Normal Town Council: Approval for a trail expansion and a Connect Transit presentation

Written by Jaden Cohn on April 2, 2024

NORMAL, Ill. — The town of Normal held its first meeting of the month on April 1.

Council Member Kevin McCarthy motioned to pull agenda items H and I from the agenda to kickoff the evening’s festivities. The motioned was passed with 9 ayes to no nays.

Agenda item H discussed the approval of the Gregory Street Trail expansion from Adelaide Street to Parkside Road through the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT).

Council member McCarthy responded by motioning for approval of the expansion and a vote was in order. The final result was 9 ayes to no nays.

“It’s a great infrastructure project connect central Normal with the west side of the community for those who choose other than motorized vehicles to get around town,” McCarthy said.

Agenda item I sought out the approval for IDOT to West College Avenue from Rivian Motorway to Norfolk Southern Railroad (NSRR) and a budget adjustment.

A motion by Council member McCarthy passed with 9 ayes and no disagreements.

“We’re taking the opportunity while we are redoing the major structure railroad project to provide for pedestrians, bikes and other means of transportation for those who work out there,” he said.

Next, the council called upon CEOF of Connect Transit David Braun. Braun discussed the three major transportation vehicles for the company: Connect Mobility and Connect Flex. The percent of riders increased by 22 percent on Connect Mobility over the past year.

Braun estimated the number of people that attend each trip, the more it increase. He also stated that Illinois State University students are the number one contributing rider throughout the school year months at about 300,000 riders.

To conclude the meeting, Councilman Karyn Smith gave a list of upcoming events on the town of Normal: