Urbana Mayor Laurel Prussing hopes the latest changes in a proposed redevelopment contract for a downtown hotel will win over more city council members. Council members are to take a preliminary vote Monday on whether to continue talks with developer Dionis Rodriguez on renovating and reopening the Urbana Landmark Hotel.
The developer who wants to renovate downtown Urbana’s Urbana Landmark Hotel made a presentation before the Urbana City Council Monday night. Dionis Rodriguez and his development firm Crimson Rock Capital have big plans for the 94-year-old building that closed last year --- but only if the city is ready to provide some financial assistance.
Engineer and land surveyor Rex Bradfield is launching another campaign for the office of Urbana mayor. With three Democrats in the race, that means there will be a competitive general election for the office in April. Bradfield has twice lost to incumbent Laurel Prussing, in 2009 and 2013. He says Urbana city government needs to to more to lure business to the city, and says funds have been wasted on downtown projects like the Boneyard Creek beautification.
