Officials in Lincoln continue to be encouraged by the progress towards turning the former Lincoln Developmental Center into a state-run site for teens and youth.

Mayor Tracy Welch explains the location on the community's southwest side would serve the state in the central Illinois region. He says it could create roughly 80 jobs upon its completion.

According to Mayor Welch, there is a road that runs through the heart of the facility and it could create issues transporting youth. He explains there are a lot of ideas on the table to mitigate those challenges.

The youth center will not be utilizing the entirety of the buildings or property of the once robust Lincoln Developmental Center, however, the Mayor hopes eventually the State will decide to expand and use more of it. 

He also touts the economic benefits of the development for visitors to the center and those folks spending money in the community to expand the tax base.