URBANA, Ill. (WCIA) — Following the closure of multiple businesses along Urbana’s Philo Road, Mayor DeShawn Williams is initiating efforts to revitalize the southeastern part of the city.

He identifies a significant step towards improvement beginning this Sunday, Sept. 7, at the Sunnycrest parking lot. The city is organizing ‘Philo Road Ahead’ from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. to unite the community and explore new possibilities for this area of Urbana.

“For me, it’s very important that we change the narrative around the area and that we bring the excitement and focus around that area,” he said.

Williams said he wants to hear from neighbors directly and learn what they want to see right outside their front doors.

“We can’t be afraid to go into some of our most vulnerable places to help turn it around. That takes action,” he added.

The event will include 25 community organizations, DJs, and free food.

Close to the ‘Philo Road Corridor’ is the site of Urbana’s former Dart factory, which was shut down in August 2023. Williams is committed to focusing on this location to generate new employment opportunities for the city.

Currently, the parking lot is vacant, with a prominent ‘available’ sign. However, Williams noted that several companies are beginning to express interest, expecting this trend to continue into the next month.

“We would, of course, love to see another industrial organization take over that space. The possibilities are limitless,” the mayor commented.

Williams said he doesn’t want to “limit himself.”

“We have an opportunity to go broad and beyond the scope that we are used to looking through,” he added.