WASHINGTON, Ill. – The Washington City Council has given its approval for improvements to one of the city’s shopping centers.
On Monday, the council approved $500,000 as part of an agreement with the owner of the Washington Plaza, the former Sunnyland Plaza.
The agreement would see the owner of the plaza donated about a quarter-acre of land on the property to be developed into a greenspace. The city’s part of the deal would have it install water, electric, sanitary sewer, and stormwater infrastructure, as well as parking lot resurfacing.
Ward III Alderman Bobby Martin says the greenspace is an area that could be used for farmer’s markets, community events, car shows, and more.
“We’ve been talking about this for a long time about being able to have that greenspace there, help with the development,” Martin said.
City Administrator Jeff Fiegenschuh also suggested using a business development district to help the city recoup infrastructure costs.
Ward III Alderman Brandon Moss says it’s an opportunity for Washington to create a new economic engine for the city that is not centered around the city’s square or the shopping areas near the Walmart.
“It’s always tough to spend money, but we have to look at it as an investment in that part of town,” Moss said.
The project has no timeline yet, but the agreement calls for all work obligations laid out to be completed within two years.
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