Sen. Sally Turner, Mayor Tracy Welch support demolition of Lincoln Developmental Center

LINCOLN, Ill. (WAND) — State and local leaders in Lincoln are excited that Gov. JB Pritzker is proposing to use budget funding to demolish the Lincoln Developmental Center and turn the property into an economic development hub. Many hope the facility once known for abuse, neglect and preventable deaths could become a massive space for opportunity on the south side of the city.

Sen. Sally Turner (R-Beason) told WAND News Friday that residents have been waiting for this type of update since the 90s, and it is very welcome news. Pritzker hopes to use $500 million to develop multiple idled properties across the state into spaces for businesses and communities to flourish.

"For far too long, Illinois has let old facilities sit idle and beyond repair," Turner said. "While I have concerns about other parts of the budget, I strongly support this initiative and will fight to ensure it."

The governor plans to use $300 million to prepare properties like the former Illinois Asylum for Feeble-Minded Children for future projects. The Pritzker administration told reporters Wednesday that the remaining $200 million would go to the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity to target investments for large-scale business attraction efforts, regional site readiness, and energy projects.

Lincoln Mayor Tracy Welch said he personally met with the governor to talk about the conditions of this property and the great potential for economic development. Welch told WAND News that the land could be a perfect place to build more tiny homes for veterans.

"We're strategically located for distribution to support other surrounding businesses such as Rivian that outsource parts and other things of that nature," Welch said. "So, we think with 100 acres, and especially with the new IDJJ facility being built on the adjacent portion of the property, that there's a lot of potential for this property. I'm just excited that finally we got somebody that would listen to us."

However, local leaders also know there have been previous broken promises under former governors George Ryan and Rod Blagojevich. Turner said this plan must be a top priority for the budget.

"Our work is not done," Turner said. "We will fight to ensure this funding stays in the budget. I will also continue fighting for Logan Correctional Center where it belongs as well."

The Jacksonville Developmental Center and a 70-acre section of unutilized land at Shapiro Developmental Center in Kankakee are also included in the governor's list for potential economic development projects.