QUINCY—Mayor Linda Moore sought to correct the record regarding the recent acceptance of Pride in the Park by the city council on September 21 in Clat Adams Park.
Following the decision, there were numerous calls and discussions, so the mayor clarified that the city council does not have the authority to filter content. The Pride in the Park organizers complied with all city regulations. The foundation of our democracy is our freedom of choice.
After event organizers provided all necessary paperwork and the Department of Utilities and Engineering recommended permission, a special use permit was issued, as Muddy River News first reported during its regular coverage of council topics.
Jake Reed (R-6th Ward) and Mike Adkins (R-3rd Ward) were the council members who voted against it.
Reed told the council, “Drag shows worry me.” When grown guys disguise themselves as women and do dances for dollar bills in front of youngsters, I find it unsettling.
The mayor emphasized to the council and the public, whether present in person or watching online, that democracy entails the ability to congregate and exchange ideas.
The mayor went on, “We have the right to not participate if we disagree.” We can decide not to take part in an activity if we don’t support it. Intimidation and harassment will not be accepted.
When the mayor spoke, the crowd cheered, but that wasn’t the end of it.
“I applaud you for supporting Pride in the Park,” Jamie Miller stated in a public statement. I want the public to know that if you hadn’t granted that request, I’m certain that a lawsuit would have threatened to use my government dollars. It would have tickled me. Stay at home if you don’t like it. Enjoy a night of movies. In any case. This city offers a plethora of activities.
During public discussion, another MRN piece was referenced. This time, in reference to the Quincy Tree Commission’s recent meeting and its efforts to develop a new tree type for the program’s fall planting.
Meenal Mamdani, who reported a decline last year and only sold roughly 75% of the trees reserved for eager homes and business owners to plant on public parkways, asked commission members to increase the event’s visibility.
According to Mamdani, there aren’t many trees in the city’s northwest. There is more to the tree cover than just aesthetics. Oxygen is produced by trees.
In a few weeks, the members of the tree commission will convene a special meeting to develop a new list and determine bids for the purchase and planting of trees.
Regarding the River Edge development, Jason Parrott, the city planning director, is likewise attempting to establish roots.
Developers, business owners, and property owners may be eligible for significant tax breaks for restoring historic buildings.
Along sections of Eighth, Ninth, and 10th Streets, the River Edge limits follow the contour of the river from Locust to Harrison.
Parrott clarified that the facility must generate revenue, citing retail establishments, restaurants, and residences as examples. It must have historical relevance as well.
The Illinois State Historic Preservation Division office is required to make that designation. In order for people to learn more about the program personally, he stated that he hopes to have state preservation authorities come to Quincy in the fall, perhaps in October.
He pointed out that there is little city monitoring. However, the program has no cap. It is not necessary for several projects to compete with one another.
The city’s speeding complaints have increased, according to the mayor.
She advised everyone to respect school speed limits. Slow down, please.
Additionally, Alderman Fletcher requested people to remember Adkins, a fellow council member. Adkins is in the hospital due to back problems, according to Fletcher.
