October 08, 2025 

City Manager Pamela Reece

Fall is buzzing with excitement. From bold steps forward, like discussion about a possible new TIF District in Uptown Normal and fresh momentum in our sustainability efforts, to high-flying honors as a newly designated Bird City Illinois, Normal has plenty to celebrate.

And that’s just the beginning! We’re also working toward a a brand-new playground in Anderson Park, a joyful space for all ages. As always, the Normal Theater offers a lineup of perfect-for-the-scary-season films this month.

October also brings a lineup of spooky-good events, including the tree-lighting ceremony in Uptown Normal as part of Illinois State's spirit-filled Homecoming festivities. Don’t miss a moment ... there’s something for everyone!

On Oct. 6, Town Staff presented Council with an update on progress related to the Town's Vision 2050/Sustainability Plan. 

The update chronicled the progress of the Town's 15-member cross-functional internal committee. This group met monthly in 2025 to set goals tied to the seven priorities in the Vision 2050 plan and establish baseline data.

The information below provides an overview of the presentation made to Council. 

The water feature near the Allers Shelter along Constitution Trail provides food and shelter for local wildlife, including birds and pollinators

Thanks to the hard work and creative touch of the Parks Horticultural team, the flower beds at Normandy Village burst with color and charm, all while nurturing and sustaining the living landscape for birds and other animals.

A hummingbird enjoys cardinal flowers at the Town of Normal water feature near the Allers Shelter along Constitution Trail.

"We are excited the Town has been officially recognized as a Bird City. Our founder, Jesse Fell, was a great believer in beautiful green spaces and planted thousands of street trees in his lifetime, some of which still stand today. The Town is committed to environmental sustainability. Part of that means ensuring native habitats and environments exist in our community for pollinators and birds.” 

-- Town of Normal Mayor Chris Koos

On Oct. 6, the Council established a Dec. 1 public hearing date for the proposed Uptown North Tax Increment Finance District Redevelopment Plan and Project Area.

A Tax Increment Financing (TIF) district is an economic development tool that helps communities reinvest in areas in need of redevelopment. Setting a hearing date is the first step in the adoption of a new Uptown North TIF district.

Formal notice of the public hearing date will be sent to affected taxing bodies and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. Following the December public hearing, the Council will consider the adoption of the Uptown North TIF district at the first council meeting in January.

The project area contains about 24 acres (including street rights-of-way), or 8 acres
less rights-of-way and 29 parcels of real property.

The area is mostly built out but consists of vacant buildings and 2.6 acres of parking prime for development. Much of the area exhibits deterioration, such as cracked or broken pavement and parking lots, making the area eligible for TIF districting. 

If approved, this TIF district will provide new economic development opportunities for underutilized properties in the Uptown Normal, furthering the Town’s commitment to reinvesting in its core business district.

To learn more, read the full report (New Business Item 8) in the Oct. 6 Council Action Reports. 

Above: The proposed area for the Uptown North Tax Increment Finance District is bounded by Cherry Street (north), North Linden Street (east), East Beaufort Street (south) and North Fell Avenue (west).

The new playground  at Anderson Park is taking shape. We are excited to offer kids new ways to climb, slide and explore.

Thanks to the Parks & Rec crews who are making this project come to life.

Poured-in-place surfacing will be installed and improvements also include new sidewalks for accessibility.

On Oct. 6, the Normal Town Council also took the following actions:

To learn more, read the Oct. 6 Council Action Reports. 

More than 22,200 people attended a screening of a film at the Normal Theater in 2024. 

October is one of the Theater's most popular times of the year, always offering a spine-tingling lineup of films guaranteed to keep you on the edge of your seat.

Source: 2024 Town of Normal Annual Report

In honor of Illinois State University's Homecoming, Uptown Normal will host the annual tree lighting ceremony on Oct. 13. Mayor Koos and ISU President Tarhule will share brief remarks and flip the switch to light the trees red and white for the Redbirds.  

The lights will shine red and white throughout Homecoming week. After, white lights in the tree boughs will remain lit through the end of the month. 

The red and white lights will return in early November for the Uptown Normal Holiday Open House and stay on until they are taken down after Valentine’s Day.

Visit the Town of Normal website for past editions of Normal Now. 

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