CITY SEEKS INFRASTRUCTURE AND COSMETIC PROGRESS IN 2024
The City of Centralia has big plans for its namesake in 2024.
From the upcoming playground project at Fairview Park, to the historical plaque and lighting downtown, and the introduction of a new water treatment plant - the City is putting its focus on infrastructure and cosmetics moving forward.
“Right now, we are looking at a dovetail of two different things: infrastructure rebuild and cosmetics of the city,” said City Manager Kory Smith. “One comes before the other, but when opportunities present themselves, we think we can do a pretty good job of blending the two while still being mindful of the importance of infrastructure.”
“We are really focusing on trying to grow this community, and I think the council has given us that order. They want to see growth and revitalization,” added Derek Sherman, director of economic development. You have to be able to do two things at once. You’ve got to handle the hard infrastructure that you need to function as a community, and you also need to show investors and the community that you are making visual progress around the community.”
When discussing a target for cosmetic advancement, Smith said he and Sherman, as well as the city council and mayor, see Centralia’s downtown as top priority.
“There is a constant mindset of revitalization within our city and more particularly downtown. We are trying to be not so much hyper-focused on it but knowledgeable that it is kind of the heart of the city,” Smith advised. “Those are some of the things that we constantly talk about. We’ve got a great council and mayor right now. Their view is something that we try to act on, and they put a precedent on revitalization of downtown.”
Sherman added that when discussing new infrastructure projects, the City takes Centralia’s history and identity into consideration.
“When we are doing these things, we are leaning into our culture and who we are as a community. We are trying to honor the history of the community, which has been here since before the Civil War,” Sherman explained. “Being able to highlight just how old this community is, how much history is here, and all the effort that people have put into this city is important. We want to give the community a sense of pride that they have [revitalized the city] in the past and can do it again.”
Sherman and Smith both praised the City’s community partners, saying they wished to continue strengthening those relationships in the future.
“Our partners are very important, and this is why we try to maintain good connections with all of our non-profits; like the Recreation Complex, the Historic Society, and the Cultural Society,” Sherman said. “We recognize that our partners do a lot of the main work in our community, and that extends to businesses.”
The city officials also commended the active entrepreneurs of Centralia whose efforts have aided the city in its vision to better its community.
“We are very fortunate right now. The people that are currently investing within the community are special people,” said Smith. “We are fortunate to be in the right place at the time and benefit from their hard work, dedication, and wanting Centralia to be a better place.”
Sherman concluding with, “We are fortunate that we have an outpouring of entrepreneurs that are investing in our community, showing that this is a great place to have a business grow, and that is being noticed by outside entrepreneurs. It’s starting to be noticed by larger chains and industries around the country too. I think that’s a testament to Centralia.”
With numerous projects in the works, and several designed to enhance beautification and quality of life, the City of Centralia are poised to have a busy and productive 2024.
City of Centralia
101 S. Locust Street, Centralia, IL
618-533-7625
