Council work session sparks Armory debate

A work session slated for discussion on the city of Galesburg’s Capital Improvement Program last night turned into a debate about a possible renovation of the Broad Street Armory.

For months, aldermen have questioned whether to turn the facility into some form of a community and recreation center. 

In July, a decision to continue with the project was tabled for 90 days. 

WGIL interviewed each aldermen on their opinion after that July meeting and as of then, continuing the project as proposed was concluded to fail. 

Ward 7 Alderman Jeremy Karlin has been a proponent of spending the allocated $3.45 million for renovation work. He joined with City Manager Todd Thompson wondering if a favorable vote was really plausible anymore.

“At the end of the day, step by step and inch by inch we’re coming closer to budget time and we have to make a decision,” Karlin told council. “Kind of looking at the writing on the wall and maybe I’m too pragmatic, but it seems like the Armory, as the proposal has been put forward, isn’t going to happen.”

Some aldermen, including Karlin, are now urging council to still look at renovating the Armory, but for less money. Others, feel more money should be going to repair city streets.

Regardless, no decision has been made and aldermen will continue to seek more input from the public, community organizations and city committees. 

Thompson says a vote on whether to move forward in some capacity or to shelve the project is expected at October’s regularly scheduled meeting.

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