11/8/2011
Marty Kasper, WTVO

Not much happens on north Madison Street, but some local groups hope it can be the link between the Sinnissippi path and downtown Rockford.



"Make it walkable, more bikeable, and a better connection between the 'Y,' and up to State Street," said Cathy McDermott, an administrator for the Rock River Development Partnership.


The stretch of road is home to businesses and apartments, many of them sit empty. McDermitt says the Rock River Development Partnership, the Rockford Park District, and the city of Rockford are hoping to fix cracks, improve the aesthetics, as well as create a new image for this part of downtown.


"Be more aesthetically pleasing with maybe some lighting, banners, landscaping, benches," said McDermott.


Along the Madison corridor, some of the sidewalks are cut in half by large power polls, and McDermott would like to see this stretch of the road made easier to travel.


"The condition of the sidewalk, and the road, and add curb cuts and different things so it's easier to travel," said McDermott.



But some businesses in the area want planners to focus closer to State Street and not worry about beautifying an otherwise industrial section.


"I would like to see it maybe focus a half mile radius from the market, and maybe look at doing some tours, some walking tours," said owner of Runners Image Steve Jaycox.


And Jaycox says before we can beautify the area we need to fix core infrastructure problems.


"If we can spend that money on redoing sidewalks that are maybe crumbling, or other infrastructure that is in need of repair, I would say spend it there," said Jaycox.

Nathan McDonald 2011-11-09 11:21
Here is a list of happenings to consider before accepting the opening statement:
1) Trolley - tours
2) Forest City Queen riverboat - tours, meal cruises, water taxi
3) Riverview Ice house - hockey, figure skating
4) Hockey training facility - youth, adult, camps
5) Bliss Beauty Lounge
6) N IL Optical - one of the busiest eye clinics in Rockford
7) Prairie St Brewhouse
» Wedding receptions booked every weekend thru Dec 2012
» Dinner on the Dock - Thu May-Sept, live music, food, bar
» Brunch at the Brewhouse - Sun buffet May-Sept
» Rockford Handmade Market - holiday market
» Artscene - host site twice a year
8 ) Mary's Place - live music almost every night
9) An active Lutheran church
10) Verdi Club
11) Lombardi Club
12) YMCA
13) Rockford City Market - Fri nights, May-Oct
#1 Nathan McDonald 2011-11-09 11:20
Though I agree that Madison Street needs structural and beautification improvements, I respectfully disagree with the opening statement of this report: "Not much happens on north Madison Street..." (see next comment)



For More Information:
http://mystateline.com/fulltext-news/?nxd_id=296287