The MacArthur Boulevard Association will continue to adhere to State guidelines during the COVID-19 Coronavirus pandemic. Under the Phase 3 of the Restore Illinois plan, gatherings of more than 10 individuals continue to be prohibited. We will not be meeting any month during Phase 3.
NO April 2020 Meeting – flatten the curve!
As measure to help flatten the curve and for the safety of our members and community, we will be cancelling our April membership meeting.
March 2020 Meeting
The next meeting of the MacArthur Boulevard Association will be Thursday, March 12th at 7:30am, at the Community Room at South Side Christian Church, 2600 S MacArthur Blvd, Springfield, IL 62704.
There will be a Legislative Panel Update.
February 2020 Meeting
The next meeting of the MacArthur Boulevard Association will be Thursday, February 13th at 7:30am, at the Community Room at South Side Christian Church, 2600 S MacArthur Blvd, Springfield, IL 62704.
We will be reviewing the 2017 Feasibility Study for the redesign of the Boulevard and discussing MBA’s position on the improvement options presented.
The 2017 Feasibility study
Meeting Agenda & DRAFT Meeting Minutes
January 2020 Meeting
The next meeting of the MacArthur Boulevard Association will be Thursday, January 9th at 7:30am, at the Community Room at South Side Christian Church, 2600 S MacArthur Blvd, Springfield, IL 62704.
The Guest Speakers will be IDOT District 6 Engineers Jeff Myers and Sal Madonia, discussing the future MacArthur Boulevard infrastructure improvement process.
MacArthur Boulevard Association Annual Meeting 2019
Thursday, December 12, 7:15am
Hy-Vee Market Grille
2115 S MacArthur Blvd, Springfield, IL 62704
A recap of 2019 and a look forward to what promises to be an eventful 2020 for MacArthur Boulevard!
- Breakfast served beginning at 7:15am
- The meeting began at 7:45am.
November 2019 Meeting
The next meeting of the MacArthur Boulevard Association will be Thursday, November 14th at 7:30am, at the Community Room at South Side Christian Church, 2600 S MacArthur Blvd, Springfield, IL 62704.
The Guest Speaker will be Michael E. Phelon of The Outlet, discussing their Open Door Workforce
Equity Intiative
October 2019 Meeting
The next meeting of the MacArthur Boulevard Association will be Thursday, October 10th at 7:30am, at the Community Room at South Side Christian Church, 2600 S MacArthur Blvd, Springfield, IL 62704.
The Guest Speaker is Rochelle Hartman, the new Director of the Lincoln Library
September 2019 Meeting
The next meeting of the MacArthur Boulevard Association will be Thursday, September 12th at 7:30am, at the Community Room at South Side Christian Church, 2600 S MacArthur Blvd, Springfield, IL 62704.
The Guest Speaker will be Polly Poskin from Springfield ICON with the topic, “Addressing problem properties in your neighborhood”.
August 2019 Meeting
The next meeting of the MacArthur Boulevard Association will be Thursday, August 8th at 7:30am, at the Community Room at South Side Christian Church, 2600 S MacArthur Blvd, Springfield, IL 62704.
The Guest Speaker will be John Eck, MBA Member, discussing the current state of the Boulevard and
how we can better advocate for the Boulevard
NO July 2019 Meeting
Reminder: no July membership meeting – see you on August 8th!
June 2019 Meeting
The next meeting of the MacArthur Boulevard Association will be Thursday, June 13th at 7:30am, at the Community Room at South Side Christian Church, 2600 S MacArthur Blvd, Springfield, IL 62704.
The Guest Speaker will be Rep. Mike Murphy discussing the recently passed capital bill
May 2019 Meeting
The next meeting of the MacArthur Boulevard Association will be Thursday, May 9th at 7:30am, at the Community Room at South Side Christian Church, 2600 S MacArthur Blvd, Springfield, IL 62704.
The Guest Speaker will be Michelle Knox from Wind Solar USA, who will be speaking on the New Solar Energy Proposal at the City of Springfield.
April 2019 Meeting
The next meeting of the MacArthur Boulevard Association will be Thursday, April 11th at 7:30am, at the Community Room at South Side Christian Church, 2600 S MacArthur Blvd, Springfield, IL 62704.
We will instead be discussing the MacArthur Boulevard Association Strategic Plan & Focus.
March 2019 Meeting
The next meeting of the MacArthur Boulevard Association will be Thursday, March 14th at 7:30am, at the Community Room at South Side Christian Church, 2600 S MacArthur Blvd, Springfield, IL 62704.
The Guest Speaker will be Chris Stone, who will discuss some unique perspectives of the Boulevard from his experience as both a local developer and lobbyist for issues at the State capitol.
February 2019 Meeting
The next meeting of the MacArthur Boulevard Association will be Thursday, February 14th at 7:30am, at the Community Room at South Side Christian Church, 2600 S MacArthur Blvd, Springfield, IL 62704.
The Guest Speakers are Rachael Thomson, Board President of the Kidzeum of Health and Science, and Leah Wilson, Executive Director of the Kidzeum of Health and Science
January 2019 Meeting
The next meeting of the MacArthur Boulevard Association will be Thursday, January 10th at 7:30am, at the Community Room at South Side Christian Church, 2600 S MacArthur Blvd, Springfield, IL 62704.
The Guest Speaker will be Lisa Stott, Downtown Springfield, Inc. who will talk about several things, including the new Levitt AMP Your City Music Series grant.
Annual Meeting Breakfast: Thursday, December 13 at Hy-Vee Market Grille
The MacArthur Boulevard Association’s Annual Meeting Breakfast will be on Thursday, December 13th at 7:30 a.m. at Hy-Vee Market Grille (2115 S MacArthur Blvd, Springfield, IL 62704).
We will have the Election for the 2019 Board during the meeting.
November 2018 Meeting
The next meeting of the MacArthur Boulevard Association will be Thursday, November 8th at 7:30am, at the Community Room at South Side Christian Church, 2600 S MacArthur Blvd, Springfield, IL 62704.
The Guest Speaker will be Scott Dahl, Interim Executive Director, Springfield Convention and
Visitors Bureau.
October 2018 Meeting
The next meeting of the MacArthur Boulevard Association will be Thursday, October 11th at 7:30am, at the Community Room at South Side Christian Church, 2600 S MacArthur Blvd, Springfield, IL 62704.
The Guest Speaker will be Bill McCarty, Springfield Budget Director, on “How Springfield citizens can have input into the Budget process”.
September 2018 Meeting
The next meeting of the MacArthur Boulevard Association will be Thursday, September 13th at 7:30am, at the Community Room at South Side Christian Church, 2600 S MacArthur Blvd, Springfield, IL 62704.
The Guest Speaker is Eric Berglund, the first CEO of Land of Lincoln Economic Development Corporation for Springfield and Sangamon County. He will present his plan to bring a fresh approach to local economic development.
August 2018 Meeting
The next meeting of the MacArthur Boulevard Association will be Thursday, August 9th at 7:30am, at the Community Room at South Side Christian Church, 2600 S MacArthur Blvd, Springfield, IL 62704.
The Guest Speaker will be Will O’Hearn, Director of Springfield’s Lincoln Public Library. Mr. O’Hearn, who was named Director in June 2017, will discuss past, present and future Library activities.
NO Meeting in July 2018
There will not be a meeting of the MacArthur Boulevard Association in July.
The next meeting of the MacArthur Boulevard Association will be Thursday, August 9th at 7:30am, at the Community Room at South Side Christian Church, 2600 S MacArthur Blvd, Springfield, IL 62704.
The Guest Speaker is to be announced.
June 2018 Meeting
The next meeting of the MacArthur Boulevard Association will be Thursday, June 7th at 7:30am, at the Community Room at South Side Christian Church, 2600 S MacArthur Blvd, Springfield, IL 62704.
There will be a MBA Review of 2018 Bites on the Boulevard Kick-off.
May 2018 Meeting
The next meeting of the MacArthur Boulevard Association will be Thursday, May 10th at 7:30am, at the Community Room at South Side Christian Church, 2600 S MacArthur Blvd, Springfield, IL 62704. Katie Davison & Jess Weitzel will report on the 2018 Bites on the Boulevard.
April 2018 Meeting
The next meeting of the MacArthur Boulevard Association will be Thursday, April 12th at 7:30am, at the Community Room at South Side Christian Church, 2600 S MacArthur Blvd, Springfield, IL 62704.
The guest speaker is Steve Schoeffel, a Planner at Sangamon Mass Transit District. Schoeffel will discus SMTD’s transportation route map and schedule and its impact on the MacArthur Boulevard area.
March 2018 Meeting
The next meeting of the MacArthur Boulevard Association will be Thursday, March 8th at 7:30am, at the Community Room at South Side Christian Church, 2600 S MacArthur Blvd, Springfield, IL 62704.
February 2018 Meeting
The next meeting of the MacArthur Boulevard Association will be Thursday, February 8th at 7:30am, at the Community Room at South Side Christian Church, 2600 S MacArthur Blvd, Springfield, IL 62704.
The Guest Speaker will be Molly Berns, Acting Executive Director, Springfield-Sangamon County Regional Planning Commission. She will discuss the proposed Comprehensive Plan for the City of Springfield.
January 2018 Meeting
The next meeting of the MacArthur Boulevard Association will be Thursday, January 11th at 7:30am, at the Community Room at South Side Christian Church, 2600 S MacArthur Blvd, Springfield, IL 62704.
The Guest Speaker is Bill McMahon from Local First Springfield, which was founded to bring a voice to Springfield merchants and businesses and encourage consumers to look to local, independent businesses FIRST.
2017 Annual Meeting Breakfast, Thursday, December 14
The Breakfast was at Hy-Vee Market Grille on Thursday, December 14, 2017.
Annual Meeting Agenda
Download the December 14, 2017 Agenda…
November 9, 2017 Meeting Minutes…
- Breakfast
- MBA Board Election
-
- Michael Higgins, President
- Julie Dirksen, Vice President
- Loretta Durbin, Secretary
- Daniel Shelton, Treasurer
- Members at Large: Fred Coombe, Katie Davison, Doug Dougherty, John LeValley, Jess Weitzel
-
- Awards
- MacArthur Supports Local Schools with $1K Gift for Each School!
November 2017 Meeting
The next meeting of the MacArthur Boulevard Association will be Thursday, November 9th at 7:30am, at the Community Room at South Side Christian Church, 2600 S MacArthur Blvd, Springfield, IL 62704.
The Guest Speaker is Abby Powell, City Tax Increment Financing Administrator, speaking about the basics of TIF’s and MacArthur Boulevard’s TIF.
October 2017 Meeting
The next meeting of the MacArthur Boulevard Association will be Thursday, October 12th at 7:30am, at the Community Room at South Side Christian Church, 2600 S MacArthur Blvd, Springfield, IL 62704.
The Guest Speaker will be Rasha Said, owner, Sensible Solutions, a local start-up.
September 2017 Meeting
The next meeting of the MacArthur Boulevard Association will be Thursday, September 14th at 7:30am, at the Community Room at South Side Christian Church, 2600 S MacArthur Blvd, Springfield, IL 62704.
Proposal regarding IDOT MacArthur Boulevard Feasibility Study: www.shoponmacarthur.com/IDOT
August 2017 Meeting
The next meeting of the MacArthur Boulevard Association will be Thursday, August 10th at 7:30am, at the Community Room at South Side Christian Church, 2600 S MacArthur Blvd, Springfield, IL 62704.
The Guest Speaker will be Sal Madonia, Project Engineer, Division of Highways, Illinois Department of Transportation. He will be speaking on the topic of the Feasibility Study for MacArthur Boulevard.
No meeting in July 2017
There is no meeting in July.
The next meeting of the MacArthur Boulevard Association will be Thursday, August 10th at 7:30am, at the Community Room at South Side Christian Church, 2600 S MacArthur Blvd, Springfield, IL 62704.
June 2017 Meeting
The next meeting of the MacArthur Boulevard Association will be Thursday, June 8th at 7:30am, at the Community Room at South Side Christian Church, 2600 S MacArthur Blvd, Springfield, IL 62704.
The Guest Speaker will be Shayne Squires, Development Manager at Habitat for Humanity.
We have a new meeting location!
Community Room,
South Side Christian Church,
2600 S MacArthur Blvd, Springfield, IL 62704.
May 2017 Meeting 5/11, 7:30am – SSCC Community Room
The next meeting of the MacArthur Boulevard Association will be Thursday, May 11th at 7:30am.
Community Room
South Side Christian Church
2600 S MacArthur Blvd, Springfield, IL 62704
Guest Speaker
Adena Rivas, City of Springfield, Community Programs Coordinator
April 2017 Meeting
The next meeting of the MacArthur Boulevard Association will be Thursday, April 13th at 7:30am, at the American Red Cross, 1045 Outer Park Dr, Springfield, IL 62704.
The Guest Speaker will be Jennifer Gill, Superintendent, Springfield Public School District #186.
March 2017 Meeting
The next meeting of the MacArthur Boulevard Association will be Thursday, March 9th at 7:30am, at South Side Christian Church, 2600 South MacArthur Blvd, Springfield, IL, 62704. Please note that this is a change from our usual meeting location.
The Guest Speakers will be Martin Fruchtl, candidate for Ward 6 Alderman, and Gordon Gates, candidate for Lincoln Land Community College Board of Trustees.
February 2017 Meeting
The next meeting of the MacArthur Boulevard Association will be Thursday, February 9th at 7:30am, at the American Red Cross, 1045 Outer Park Dr, Springfield, IL 62704.
Guest Speakers:Ward 6 Aldermanic Candidates
- Kristin DiCenso
- Martin Fruchtl
January 2017 Meeting
The next meeting of the MacArthur Boulevard Association will be Thursday, January 12th at 7:30am, at the American Red Cross, 1045 Outer Park Dr, Springfield, IL 62704.
The Guest Speaker will be Lisa Clemmons Stott, Executive Director of Downtown Springfield, Inc.
2016 Annual Meeting – MBA Awards!
The 2016 MBA Awards were given at the December 2016 Annual Meeting.
Outstanding Community Volunteer:
Alana Reynolds
Worked in partnership with Springfield Slow Foods to create and oversee Butler Elementary School Community Garden
Outstanding MBA Member:
Jonathan Davis
Provided all 2016 Bites on the Boulevard events with a free water station and Delta Church volunteer work crews.
Outstanding Property Beautification:
- Dieu’s Alterations — Dieu Dang (not pictured)
- Mai’s Alterations — Mai Lopes (not pictured)
Created and maintained landscape that is an example of Green/Clean MacArthur Boulevard.
[Read more…]
December 2016 Annual Meeting
The 2016 Annual Meeting of the MacArthur Boulevard Association will take place on December 8 at 7:30 a.m. at the HyVee Market Grille.
Breakfast is on the MBA – bring a guest!
RSVP to info@shoponmacarthur.com or Loretta before Monday Dec 5! We need an accurate count of attendees to ensure enough food.
There will be:
- MBA-Sponsored Continental Breakfast
- MBA Awards
- MBA Board Election
- Updates to MBA Bylaws – Download here…
December 8, 2016 Agenda
November 10, 2016 Meeting Minutes
[Read more…]
November 2016 Meeting
The next meeting of the MacArthur Boulevard Association will be Thursday, November 10th at 7:30am, at the American Red Cross, 1045 Outer Park Dr, Springfield, IL 62704.
The Guest Speaker will be Jane Ann Petty, owner of Free Press Coffee, speaking about her new coffee shop.
October 13 2016 Meeting
The next meeting of the MacArthur Boulevard Association will be Thursday, October 13th at 7:30am, at the American Red Cross, 1045 Outer Park Dr, Springfield, IL 62704.
The Guest Speaker will be Tony Collins, the new manager of Springfield Hy Vee, with the topic of “Hy Vee: Today and Tomorrow”.
September 2016 Monthly Meeting
The next meeting of the MacArthur Boulevard Association will be Thursday, September 8th at 7:30am, at the American Red Cross, 1045 Outer Park Dr, Springfield, IL 62704.
The Guest Speaker will be Alana Reynolds, from Slow Food Springfield, who will be speaking about the Butler Elementary School Community Garden.
August 2016 Monthly Meeting
The next meeting of the MacArthur Boulevard Association will be Thursday, August 11th at 7:30am, at the American Red Cross, 1045 Outer Park Dr, Springfield, IL 62704.
The Guest Speaker will be Michelle Knox, from Wind Solar USA, an Illinois Provider of Clean Energy Solutions.
There was not a meeting in July.
June 2016 Monthly Meeting
The next monthly meeting will be Thursday, June 9th at 7:30am, at the American Red Cross, 1045 Outer Park Dr, Springfield, IL 62704.
The Guest Speaker will be Leo and Luke Hermes from STARCREST CLEANERS. Their topic will be New MacArthur Boulevard Construction.
May 2016 Monthly Meeting
The next monthly meeting will be Thursday, May 12th at 7:30am, at the American Red Cross, 1045 Outer Park Dr, Springfield, IL 62704.
The Guest Speaker will be Mark Mahoney, Director, Springfield Department of Public Works. His topic will be “Views on IDOT Upgrade of MacArthur Boulevard”.
April 2016 Monthly Meeting
The next monthly meeting will be Thursday, April 14th at a special time — 5 pm, at the American Red Cross, 1045 Outer Park Dr, Springfield, IL 62704.
There will be a Meet and Greet, where you can enjoy samples provided by Pease’s, Engrained Brewery, and Rolling Meadow Brewery.
Guest Speakers will be Doug Dougherty, President of the Leland Grove Neighborhood Association and an MBA Board Member, and Carol Kneedler, Chair of Inner City Older Neighborhoods (ICON). They will be speaking on “What is a Neighborhood Association?”.
March 2016 Monthly Meeting
The next monthly meeting will be Thursday, March 10th at 7:30am, at the American Red Cross, 1045 Outer Park Dr, Springfield, IL 62704. The Guest Speaker will be Karen Davis, Director of Planning & Economic Development. Her topic will be “Springfield’s vision for commmunity & economic development. How do we get there?”
February 11, 2016 Meeting Minutes
Please note that next month’s meeting (April) will be at a special time — 5pm — at the Red Cross Building
February 2016 Monthly Meeting
The next monthly meeting will be Thursday, February 11th at 7:30am, at the American Red Cross, 1045 Outer Park Dr, Springfield, IL 62704. The Guest Speaker will be Mark McWilliams, of Copper Tree Outdoor Lifestyles, speaking about “Clean and Green”.
January 2016 Monthly Meeting
The next monthly meeting will be Thursday, January 14th at 7:30am, at the American Red Cross, 1045 Outer Park Dr, Springfield, IL 62704. The Guest Speaker will be Tom Anderson, the Cohen-Esrey Managing Director. His topic will be “MacArthur Park Apartments Renovation Project”.
2015 MacArthur Boulevard Association Annual Meeting
MBA celebrates 2015 and looks to the future.
The MacArthur Boulevard Association hosted it’s 2015 Annual meeting that included highlights from 2015, goals for the next year and the Believe in the Boulevard awards.
Outstanding MBA volunteer: John Eck for his work on the boulevard business assessment.
Outstanding MBA improvement initiative:Lynn & Joe McMenamin for their work at the MacArthur Park Apartments and Butler School Garden.
Outstanding MBA neighborhood organizer: Lisa Hills for her work with thenewly formed neighborhood association, The Highlands.
Outstanding MBA member: Katie Davison for her work on the Bites on the Boulevard events.
Thank you to Hy-Vee MacArthur Boulevard for sponsoring the event!
Scheels Events for January – February 2016
Women’s Personal Defense Seminar
Saturday, January 9, 2016 – 10:30AM & 1:30PM
Professor Mark Commean has been training the art of Gracie Jujitsu since 2001. He is the head instructor and owner of Gracie Humaita. Professor Commean received his black belt under the legendary Royler Gracie. Professor Commean placed 2nd in the World in the IBJJF World Championships in 2012. Register to win prizes and giveaways!
In this 1 hour course we will cover:
- The importance of confident eye contact and projecting your voice
- Address false myths others will tell you
- What to do when you are attacked
- The most common places to be attacked
- The importance of being aware of your surroundings
Sessions will last approximately one hour.
Kids Klub – On the Move with genHkids
Monday, January 18, 2016 – 6PM
Join SCHEELS, genHkids, and the Girl Scouts for a night of science experiments, games and other fun activities! All participating kids will receive a FREE ride on the SCHEELS Ferris Wheel. Please meet in the SCHEELS Training Center on the 2nd floor.
Sponsored by: Girl Scouts and genHkids
SCHEELS Bat Demo Day
Monday, February 15, 2016 – 2PM-7PM
Join SCHEELS for this FREE event to try the latest in baseball and fast pitch softball bats from Easton, DeMarini, Rawlings, and Louisville Slugger. Register to win ONE of FIVE $50 SCHEELS Gift Cards!
This event will take place at The Hitting Center, 1800 S. Dirksen Parkway, Springfield, IL 62703
Sponsored by: Easton & Wilson
MacArthur Boulevard Association 2015 Annual Meeting
The MacArthur Boulevard Association is hosting their 2015 Annual Meeting on Thursday, December 10 from 7:15 – 8:30 a.m. at Hy-Vee Market Grille located at 2115 S. MacArthur Boulevard. Breakfast will be served and a brief program on 2015 highlights and Believe in the Boulevard awards presentation will follow. In order for us to have a more accurate headcount for breakfast, please register for the event here
November 12, 2015 Meeting Minutes
Thank you to our meeting sponsor:
Hy-Vee MacArthur Boulevard
November 2015 Monthly Meeting
The next monthly meeting will be Thursday, November 12th at 7:30am, at the American Red Cross, 1045 Outer Park Dr, Springfield, IL 62704. The Guest Speaker will be Jess Weitzel, of Crawford, Murphy & Tilly, Inc. Her topic will be “Tactical Urbanism: A Community Development Tool”.
October 2015 Monthly Meeting
The next monthly meeting will be Thursday, October 8th at 7:30am, at the American Red Cross, 1045 Outer Park Dr, Springfield, IL 62704. The Guest Speaker will be Joe Gooden, a retired Springfield Zoning Administrator. His topic will be “Zoning 101 and how does it affect MacArthur Boulevard?”
September 2015 Monthly Meeting
Thursday, September 10th at 7:30am, at the American Red Cross, 1045 Outer Park Dr, Springfield, IL 62704. The Guest Speaker will be Lisa Stott, the Springfield City Planning and Design Coordinator.
August 2015 Monthly Meeting
Thursday, August 13th at 7:30am, at the American Red Cross, 1045 Outer Park Dr, Springfield, IL 62704.
June 2015 Monthly Meeting
Thursday, June 11th at 7:30am, at the American Red Cross, 1045 Outer Park Dr, Springfield, IL 62704.
Our Guest Speaker will be Catie Franks, the Major Gifts Officer at the American Red Cross, South
Central Illinois. She will be speaking about Civic Heroes Awards.
May 2015 Monthly Meeting
Thursday, May 14th at 7:30am, at the American Red Cross, 1045 Outer Park Dr, Springfield, IL 62704. Our Guest Speaker will be Michelle Tjelmeland, Founder of District 23 Mercantile and Foundry.
April 2015 Monthly Meeting
Thursday, April 9th at 7:30am, at the American Red Cross, 1045 Outer Park Dr, Springfield, IL 62704. Our Guest Speaker will be Josh Collins, Director of Business & Community Development, Springfield Chamber of Commerce.
MacArthur Park Kids Mobile Food Pantry – March 27, 2015 – 3:30 p.m.
MacArthur Park Kids Mobile Food Pantry Friday, March 27, 2015, 3:30 p.m.
2715 S. MacArthur Blvd, Springfield, IL
This mobile is made possible due to the generosity of St. John’s Hospital and Sodexo
Click to download the flyer (PDF)…
March 2015 Monthly Meeting – Ward 7 Candidate Forum
Thursday, February 12th at 7:30am, at the American Red Cross, 1045 Outer Park Dr, Springfield, IL 62704
This meeting will include a Ward 7 Candidate Forum
February 12, 2015 Meeting Minutes
February 2015 Monthly Meeting
Thursday, February 12th at 7:30am, at the American Red Cross, 1045 Outer Park Dr, Springfield, IL 62704
The Guest Speaker will be Charlyn Fargo Ware, Hy-Vee, Registered Dietitian
January 2015 Monthly Meeting CANCELED
Due to predicted inclement weather on Thursday, the MBA meeting for January 8 is canceled.
MBA Annual Meeting!
The MacArthur Boulevard Association held their Annual Meeting on Thursday, December 11, 7:30 a.m., at the Hy-Vee Market Grille.
A lucky member won a drawing for $50 Hy-Vee gift card!
Members voted on the 2015 MBA Board.
Mayor Mike Houston presented the 2014 Believe in the Boulevard Awards:
- Wade Kammin from Wild Birds Unlimited for Outstanding Long-term MBA Member
- Michelle Tjemeland from Cochlear Implant Awareness Foundation – District 23 for Outstanding Non-Profit of the Year
- South Side Christian Church for Outstanding Volunteer Organization
- Hy-Vee MacArthur Boulevard for Outstanding Property Improvement
Click here to download the flyer…
November 13, 2014 Meeting Minutes…
Pictures from the 2014 Annual Meeting
November 2014 Monthly Meeting
Thursday, November 13th at 7:30am
At the American Red Cross, 1045 Outer Park Dr, Springfield, IL 62704
October 2014 Monthly Meeting
Thursday, October 9th at 7:30am
At the American Red Cross, 1045 Outer Park Dr, Springfield, IL 62704
September 2014 Monthly Meeting
Thursday, September 11th at 7:30am
At the American Red Cross, 1045 Outer Park Dr, Springfield, IL 62704
August Monthly Meeting
Thursday, August 14th at 7:30am
At the American Red Cross, 1045 Outer Park Dr, Springfield, IL 62704
June 12, 2014 Minutes (No meeting in July)
June Monthly Meeting
Thursday, June 12th at 7:30am
At the American Red Cross, 1045 Outer Park Dr, Springfield, IL 62704
MacArthur Boulevard Association Clean Up Day & Planting of the MacArthur Park Apartments Community Garden
The annual MacArthur Boulevard Association Clean Up Day was held on Saturday, April 26, starting at 9:15am.
Volunteers met at Franklin Middle School, headed down the boulevard for clean up or helped with the the community garden.
Thank you Hy-Vee Macarthur Boulevard, Generation Healthy Kids, CopperTree Outdoor Lifestyles, and all the volunteers that helped work on the boulevard clean up!
April Monthly Meeting
Thursday, April 10th at 7:30am
At the American Red Cross, 1045 Outer Park Dr, Springfield, IL 62704
IDOT Survey – still time to reply
The IDOT MacArthur Boulevard Open House on January 29 was well-attended by over 150 people. There’s still time to submit your comments before the March 3, 2014 deadline.
Download the survey information and survey response form now. Complete and send to IDOT for arrival before March 3, 2014.
Still time to reply!
The IDOT MacArthur Boulevard Open House on January 29 was well-attended by over 150 people. There’s still time to submit your comments before the March 3, 2014 deadline.
Download the survey information and survey response form now. Complete and send to IDOT for arrival before March 3, 2014.
Interest high in MacArthur Boulevard development
By John Reynolds, Jan. 30, 2014
Springfield residents got a chance to share some of their ideas on the future of MacArthur Boulevard Wednesday evening.
And they responded, with more than 150 attending a meeting sponsored by the city of Springfield and the Illinois Department of Transportation at South Side Christian Church, 2600 S. MacArthur Blvd.
Jen Dillman, president of the MacArthur Boulevard Business Association, said the public meeting was designed to get the ball rolling on a study that will look at infrastructure needs along MacArthur between South Grand and Wabash avenues. Some of the possible study subjects include: changes to improve traffic flow, more and better sidewalks, road improvements, a bike lane, curbing and improved drainage.
And they responded, with more than 150 attending a meeting sponsored by the city of Springfield and the Illinois Department of Transportation at South Side Christian Church, 2600 S. MacArthur Blvd.
Jen Dillman, president of the MacArthur Boulevard Business Association, said the public meeting was designed to get the ball rolling on a study that will look at infrastructure needs along MacArthur between South Grand and Wabash avenues. Some of the possible study subjects include: changes to improve traffic flow, more and better sidewalks, road improvements, a bike lane, curbing and improved drainage.
Read the full story at SJ-R.com…
Short Takes: Weigh in on MacArthur Boulevard plans
Read more: http://www.sj-r.com/article/20140129/OPINION/140129337/0/SEARCH#ixzz2rwHAdFKc
The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) and City of Springfield will host a public meeting for a MacArthur Boulevard Feasibility Study. The limits of the study are MacArthur Boulevard, from Wabash Avenue to South Grand Avenue, in Springfield. The department encourages all interested persons to attend and participate.
The public meeting will be held in an open house format, which means interested residents can attend any time from 5 to 7 p.m.
Various elements along the corridor will be studied, such as access, traffic signals, drainage issues, pedestrian, bicycle, and mass transit accommodations, and possible ways to facilitate additional green space. The goal of this feasibility study is to determine the general scope and cost of improvements desired and to recommend possible future improvements. The study is anticipated to be completed by the end of 2014.
The purpose of the meeting is to provide the public an opportunity to comment on the current need for improvements on the corridor. Exhibits, maps, and aerial photography of the study area will be available for inspection and viewing during the entire time department representatives are present. All persons interested in this project are invited to attend.
The meeting location is accessible to special needs individuals. Anyone needing special assistance should contact Roger Driskell, Deputy Director of Highways, Region Four Engineer, 126 East Ash Street, Springfield, IL, 62704-4792; phone (217) 342-8202.
The IDOT Meeting will be located at:
South Side Christian Church, 2600 South MacArthur Boulevard, Springfield, IL
IDOT Kicks Off MacArthur Boulevard Feasibility Study
The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) and City of Springfield will host a public meeting for a MacArthur Boulevard Feasibility Study on January 29, 2014 at Southside Christian Church.
The limits of the study are MacArthur Boulevard, from Wabash Avenue to South Grand Avenue, in Springfield. The department encourages all interested persons to attend and participate. The public meeting will be held in an open house format, which means interested residents can attend any time from 5 to 7 p.m.
Various elements along the corridor will be studied, such as access, traffic signals, drainage issues, pedestrian, bicycle, and mass transit accommodations, and possible ways to facilitate additional green space. The goal of this feasibility study is to determine the general scope and cost of improvements desired and to recommend possible future improvements. The study is anticipated to be completed by the end of 2014.
The purpose of the meeting is to provide the public an opportunity to comment on the current need for improvements on the corridor. Exhibits, maps, and aerial photography of the study area will be available for inspection and viewing during the entire time department representatives are present. All persons interested in this project are invited to attend.
The meeting location is accessible to special needs individuals. Anyone needing special assistance should contact Roger Driskell, Deputy Director of Highways, Region Four Engineer, 126 East Ash Street, Springfield, IL, 62704-4792; phone (217) 342-8202.
For full details, click here to read the press release.
Jan 2014 Monthly Meeting
MacArt Fest 2013
Sponsor Information… (PDF)
Download Application… (PDF)
Download Save the Date Flier… (PDF)
2012 Photos…
CORPORATE SPONSORSHIP
Help us raise funds to landscape improvements and to enhance the area’s overall look!
- Become a corporate sponsor of this special weekend event. Sponsorship opportunities and benefits are included on the other side.
- Make a cash donation of any amount. We welcome neighbors and neighborhood groups to support our efforts .
- Donate prizes to the Friday evening raffle. We plan to sell raffle tickets on Friday evening and will award prizes throughout the event
- Share the news about this event with friends and family. Tickets are $25 each.
Download Sponsor Information… (PDF)
BUY YOUR TICKETS NOW – SUPPORT MACARTHUR!
The MacArthur Boulevard Association
Second Annual MacARTFest – June 7 & 8, 2013
Standard Mutual Insurance
S. Grand Ave. West & MacArthur Blvd.
Fundraiser Gala
to Support MacArthur Boulevard Redevelopment Efforts
MacART Gala and Fundraiser
Friday, June 7, 2013, 6 pm to 9 pm
Featuring fine art Artists demonstrating their work with art for sale
Food, Beverages and Live Music, Featuring Thornhill
Ticket Price – $25 per person
MacARTFest Artists Market
Saturday, June 8, 2013, 10 am to 4 pm
Featuring 50 Artists offering their fine art and fine crafts for sale
Food and beverages for sale on site
FREE Event
Visit the website at www.macartfest.com for more information
Questions/Artist sign up, email at macartfest@gmail.com
MacART Fest 2013
MBBA / MacArthur Boulevard Spring Clean Up
Saturday, April 20th with Franklin Middle School.
Meet at 8:45 a.m. in Franklin’s east parking lot.
MBBA Fall Happy Hour
Thurs, October 25, 4:30-6pm
Ross Isaac, 1710 S. MacArthur
Complimentary Appetizers
Cash Bar
Network with the MBBA
MacART Fest 2012
MACART Fest 2012
June 8 & 9, 2012
Tickets on sale now!
$30 single / $50 a couple for Friday night ART IN ACTION
Sponsor flyer…
Adopt-a-Street Cleanup
15 Blessed Sacrament students and parents picked up 19 large bags of trash on MacArthur Boulevard from Governor to Wabash on Sat, May 5. Big thanks to everyone – MacArthur looks spiffy! Luers Family Shoes/Kids Kluz will donate donuts.
March 2012 Monthly Meeting
Verne LaGesse of Friends of Sangamon Valley talks about Robinson Woods and their fundraiser April 20 at Maldaner’s.
HELP US SHAPE THE FUTURE OF OUR COMMUNITY!
The Springfield-Sangamon County Regional Planning Commission invites you to participate in the development of a Regional Comprehensive Plan.
Attend one of three community workshops to tell us your concerns, values, and desires:
March 8th – 6:00 pm
Sangamon Co. Dept. of Public Health
2833 South Grand Avenue East
Springfield, IL 62703
217-535-3100
Public hearing on High Traffic Freight Trains Through Springfield
llinois State Rail Plan Public Information hearing
Illinois Department of Transportation
Tuesday, March 6, 4 to 7 pm
Lincoln Library, 326 South 7th Street
Lincoln Library, 326 South 7th Street
How will the State of Illinois’ Rail Plan will affect our downtown community? Your opportunity to be heard.
Franklin School students and volunteers pick up trash along Boulevard
Over 30 Franklin School students and volunteers picked up 13 large bags of trash on MacArthur Boulevard from Governor to Wabash on Sat, Nov. 5. “It’s great for kids to be involved,” said David Farrell, vice president of the association and a 36-year resident of the area. “We benefit from their involvement, and it also brings a smile to our faces.” Helping support such efforts teaches the children how to be good neighbors, added organizer Julie Dirksen. “This is their neighborhood, too,” said Kris Huddleston, principal at Franklin, 1200 Outer Park Drive.
Friends of MacArthur FUNDRAISER – suggested $20 donation
Oct 27, 5:30-8:30pm
Ross Isaac
1710 South MacArthur Boulevard
Adopt-A-Street Cleanup
Rescheduled due to weather
Saturday, June 4, 7:30am
Thanks to Butler School!
5th Annual Artist Market
Saturday, June 4 and June 11
9am to 2pm
Town & Country Shopping Center
More information…
April 2011 Monthly Meeting
MBBA Mayoral & Alderman Ward 6 & 7 Candidates Forum
Monday, March 21, 6-8pm, South Side Christian Church, Download Forum Flier…
Thanks again to:
- South Side Christian for hosting us, for videotaping the forum and for use of their Vimeo account to host the videos
- David Farrell for moderating & publicity
- Sharon Whalen of Illinois Times for timekeeping & publicity
- Julie Dirksen & Laurie Farrell for setting up, greeting at the MBBA table & providing water for candidates
- Glenn Yanow of Baskin Robins & Wade Kammin of Wild Birds Unlimited for reviewing questions
- Carol Kneedler of O3 Internet for signs, website & eNews
- MBBA for sponsorship and questions
Citywide Aldermanic Forum
Thursday, March 3, 7-9pm
Dove Center St. John’s Hospital
Sponsored by MBBA, ICON PAC, Downtown Springfield Inc and the Illinois Peoples Action group
Event flyer…
MacArthur Boulevard Master Plan Announcement
Wednesday, February 23, 2011, 6-8pm
Butler School
The Master Plan documents are hosted on the Regional Planning Commission website. Links to download them are here. Some files are very large, and all require Adobe Acrobat to open.
Cover PDF 28 kb
Table of Contents PDF 146 kb
Section 1 Text PDF 378 kb
Section 1 Figures PDF 2.2 mb
Section 2 Text PDF 899 kb
Section 2 Figures PDF 52 mb
Section 3 Text PDF 11 mb
Section 3 Figures PDF 45 mb
Section 4 Text PDF 449 kb
Section 4 Figures PDF 37 kb
Mayor Edwards speaks at the MacArthur Boulevard Master Plan Announcement
Railroad Study Open House
Tuesday, November 16, 4-7pm
Prairie Capital Convention Center
1 Convention Center Plaza
The Springfield Railroad Corridor Study Team has spent the summer developing and analyzing preliminary alternatives that would address the city’s increasing freight and passenger rail traffic, which is likely to double in the next 10 years. The study team, led by Hanson Professional Services Inc., has been charged with the task of assessing the environmental, social and economic impacts of various alternatives in order to recommend one alternative to the Federal Railroad Administration.
The alternatives being considered will be presented at an open house, Tuesday, November 16, from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. at the Prairie Capital Convention Center. There will not be a formal presentation. Attendees can come any time between the hours listed.
Adopt-A-Street MacArthur Cleanup – Fall 2010
The MBBA has adopted MacArthur Boulevard from Governor St to Wabash Ave. 22 people picked up 12 large bags of trash along MacArthur on Sat. Oct. 9. Thanks to the 8th graders at Blessed Sacrament School and their parents, who volunteered to help with our first litter pickup. Other area schools will assist with future cleanups in April, June, August & October of 2011.
Thanks to organizers Julie Dirksen, David & Laurie Farrell and Carol Kneedler, to the Mobil Super Pantry for donuts and to McDonalds for coupons for the 8th graders.
We’ve become so accustomed to seeing trash along the roadway that we don’t consciously register it, but when it’s gone the street looks much better!
Kudos to the MacArthur business owners who keep their property clean every day!
Springfield City Meeting on Flooding around MacArthur & Washington Park
Several MBBA members attended the September 20 meeting about flooding.
City of Springfield Public Works Director Mike Norris spoke to an outspoken group of about a 50 residents and property owners from all areas of Springfield.
The city does not currently have the budget to fix combined storm and sanitary sewers or to clean existing sewers more often than once every 10-12 years. Even if funds were available to improve the storm and sewer systems, the storm sewers would not handle a “100-year event” and would overflow into the streets.
Property owners with basements flooded by storm water and sewage backing up from basement drains and fixtures are urged to call the Public Works department even if someone else near you has already called. The daytime number (before 3pm) is 217-789-2244, and the after-hours number is 217-789-2246.
Other options were suggested to prevent storm water and sewage from backing up into basements as well as information on what could or could not be done to solve the underlying problem.
September 2010 Meeting
Thursday, September 9, 2010
7:30am American Red Cross
Speaker: Lakota Group – Redevelopment Plan
Meeting Minutes…
Redevelopment Plan – Community Workshop with Lakota Group
Wednesday, September 8, 6:30pm
Butler Elementary School
1701 South MacArthur Blvd.
The MacArthur Boulevard Redevelopment Plan Steering Committee will host the third Community Workshop to present final planning concepts and development strategies for the future revitalization of MacArthur Boulevard.
Workshop participants will assist in refining planning strategies to be incorporated in the final plan.
If you have a business, own property, live on or around MacArthur Boulevard, or are just an interested Springfield resident, you are invited to participate in this ongoing planning process to improve and enhance one of Springfield’s most important commercial corridors.
Download flyer…
Lakota project website…
Redevelopment Plan Meeting
July 22, 5-7pm
Dublin Pub Restaurant back room, 2413 S MacArthur
SSCC – Big Block Bash 2010
July 18 6-8pm at South Side Christian Church, 2600 S. MacArthur Boulevard
The Big Block Bash is an annual block party that South Side Christian Church hosts to celebrate living life in Springfield. Free food, games, prixes and live music.
July Monthly Membership Meeting
Thursday, July 8, 2010 Speaker: Effective Planning In Your Community, T.J. Blakeman, Planning Director, City of Champaign
download PDF of presentation… (PDF 6mb)
MacArthur Boulevard Redevelopment Plan – Lakota Group Public Input Meeting #2
Inn at 835, 835 South 2nd Street
Wednesday, June 23, 6:30-8:30 pm
MacArthur Extension Opening
Friday, April 30, 2010 2:30pm
Please join us at the grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony for the MacArthur Boulevard Extension and the new interchange at MacArthur and Interstate 72. The ceremony will be held near the interchange. In case of rain, the ceremony will be held at the South Side Christian Church at 2600 S. MacArthur Boulevard.
Everyone should enter at the north end of the project, where Wabash, MacArthur and Junction Circle intersect, and park on the east side of the new section of northbound MacArthur Boulevard near the interchange.
Download a map of the entry point and parking…
A Business After Hours to celebrate the opening will be held at ShowMe’s Restaurant. Details to come.
MBBA Community Meeting – Lakota Group 4/21/2010
The first of three public input workshops for the Redevelopment Plan was held at Douglas School, with approximately 80 people in attendance. During the workshop, the Lakota Group introduced the planning process for the MacArthur Boulevard Redevelopment Study; discussed the Boulevard’s strengths, weaknesses and opportunities; and conducted a visual preference survey to gauge what types of land use, development density, and design characteristics are preferred by MacArthur stakeholders.
Download the full Press Release…
The Lakota Group has established a website on the project so the general public can get up to date information about the program. You can find the project page on the Lakota website…
Read about workshop and other information on our FaceBook page…
Read about the workshop in the SJ-R…
MacArthur Neighborhood Mixer a Success
4/30/2009
The MBBA is delighted with the great turnout for our First Annual Neighborhood Mixer, with more than 150 attendees and over 70 new contacts for our eNewsletter. Thanks to those who signed on as new members and to volunteer to help with our events and the Problem Property Initiative. Our great speakers talked about the goals of the Association, commercial real estate, residential real estate, the Problem Property Initiative, the MacArthur extension, the $95,000 grant for the Streetscape Project and neighborhood safety.