New IL bill could revitalize Downtown Springfield

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — Sen. Doris Turner has filed a bill to help bring more economic development and housing to Downtown Springfield.

Her legislation could expand the current boundaries of the Springfield medical district from Madison Street to South Grand Avenue. It would also rename the Mid-Illinois Medical District to the Capital City Downtown Medical District.

Turner and local advocates hope this can help spur new housing, educational buildings and research facilities downtown.

"We've seen too many businesses come and go from downtown," Turner said. "It's past time we bring in much-needed economic development opportunities to bolster our community and breathe new life into this once buzzing central hub."

Senate Bill 2829 passed unanimously out of the Senate Local Government Committee Wednesday. It now moves to the Senate floor for further consideration.

"Whatever the public sector can do to instigate big projects, I think the private sector can come in and fill in those coffee shops and restaurants that we want to see and that you all can enjoy without driving all around town," said John Stremsterfer, president and CEO of the Community Foundation for the Land of Lincoln.