Galesburg’s downtown is possibly more vibrant and eclectic now that its been in years.
That can be in no small part, thanks to the quiet but profound impact of the Galesburg Downtown Council.
There’s an extra tax for downtown properties, that’s almost 20 percent extra, that is specifically grouped together and strategically used to enhance the area.
Some projects are general things that benefit the community like recently all the street lights, weigh signs, fences and benches in downtown area were repainted.
This was a $150,000 project done in partnership with the City of Galesburg.
But there are also programs that help out new businesses.
Downtown Council President Bob Bondi explains that the council will look at a new downtown business’ lease and subsidize their rent by up to $3,000 over 3 years.
“It gives them the opportunity to do a start-up business or bring a business into the area at a better price point than you might normally get for what’s the going rate for rental,” Bondi says.
Then there’s the facade program that provides financial incentives for businesses to improve the face of their building.
Over the last 15-20 years Bondi says the council was spent about $600,000-700,000 in grants on the downtown.
Sidetrax, Music Makers and even the Bondi Building itself has taken advantage of grants.
The City of Galesburg partners will the downtown council to subsidize these projects.
Bondi says if a business has, for example a $160,000 project, they could receive $40,000 from each the GDC and City.
