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Community Development Division

The Community Development Division is responsible for a variety of programs and initiatives designed to advance the overall health and viability of the City’s residential neighborhoods.

Federal and State grant programs aimed at these objectives are utilized by Community Development.  These include U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Community Development Block Grants (CDBG), the HOME Partnership Act (HOME), and funds through the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency and others.  The Division compiles data on income, housing conditions and needs of Danville residents for use  in the formulation of multiple-year plans for the City’s activities to promote safe, clean housing and healthy neighborhoods.  Community Development also provides supportive services for local business and housing development non-profits such as Downtown Danville, Inc., the HALO Project, Habitat for Humanity of Danville and many providers of social services.

Community Development Block Grant – This federal funding source provides the following activities supervised by the Community Development Division:

  • Owner-occupied housing rehabilitation for low-moderate income families in targeted areas
  • Accessibility modifications in homes of low-moderate persons with mobility and/or sensory disabilities
  • Rehabilitation assistance for non-profits providing housing for the homeless and special needs populations
  • Economic Development grants and loans which create or retain jobs for low income workers
  • Replacement of sanitary sewer systems

Historic Preservation

Danville has it’s own Historic Preservation Ordinance and is recognized as a Certified Local Government by the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency.  This status, conferred to local governments through states and recognized by the National Trust for Historic Preservation makes preservation information and resources available to us.  The Community Development Manager Mr. John Dreher, acts as Danville’s historic preservation planner.  A seven member Commission made up of local volunteers appointed by the Mayor meet on the second Thursday of each month at 5:00 p.m. at the Municipal Building to address preservation concerns.

Renaissance Danville, Inc. - The Renaissance Danville program was launched by the City in 2000 to create revitalized neighborhoods around the downtown area which compliment the downtown and encourage more investment and home ownership. In order to accomplish this goal a non-profit organization, Renaissance Danville, was created to oversee this initiative. Renaissance Danville functions by using a combination of public and private funding to buy, restore, and resell homes in this targeted area. The premise being that while a renovated property may not return the sum of the purchase price and renovation costs in a sale, the investments and higher sales prices will help improve the viability of the areas housing market and lead to more private investment. To learn more about the Renaissance Danville program visit the Renaissance Danville website at www.renaissancedanville.org

New Day Initiative - This newest of revitalization programs maintained by the City provides support and incentives for the construction of new housing on vacant properties in Danville’s traditional neighborhoods.  Fee waivers, forgiveness of past fines and liens and help with lot clearance and infrastructure improvements are all part of the negotiable package the City of Danville is willing to provide to the new home builder.

Neighborhood Association Building – Community Development staff assist any interested citizens in forming neighborhood associations.  The benefits of, along with specific “best practices” advice is available along with staff assistance for start-up.  Information on the benefits of forming an association and recommendations for success are available.  A list of contacts and area maps for existing associations is available here.

Healthy Housing - Community Development is proud to offer educational and advisory services on a variety of housing issues including Lead Hazards, General Housing Safety, and Mold Hazards.

Lead Hazards - John Dreher, Illinois Lead inspector and Risk Assessor, license #L8111 &  Nancy Humphreys, Illinois Lead Inspector and Risk Assessor, License #L8013

General Housing Safety - John Dreher, Illinois Licensed Home Inspector, License #450.0004154

Mold Hazards - John Dreher, Certified Mold Inspector #ILMM0907

Lead Poisoning Prevention – Our two Lead Risk Assessors,  licensed by the Illinois Department of Public Health, provide training and advice for citizens in reducing risks presented by the disturbance of lead-based paint.  Educational materials, how-to advice and testing to determine if dangerous concentrations of lead are present are available to Danville residents.