The Galesburg City Council on Monday approved changes to how the city handles fire-damaged buildings, aiming to make it easier to demolish structures that pose a safety risk, while also supporting downtown improvements and new business development.
Demolition amendment
An amendment was passed to a city ordinance that allows for emergency demolitions of structures following destructive fires.
Previously, a structure damaged by fire was ordered to be demolished when the damage was ruled to be more than 75 percent of the structure’s value. That standard has now been replaced. Under the new language, a structure can be torn down “when a damaged structure presents an imminent and substantial danger and repair would not be prudent.”
City Manager Eric Hanson said the change is intended for buildings that have suffered major fire damage or partial collapse, allowing the city to act more quickly to address safety concerns. He emphasized that the policy is not meant for routine issues such as dilapidated vacant homes.
Facade grant
The council also approved a $40,000 grant to help fund repairs to the Weinberg Arcade, 64 S. Prairie St., following a facade collapse late last year.
On Dec. 13, 2025, portions of the brick facade fell onto the sidewalk, prompting short-term repairs. The new project, part of a $324,400 effort to address the building’s aging masonry, is expected to begin immediately and be completed in mid-June.
Liquor license
Council members approved a Class A-1 liquor license for Evgenia, a new restaurant at 41 S. Seminary St. expected to open in early April.
The license was advanced from a first reading to a second reading before approval. Council member Steve Cheesman, Seventh Ward, called the decision a “no-brainer” and described the restaurant as an “exciting new addition” to Galesburg.
Evgenia “will feature a menu that blends classic American steakhouse offerings with Mediterranean cuisine, including influences from Greece, Italy and surrounding regions.”
Other city business
The following measures also were approved Monday evening:
● An appointment memo for the Golf Advisory Committee
● A small land exchange, as the city exchanged a half-acre of land for another half-acre to allow construction of the Lake Storey Shared-Use Path. The land given by the city borders the property of the landowner providing land for the project
● Authorization for the city manager to execute a new municipal aggregation agreement for electricity supply to eligible residential and small commercial customers. Hanson said residents saved $18,998 in 2025 compared to the standard Ameren rate and noted that, due to fluctuating energy prices, the next contract will likely be shorter
● Purchase of a trailer attenuator and arrow board for $34,000 from Aramsco Inc. of Radnor, Pennsylvania, for the city water department
● Purchase of 201 phones across 13 models, along with accessories such as mounts and SD cards, for $29,785.85 to replace the city’s current VoIP system
All measures passed unanimously, 6-0. Angelica Mangieri, First Ward, was absent.
Public comments
Residents and community representatives raised a range of issues during public comment.
A representative of Southside Community Solar LLC invited residents to an informational meeting at the Galesburg Public Library on Tuesday, March 24, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 4-8 p.m.
One resident raised concerns about potential legal and privacy issues related to the use of automated license plate readers by Flock Safety, while another requested a crosswalk at the intersection of Seminary and Grove streets.
Council comments
Council members also used closing remarks to recognize community contributions, highlight local concerns and mark Women’s History Month.
Dwight White, Fourth Ward, encouraged residents to learn about figures including chemist Alice Augusta Ball, fashion designer Ann Lowe, Anna Murray Douglass, Pamela Hemphill and Cato Bontjes van Beek.
Heather Acerra, Fifth Ward, recognized the accomplishments of Galesburg women Mary Allen West and lawyer Elizabeth A. Hurd.
Greg Saul, Sixth Ward, said he had been awake since 2 a.m. while also working as a Galesburg Township snowplow driver and thanked city staff for their work during the recent weather.
Steve Cheesman, Seventh Ward, noted Galesburg’s recent 25th-place ranking among the nation’s top small cities for economic development by Site Selection magazine and thanked Ken Springer, president of the Knox County Area Partnership for Economic Development. He also noted the remodeling of Judy’s Cafe and recognized the work of his great-grandmothers.
Wendell Hunigan, Second Ward, said residents in his ward have raised concerns about vacant and dilapidated houses, as well as issues such as overflowing trash cans, grocery carts left at Kiwanis Park and the vacant Weston School on Mulberry Street.
Chuck Reynolds, Third Ward, thanked those who attended his recent open house and congratulated the owners of the soon-opening Evgenia restaurant.
Mayor Pete Schwartmann also recognized Springer for the city’s economic development ranking.
