Editorial on Springfield's Bel-Aire Motel

Today's Springfield State Journal-Register had an excellent editorial on the plans for the decaying Bel-Aire Motel on the city's southside (just north of the Cozy Dog and Route 66 Hotel). Apparently this will be initiated by the city, but the paper points out that getting the needed funds from state and federal sources may be quite the obstacle in these hard economic times.

The state has a major budget deficit and has even severely cut back on the operations of historical sites.

It was a positive approach to it saying that this would "bolster a still-viable inner-city neighborhood." However, the $900,000 asking price for the motel "is excessive." The Bel-Aire has been a trouble spot for years and the Harvard Park neighborhood Association has made huge efforts to keep the city informed on the motel's demise over the last few years. This neighborhood is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year and consists of 850 homes and 25 businesses.

Springfield Mayor Tim Davlin says no city money will be used. Plans call for the city to take temporary ownership of the property before turning it over to a Route 66organization.

The original neon will be restored and there will be a theater to show a Route 66 film ala the Lincoln Museum one with flashing lights, rumbling seats, and fans. There will also be a center for Route 66 artifacts and a vintage gas station.

Plus, the city needs to consider the needs of the motel's current residents and relocate them.

It closes with the city needing a Plan B in case there is no funding. Its location lends itself as a viable place for a private business.

Nice Job Sj-r and Good Points --RoadDog