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Donated property could become park on Galesburg’s east side

Two adjacent parcels in the 1900 block of East Main Street could be transformed into a park near the city limits off Interstate 74.
Jane Carlson
/
Tri States Public Radio
Two adjacent parcels in the 1900 block of East Main Street could be transformed into a park near the city limits off Interstate 74.

The Galesburg city council accepted a donation of two parcels of property that could become a new park on the east edge of town.

The adjacent lots are at 1965 E. Main St., which is a dilapidated one-story building with plywood over its windows, and 1969 E. Main St., a concrete lot overrun with grass.

Both are zoned for general business, but if funds became available and a zoning amendment was approved, the land could be transformed into a public park near the city limits off Interstate 74.

“That is one of the first buildings people see when they drive into Galesburg,” said Mayor Peter Schwartzman.

The project could be similar to Full Viewpoint Park in downtown Galesburg, which was developed from a vacant lot at Kellogg and Ferris streets.

That small park has updated landscaping, a walkway, shaded benches for seating, and a Rotary Little Free Library.

Community Development Director Steve Gugliotta said demolition of the East Main Street parcels could happen soon.

“We actually have a couple of demolitions we are preparing to put out, so as soon as we can get it purchased and recorded, we might have an opportunity to get it down yet this year,” Gugliotta said.

Tearing down the structure and removing the concrete is expected to cost around $20,000, and will be paid from the city’s property development fund.

As a stipulation of donating the property, the former owner requested a 30-year no-sale restriction.

The assessed value of the two donated lots is $138,300.

Tri States Public Radio produced this story.  TSPR relies on financial support from our readers and listeners in order to provide coverage of the issues that matter to west central Illinois, southeast Iowa, and northeast Missouri. As someone who values the content created by TSPR's news department please consider making a financial contribution.

Jane Carlson is TSPR's regional reporter.