Belleville · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Belleville public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Downtown Business District SSA bonds
Ordinance 9549-2026 would authorize Series 2026 special ad valorem tax bonds for Special Service Area Number Four in the downtown business district.
Short-term rental permits on N. Church and N. Charles
The committee could discuss and possibly make a motion on rules for short-term rentals like Airbnb and Vrbo properties — an issue that affects neighborhood character and housing availability.
Fire Department vehicle purchase
The committee is set to vote on buying a 2026 Chevrolet Tahoe for the Fire Department at $57,863.00 — a discount of about $2,300 off the original state bid price. It's a routine fleet purchase but one that touches taxpayer dollars.
Summer Kids Daycare expansion
A development agreement could help Summer Kids Daycare acquire, remodel, and expand a property at 10606 West Main St., potentially expanding local childcare access.
Short-term rental permit request at 523 Abend St
Two short-term rental requests split the council: one on Gass Ave failed by the mayor's tie-breaker, and one on North Michigan Ave went down 4-10 after neighbors objected. The city is clearly wary of STRs in single-family zones.
Rezone request at 1901 Mascoutah Ave to light industry
James Rafferty wants to change 1901 Mascoutah Ave from two-family residential to light industrial zoning. That could change what can be built or operated on the parcel, and neighbors will get a chance to comment on November 19.
Mine Subsidence
Old underground mines are causing dangerous sinkholes in Belleville and across Illinois, leaving city leaders scrambling to fix hidden infrastructure risks before disaster strikes. If you live or drive in town, these unpredictable ground collapses are a serious hazard you need to know about.
North Douglas Avenue improvements
Up to $127,750 in engineering survey and design work was proposed for North Douglas Avenue from East Main to Sycamore, funded through HRST.
Orchard Lakes detention basin analysis
A $24,500 engineering analysis of the Orchard Lakes subdivision detention basin was proposed, relevant to stormwater management in that neighborhood.
Mobile food vendor regulations
The city is looking at its rules for mobile commerce vendors and considering creating a dedicated Mobile Food Unit Vendor Ordinance. That could change how food trucks and mobile vendors operate, where they can set up, and what permits they need. Nothing was decided in the available record.
New Police Chief appointment
With Chief Matt Eiskant out, Assistant Chief Mark Heffernan takes over department duties until the mayor and council act further.
Sanitation truck fleet financing
Two new rear loader sanitation trucks bought in December 2025 will be financed through Busey Bank at 3.98% over four years — the lowest of two local bank proposals. The trucks arrive in the next few weeks.
Collective bargaining agreements
The council went into closed session to discuss union contracts with Teamsters Local 50 and Laborers Local 459, covering clerical, drivers, and parks workers.
Amended development agreement for 1723 West Main St. remodel
The committee was scheduled to consider a development agreement with Pari Mutuel Wagering LLC to remodel a building at 4204 West Main Street. The agreement could shape future use and investment at the West Main Street site.
Downtown liquor license special use permits
Two downtown establishments sought special use permits tied to liquor licenses — a Class A-2 at 7 North Jackson and a Class B at 18 E. Main Street. These hearings shape what kinds of bars and venues open downtown.
Hough and Rotary Park improvements
Two park projects were up for funding: design work at Hough and Rotary Parks (TIF 3 money) and an asphalt trail extension at Bicentennial Park (TIF 16 money) — together about $123,500.
6th Street Heritage Park
An update on the 6th Street Heritage Park project was scheduled, part of the city's preservation and public-space efforts.
Historic districts in Belleville
The commission was scheduled to discuss historic districts, which can affect what property owners in those areas can do to building exteriors. No outcome is on record.
Bicentennial Park asphalt trail extension
A proposed $84,584.02 contract with Gleeson Asphalt Inc. to extend the asphalt trail at Bicentennial Park, paid from TIF 16 funds. No outcome is on record.
401 N. Church Street property
A staff update on the 401 N. Church Street property was scheduled, a preservation matter the commission has been tracking.
Roof replacement at 510/512 West Main St.
A $403,648.71 roof replacement on a city building came in over budget because of its barrel roof and lack of fire rating. Staff say savings from other projects will cover the overage.
Replacement of Public Works trucks
The city is buying a wheel loader, a backhoe, and two snow/dump trucks — over $1 million in equipment — using a cooperative purchasing program to skip the formal bidding process.
Junkyard variance at 226 Centreville Avenue
Riverwalk LLC wants a use variance to run a junk yard in a C-2 Heavy Commercial zone on Centreville Avenue. Nearby Ward 5 residents and businesses would want to weigh in on the neighborhood impact.
Brookhill Estates speed limit reduction
Brookhill Estates residents asked the city for months to slow cut-through speeding near kids and parked cars. The committee proposed a 20 mph zone like Green Mount Manor's, but a council majority said signs won't change behavior and voted it down 5-11, favoring enforcement instead.
Fire department apparatus litigation
Traffic safety at West Cleveland and South 3rd Street
Residents' concerns about speeding at this intersection led to a request for more police patrols and a speed trailer. A four-way stop was considered but pulled from the agenda.
Campus Redevelopment
Belleville is voting on the future of the old Lindenwood campus, which is a huge deal for what goes into our backyard. This decision will completely change how that massive property is used moving forward.
Design Guidelines Manual update
A staff update on the Design Guidelines Manual was scheduled; this document guides what changes property owners in historic areas can make. No outcome is known.
Historic districts discussion
The commission was scheduled to discuss historic districts, a topic that could shape which neighborhoods get design review and preservation incentives. No decisions are on record.
$24,000 Activenet software subscription
The Board was scheduled to vote on a one-year subscription software agreement with Activenet Network, LLC for $24,000 — likely the system used for program registration and recreation management.
Code Enforcement Unit staffing change
With Brenda Donat retiring, Officer Angelina Franz — last year's Patrol Officer of the Year — will move into the Code Enforcement Unit, which handles homeless encampments and housing issues. The department wants to eventually add a third full-time person to the unit.
West Main Historic Brewery District property neglect
A historical society spokesman flagged crews replacing historic brick sidewalks with concrete and poor communication between city departments and with homebuyers about historic district rules.
Dumpster Permit Rules on Brick Streets
The council is amending the dumpster permit rules to possibly require pavement weight protection — aimed at keeping heavy dumpsters from damaging streets and sidewalks.
Mid-year crime statistics
Total crime is down 12.29% from last year, with property crimes down 11.35%. Car burglaries remain a regional problem — 53 so far this year versus 57 last year — with thieves hitting multiple towns in stolen vehicles.
Drone as First Responder program
St. Clair County is launching a drone program with a launch site in Belleville at no cost to the city. Drones can reach any call in under eight minutes, stream live video to 911 and patrol cars, and could handle some calls without sending officers. Expect it operational around Thanksgiving.
Renovation of Mac's on Main (4204 W. Main St.)
A proposed development agreement with Rob Lenhardt would fund or support renovation of the Mac's on Main building at 4204 W. Main St., potentially bringing new life to a West Main Street commercial property.
City reacquisition of 2510 E. Main St.
The city may rescind its development agreement with Leshawn Herron and take back the 2510 E. Main St. property. What happens to this downtown-adjacent parcel affects neighboring property owners and future redevelopment.
Brookhill Estates speed limit
A speed study is being bid for Brookhill Estates; in July the committee may vote to drop the limit from 25 to 20 mph.
Economic Development Committee transparency concerns
Alderperson Schneider publicly questioned why a special economic development meeting on the Farmers' Market included only three aldermen instead of the full eight-member committee, noting the committee met only six times in a year.
Stop sign controls at 3rd & Cleveland and 3rd & Monroe
After a recent accident, a resident asked for added stop controls at these intersections, but police warned more stop signs can increase crashes. Discussion continues next month.
Outdoor storage buildings at 120 Carlyle Plaza
Prime Group Holdings got the green light for metal outdoor storage buildings over 150 square feet and a roughly 40,100-square-foot site plan at 120 Carlyle Plaza Drive, after the Zoning Board of Appeals recommended approval 6-0. Some alderpersons questioned whether the corridor needs more storage space, but the zoning was already approved.
Demolition of 14 blighted properties
The council hired Stutz Excavating for $265,200 to tear down 14 problem properties, continuing the city's fight against vacant, dangerous buildings.
Sidewalk replacement cost-share programs
The 70/30 residential and 50/50 commercial sidewalk programs got another year — homeowners and businesses can keep splitting repair costs with the city through April 2027.
Event center parking spillover downtown
The owner of a loft building next to the approved event center at 116 W. A Street warned that event crowds will keep parking in his tenants' eight spots during big downtown events. The zoning administrator agreed to contact the event center owner about the issue.
Police Vehicle Fleet Replacement
The police department is getting four Explorer utility vehicles and two F-150 trucks — nearly $400,000 total with emergency equipment upfits. Bidding was waived under a state contract.
FY2027 Street Program Contracts
The city locked in low-bid prices for next year's road materials — aggregates, asphalt, culverts and concrete — totaling about $365,000, plus engineering for a Safe Streets grant project on West Main Street.
Special Service Area Four Established
The council passed an ordinance creating Special Service Area Four, which levies a special tax within the area and authorizes bonds — a financing tool typically used for a specific development or improvement district.
Employee health insurance renewal
The city signed off on agreements with nine unions — police, fire, and general city workers — covering the first $1,050 a month of insurance premiums.
Package liquor sales and panhandling on West Main
A convenience store at 6500 West Main got approval to sell packaged liquor, and some aldermen warned it could worsen panhandling that's already hurting nearby shops. The mayor noted the city can hold hearings and revoke the license if police problems develop.
Short-term rental denial at 2777 Brookmeadow Drive
The council denied an Airbnb-style permit in a single-family neighborhood after neighbors reported noise, traffic and parking problems, and after learning the property was being used for events.