solutions.
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