July 22, 2026 

City Manager Pamela Reece

This month, we've seen history in the making, nationally (Happy 250th, America!) and locally. Our community participated in a gathering to remember July 8 - see details below. 

On July 20, the Town of Normal took a major step forward in the additional transformation of Uptown Normal. Read on to learn about the redevelopment agreement Council approved for Trail East and Trail West.

I'm incredibly proud of the staff who worked hard to make this project become a reality. We have much work ahead, but this is a significant milestone worth noting.

Speaking of significant gatherings ... last weekend, Uptown Normal welcomed thousands to Make Music Normal and transformed our central business district into a free music festival for all ages. It was exciting to see people celebrating and dancing in the streets, despite the extreme heat. Festival season is underway, with Cruisin' Uptown Normal and the Sweet Corn Circus coming in August. I hope to see you in Uptown Normal!

On July 20, Council approved a redevelopment agreement with Carlson Bros., Inc. for construction of mixed-use buildings on the Trail East and Trail West sites in Uptown Normal. This project: 

Additionally, Council approved waivers from the Uptown Design Review Code and Supplemental Roundabout Guidelines for the construction of Trail West, a large, mixed-use building in Normal’s central business district. This type of development is called for in the Uptown Renewal Plan (2000) and the Uptown 2.0 Plan (2015) and supports the Town’s Comprehensive Plan (2017) goals of increasing density and mix of uses in the Town’s center and encouraging diverse housing options with infill development. The effort also supports goals in the Sustainability Plan related to environmentally sensitive design.

To learn more:

Parks & Recreation recently launched Living Tribute Benches at the Town of Normal Sculpture Garden at One Normal Plaza.

Six benches are available in the garden. Reservations will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. Request yours today!

On July 20, the Normal Town Council also took the following actions:

To learn more, read the July 20 Council Action Reports. 

On July 8, people gathered at 1,226 locations around the world to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the first reading of the Declaration of Independence. 

Locally, more than 500 people gathered at Connie Link Amphitheatre. The event included:

Above: More than 23 community readers gave voice to the words that helped birth our nation. 

"The true measure of success was the spirit of cooperation, patriotism and community everyone brought to the event."

-- Dale Simpson, Chair

America 250 Committee,

Sons of the American Revolution

(Gen. Joseph Bartholomew Chapter)

Above: Fifty American flags surrounded the venue.

Above: More than 500 gathered on the lawn at Connie Link Amphitheatre for the event.

Left: The Bloomington-Normal Community Concert Band shared music to complement the reading of the Declaration of Independence. 

For more information, visit America 250: Sharing the Spirit of America. 

The Town partners with the Ecology Action Center and other local organizations to offer this service. 

No internet access? Call 309-468-6649 to schedule an appointment.

Accepted materials: oil-based paints, used motor oil, herbicides, pesticides, insecticides, old gasoline, pool chemicals, cleaning products, mercury, acids, alkaline household batteries, Ni-Cad batteries, lithium household batteries, paint thinners, lawn chemicals, solvents, antifreeze, hobby chemicals, aerosol paints and pesticides, fluorescent lamp bulbs, vapes, drain cleaners and corrosives.

July: 

August: 

The Town of Normal Route 66 Online Commemorative Store now includes a local pickup option. Order today. When your items become available, you can pick them up at Ryburn Place, Sprague's Super Service, 305 Pine St., Normal. 

Many Town of Normal amenities have been nominated in the annual Readers' Choice Awards in The Pantagraph. If you love what we do, now's a great time to show your support by casting a vote.

The Town offers an incredible range of venues, facilities, programs and services that make a difference in our community and people’s lives. From parks and trails to community events, Ironwood Golf Course, the Children’s Discovery Museum, the Normal Public Library, Illinois Art Station, public services and community spaces, the Town of Normal offers so much to our community. Please vote!

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