“We want to be partners in their success,” City Manager Gary Williams said, recognizing the potential for new perspectives to go along with the city’s revitalization efforts for the Strip.

“I think that some of the steps that the city and the university are taking are definitely moving things in the right direction,” Jack said, adding that it’s just unfortunate that it has taken as long as it has. He said he’s worked for more than a decade to enliven Illinois Avenue.

“I’ve been part of trying to make downtown Carbondale the type of downtown where you can wander from one end to the other and have numerous (experiences) along the way,” Jack said.

+5 Pagliai's celebrates 50 years in Carbondale CARBONDALE — Pagliai’s Pizza celebrated its 50th anniversary Friday night from 5 to 7 p.m., and many customers, friends and former employees c…

Speaking to the Southern after she announced Hangar 9 was on the market, Sally Carter said she has hope for what new ideas could mean for Carbondale.

Carter said she hopes to see the city continue down what she called “the right track.” She hopes to see Southern Illinois University grow and for Carbondale to continue to embrace its roots as a party town.