Sterling Mayor Diana and City Manager Scott
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In this episode of the Regional Media Podcast Network, Sterling Mayor Diana and City Manager Scott Schumer discuss a flurry of city developments and upcoming events. The conversation begins with lighthearted banter about Cinco de Mayo and Taco Tuesday, before diving into key municipal updates: the swearing-in of three new police officers, ongoing road construction on Second and Third Streets, and the long-awaited completion of the Griswold and Woodburn Avenue road projects. A major highlight is the announcement that Sterling will host Union Pacific’s historic Big Boy locomotive during its first coast-to-coast tour, an event expected to draw thousands and requiring extensive planning for safety, sanitation, and infrastructure. Mayor Diana expresses excitement about the city’s newly awarded River’s Edge designation, which unlocks significant tax incentives for historic property redevelopment—particularly for projects like the Lawrence Brothers building and the stalled pedestrian bridge. Despite challenges with utility coordination and railroad permissions, the city remains optimistic about progress. The episode closes with a reminder of upcoming community events, including the National Day of Prayer, a faith-based interfaith gathering, and the Public Works Clean and Green weekend for bulk waste disposal.
Sterling will host Union Pacific’s Big Boy locomotive on June 2nd, marking its first coast-to-coast tour stop and drawing an estimated 5,000+ visitors.
The city has secured the River’s Edge designation, unlocking up to 45% in state and federal historic tax credits for qualifying redevelopment projects.
Road construction on Second and Third Streets is progressing, with ADA sidewalk work beginning as early as Wednesday and a June 1 deadline for completion.
The city is preparing for large crowds by planning for 12+ porta-potties and coordinating with neighboring towns to manage overflow.
The pedestrian bridge project remains stalled due to unresolved utility and railroad permissions, highlighting ongoing challenges with infrastructure coordination.
…and 2 more takeaways available in PodZeus
Cinco de Mayo, Taco Tuesday, and City Life
The episode opens with playful banter about the overlap of Cinco de Mayo and Taco Tuesday, with Mayor Diana sharing her breakfast of chorizo eggs. The hosts welcome City Manager Scott Schumer, who jokes about battling colds and allergies, setting a light-hearted tone.
New Police Officers and City Council Updates
Mayor Diana confirms the swearing-in of three new police officers who have completed academy training. The city manager discusses a long consent agenda at the recent council meeting, clarifying that the extended duration was due to administrative clean-up, not contentious debate.
Road Construction Progress and Challenges
The team reviews ongoing construction on Second and Third Streets, including ComEd and AT&T utility work. The Griswold and Woodburn Avenue road project, delayed for five years due to funding issues, is finally moving forward with local funding and utility coordination.
Big Boy Locomotive Arrival: A Historic Event
“We only have 34 days notice to get this whole thing planned. And last year, we estimated about 3,000 to 5,000 people in town. And so we're assuming that it'll be bigger because it's the America 250.”
Riverfront Park and Historic Designation Wins
“We're really excited to have this. So this will be mainly before those that qualify for historic properties. I mean, that's where the big part is.”
“You can't build what we built in the early 20th century at a competitive cost that they can do today.”
“We only have 34 days notice to get this whole thing planned. And last year, we estimated about 3,000 to 5,000 people in town. And so we're assuming that it'll be bigger because it's the America 250.”
“We're about the lowest person on the totem pole when it comes to trying to affect change. Pun intended.”
Host
Guests
Diana
person
Scott Schumer
person
Union Pacific
organization
Big Boy Locomotive
product
River’s Edge Designation
other
Riverfront Park
place
Lawrence Brothers
organization
ComEd
organization
Splash Pad
other
IDOT
organization
Janna from Sterling Main Street
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