Ottawa has run into a snag in its riverfront development plan. The plan looks forward to hotels, an amphitheater, and a marina along the north side of the Illinois River where Central School used to be. Mayor Dan Aussem says there are still deed restrictions that would stop private developments on some of the land.
Aussem says the city is trying to get the state legislature and government departments to end the deed restrictions. It may take some time, but he’s hopeful that it won’t be impossible since the old feeder canal doesn’t exist anymore and isn’t coming back.
Mostly grassy area where Ottawa’s Central School used to be. WCMY file photo from 2017.