Kankakee, IL – As the City of Kankakee continues to move forward on the efforts to improve Hobbie Avenue, public feedback is encouraged as more information on the project will be shared on a virtual public meeting platform. 

The virtual public meeting website at www.hobbieavenue.com will be live and open for public comments on Wednesday, January 20, 2021 and will run through Thursday, February 18, 2021. A live virtual presentation will be conducted via Zoom on Thursday, February 4, 2021 at 6:30 p.m. to present project materials and provide the opportunity to directly ask the project team questions. More information can be found on www.hobbieavenue.com. 

Hobbie Avenue currently experiences poor pavement condition, safety concerns, and other deficiencies. The City of Kankakee is leading the effort to improve Hobbie Avenue from Court Street (IL Route 17) to Fair Street. 

“This project will further enhance transportation modes throughout the city and region as Hobbie Avenue is the main thoroughfare to the eastern part of Kankakee County.  Frequent flooding has been an issue in this area for years and repairs to the infrastructure are long overdue. As we recover from COVID 19, leaders must be intentional about resource allocation and end the practice of neglecting certain parts of the City. Improved infrastructure and transportation support business development and economic growth which help to reduce crime and strengthen our neighborhoods," said Mayor Wells-Armstrong. 

“For as long as I can remember, Hobbie Avenue has been a flood zone for at least 50 years. When I was younger, we actually bought a canoe to ride down Hobbie during the floods and we thought it was fun. It means a lot to me because I have lived here for years as well as my family. I commend the Mayor on being a leader for advocating for this project while many people have known about this issue, but nothing has been done in previous years. It is an MPO project which means this is a big deal for the entire community,” said Cherry Malone Marshall, Alderwoman of the First Ward. 

Public comments can also be emailed to HobbieAve@citykankakee-il.gov. All questions and comments submitted by February 18, 2021 will be included in the public meeting record. 

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The City of Kankakee is dedicated to protecting, building and nurturing the community while enhancing lives. We are a historic, vibrant, and active riverfront community. We continue to transform into an extraordinary place to dream, grow, and thrive. Embracing our diversity, we strive to be progressive, inclusive, and innovative. For more information on the City of Kankakee, please visit the website at www.citykankakee-il.gov.

 

Download the Press Release - City of Kankakee to Host Virtual Public Meeting on Hobbie Avenue Project