Forum #2

For Kankakee Forum #2 we asked the attendees to sit in random groups to discuss what they'd like to see in Downtown Kankakee. The following are comments from members of the public who participated in the forum - these are comments on things they would like to see (the number behind some quotes is the number of times the idea was mentioned):

Landscaping

• "want more landscaping" (3)
• "want more trees" (2)
• "want more trees and green space by Farmers Market"
• "needs to be scenic"
• "new building should be required to provide green space"
• "utilize the Master Gardeners more downtown"

Construction/Reconstruction/Repair

• "focus on rehabbing buildings"
• "road improvements"
• "concentrate on the south east corner of Schuyler Ave. and River St. with the last connection to the river.  Development could include ground level public uses with river access and connection to the Bradley House." 
• "relocate Public Works buildings from Soldier Creek along with County Highway buildings to a consolidated location such as the former Taylor Dealership or old Starlight Theater."
• "there is a lot of opportunity on Station Street heading west."
• "want condos in the Turk building"
• "build downtown condos" (3)
• "residential properties (duplexes and townhomes, etc.) is needed to sustain Downtown.  The need for getting people to feel safe cannot be underestimated.  It is perception vs. reality problem.
• "make the southside of the river between the bridges more usable"
• "need paiting on the River St. railroad overpass"
• "fix up west side of tracks" (3)
• "spruce up Exit 312"

Retail

• "want florist"
• "want bookstore" (3)
• "want unique shops/specialty retail" (5)
• "want antique shops"

Arts/Entertainment

• "movie night and concerts at Cobb Park"
• "need venue for live performances"
• "want lighting for outdoor concerts in the Depot area (think Austin, TX feel)
• "need permanent arts area" (3)
• want more events like the Art Walk" (3)
• "more music" (2)
• "want skate park"
• "want microbrewery" (5)
• "river boat cruises" (5)
• "theme-bars and nightspots"
• "art stroll on Thursday or Friday nights"
• "want a Co-op gallery"
• "promote Kankakee museums and Civic Center"
• "need more children's attractions" (6)

Dining

• "want bakery"
• "want more family-friendly restaurants" (2)
• "want floating restaurant"
• "want ice cream or sandwich shop on south side of river"
• "want more places to eat....perhaps a restaurant or two that is family friendly.  164 North and Jimmy Johns are/will be great improvements." 
• "want banquet facility"

River

• "use of the river"
• "capitalize on the river"
• "need fishing and boating activities for those who don't own boats"
• "should look at Peoria and Naperville riverfronts