The Smile Politely Editors are comprised of Justine Bursoni, Seth Fein, Joel Gillespie, Doug Hoepker, Brian McGovern, Ryan Neaveill and Dan Schreiber. They, along with the website designer Mason Kessinger and founding Editor-in-Chief Chris Maier, decide to highlight certain events going on in Champaign-Urbana in a democratic fashion, without bias, in order to best bring to you the finest information on the entertainment around town.
Champaign City Council is at work trying to create more affordable housing around the downtown area, specifically north of Washington Street for those who work at and patronize the businesses in the area. Currently the rental properties in the immediate downtown are few and far between and will cost you plenty, but the council is looking to create cheaper digs for cooks, servers, bank tellers, baristas, retail associates, other downtown workers and those who spend time downtown/ What could be better than ditching the gas guzzler to conveniently coast to work on two wheels, or better yet, walk.
Those residing near the bustling entertainment district would certainly have beer, delectable cuisine, espresso, and cupcakes at their fingertips, but there are a few issues with making your home base directly next door to Neil Street: the influx of weekend revelers to the area could, frankly, just be annoying, and the nearest grocery stores are Meijer on North Prospect and Schnucks on Mattis Avenue. (That is until County Market opens its doors on Springfield Avenue — whenever that might be.)
But, there are perks aplenty. The downtown area includes a few banks, a boot repair store, a gas station, the post office, a movie theater and probably the biggest bonus — direct access to the Mass Transit District bus hub and Amtrak station. Living near the area would solve that pesky parking meter problem too.
So, do you want to live near downtown Champaign?
Comments (7)
Friday, July 25, 2008 6:36 PM
Downtown NEEDS a grocery store badly. It sucks to have to drive to the edge of town or at least the IGA on Kirby. Bring in a Whole Foods or similar independant grocer and we're all set.
Saturday, July 26, 2008 3:07 AM
and for motorcycle enthusiasts, there's a harley convention almost every night!
there's nothing so soothing as the sound of straight pipes shaking the foundations and rattling the windows of the entire block!
later, you'll be serenaded by the charming clink of unrecycled beer bottles hoisted hydraulically from 2-yard dumpsters, and lovingly compacted into diesel powered haulers.
if it's the human voice you crave, there's always someone out and about -- willing to share their semi-digested beer or your spare change.
you'll never feel alone in downtown champaign!
Saturday, July 26, 2008 9:37 AM
yes. I've done it. As has been said before - the lack of groceries makes living downtown a pain as well as the geniuses on harleys who rev their engines because it sounds loud between the two walls of buildings on either side of the street.
My biggest peeve w/ living down there was the sirens of champaigns finest - fire engines, squad cars, and ambulances - at all hours of the day.
I've lived in three separate neighborhoods in chicago, and none came close to the noise i heard living on walnut!!
On the other hand - it was nice being so close to all the downtown bars and restaurants. I drove much less back then.
Saturday, July 26, 2008 3:40 PM
Nah. I'm perfectly fine living near downtown Urbana. I have several groceries to choose from and soon I'll even have the Co-Op! :)
Sunday, July 27, 2008 1:03 PM
Not sure why, but Urbana does seem to be the much more livable alternative. With two good groceries nearby (soon to be three), nice quiet streets, very bike friendly and walkable. Maybe Champaign should concentrate on some of these issues instead of just throwing up more cheapo housing?
Sunday, July 27, 2008 4:32 PM
On balance, downtown Champaign will be a good fit for me personally---I just bought a place downtown after living in the area for a year. The lack of a grocery store was a concern, but it's really the only thing I'll have to drive for regularly. I hope city leaders realize that urban living requires on-going diligence to make it and keep it livable. Come on Whole Foods!
Monday, July 28, 2008 5:33 PM
I dont live downtown.....yet. The lack of a grocery store doesnt really factor in to my decision to live downtown, but I can see how that would be a difficulty for some. My biggest concern is the availability of affordable parking. Metered spots are out of the question, and the leased sopts are more per month that some of my utilities will be! The new parking garage will provide ample parking, overnight and otherwise, if you can find someone to buy a kidney so you can pay the OUTRAGEOUS monthly rent.
If anyone knows of a good deal on paking, Id appreciate a heads up!