Kankakee Mayor Chasity Wells-Armstrong delivered a strong message this past weekend at a State of the Black Community forum. The mayor said “it’s time for the city to come together.”

A 3-hour program included several speakers, including city aldermen and Kankakee School Su’t Genevra Walters. The public was welcome to comment too.

The mayor added, “If you are unhappy with the city, help me.”

The Daily-Journal reported the mayor made it clear that she had been surprised and frustrated at times by a lack of support from other leaders, from the council and even from African-Americans.

Mayor Wells-Armstrong listed some nice accomplishments in her 21-months in office. Included is a balanced budget. She also said the Auto-Lab Complete Car Care Center on Schuyler Avenue has been a positive business venture that was an eye-sore for years until the business building was occupied again.

Schuyler Avenue streetscape set to go ---

The much-discussed Schuyler Avenue streetscape program is set to begin March 1, and backers voiced their support for the $1.9 million project at Tuesday’s Kankakee City Council meeting.

The Daily-Journal reports much of the project has been greeted with enthusiasm. The portion of the project which has come under debate has been the Schuyler Avenue bike lanes.

Those against the bike lanes believe the lanes on the busy street will cause a public safety risk. Supporters, however, said changes made to the three-block section of the street slated for the first round of improvements will slow traffic, making for a safer biking experience.

Mayor Chastity Wells-Armstrong says the project is all about accessibility to downtown to better-expose businesses. She said she’s excited to get the improvements started.

94.1 WGFA