To Call Home

By Carbondale Mayor John “Mike” Henry

In recent years, Carbondale leaders have made efforts to ensure downtown developments are our priority. The first two phases of the Illinois Avenue Streetscape Improvements Project are complete and the City has applied for grant funding from the Department of Economic Development and Opportunity to help with Phase 3, which is in the planning stage.

In addition to the improvements being made downtown, there are a number of economic development projects taking shape in Carbondale. This includes the following: • The Southern Illinois

Multi-Modal Transportation Mayor Henry

Center will soon be built in downtown Carbondale. This City received a $13.9M grant from the US Department of Transportation’s Better Utilizing Investment to Leverage Development program for the new transportation center, which will be located along South Illinois Avenue. • Southern Illinois University announced the development of the new Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree program. • Consume Cannabis Company opened in the old Newell House building on East Main Street. This business is the first cannabis dispensary in Carbondale. • Planet Fitness is now open on Giant City Road. The gym shares a building with Kohl’s. • Robin’s Nest of Carbondale held a grand opening and ribbon cutting in the Fall of 2019. The early learning development center is assisting children ages 6 weeks to 12 years old. • Starbucks is coming to town! The new free standing coffee shop will open soon in the 1000 block of East Main Street. • Artistic Minds Tattoo Studio moved to a new location on Illinois Avenue. • Legal Smile opened and expanded at Saluki Plaza across from the SIU campus • Phoenix Cycle made renovations to their building downtown.

• Buckwater Brew Works and Whiskey Bar

opened in early 2020 and is located along East Main Street across from the Bank of Carbondale. • Slabz Skate Shop opened its doors on South Illinois Avenue. The retail shop offers skateboard and longboard products, and skate apparel. • Appliance Wizard moved to Carbondale. They are located on East Walnut Street and will service appliances and sell new and used appliances.

This activity indicates that investors and business owners have confidence in Carbondale’s economy and business-friendly attitude, despite the difficulties amid the COVID-19 pandemic. During the pandemic,

The Carbondale Chamber of Commerce welcomes new member Robin’s Nest Learning Center on a chilly January day with a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony.

The Carbondale Chamber of Commerce welcomes new member, Consume Cannabis, located in downtown Carbondale, during their Ribbon Cutting Ceremony.

the City’s assisted existing businesses by helping them apply for the Downstate Small Business Stabilization Grants. The City submitted 27 applications totaling over $600,000. Business Interruption Grants were also awarded to 18 Carbondale businesses totaling $340,000.

Carbondale City staff also led a regional workforce conference, drawing business and industry professionals from across the region to discuss employee recruitment and retention issues and strategies.

As I have said before, “By working together, we are making Carbondale the place that you and I, our children and grandchildren, are proud to call home.”