The Fairbury City Council will move forward with a federal grant application that ultimately could lead to a hotel or motel.

“The city conducted an economic study about 10 years ago and it indicated a motel or hotel was a high priority, said city superintendent Leroy McPherson. “It was on a list of projects the city wanted to investigate, and was about fourth or fifth. It wasn’t developed because no one was interested in operating a hotel or motel at the time.”

The council applied last month for a $10,000 grant after learning a private investor was considering developing a motel or hotel.

“Fairbury isn’t very attractive to (developers) because we have just one highway,” said McPherson. “They all want 30- to 40-unit buildings and I don’t think the city could support something that big. We’re more interested in a ‘mom and pop’ operation.”

The vote doesn’t commit the city to conduct a study with the grant money. McPherson said potential investors have agreed to provide about $2,000 toward the study, reducing the city’s commitment to about $8,000.

Fitness center, track repairs — Work will begin soon to fill the pool at El Paso-Gridley High School, which eventually will become a fitness center. Repairs to tracks at the high school and junior high will begin this spring. Asphalt long-jump runways and cinders will be added to both tracks. A sound system will be installed at the junior high track and the track will be redone to address drainage issues.

Window, prom money — The Chatsworth Town Council will spend $1,445 for a “pay” window for the clerk’s office. The window can be locked. The board also approved $75 for Prairie Central’s after-prom celebration.

Demo draws interest — Several bidders are interested in demolishing the former Chenoa Grade School. Four tours of the facility have been conducted, said Prairie Central Superintendent John Capasso.

Grad credits raised — The Lexington School Board has raised the physical education course credit to a halfcredit per semester and increased the graduation credit requirement to 25 credits, up from 22.5. The increase will be phased in beginning next school year.

Information from: www.pantagraph.com

This entry was posted on Saturday, April 28th, 2007 at 1:46 am and is filed under Hotel, Real Estate. Tags: Agra Chatsworth Commitment El Paso Fitness Center Lexington Projects School Board Town Council . You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.