The Racine Common Council made significant strides towards the establishment of the Lincoln King Community Center and Clinic during their recent meeting on March 7, 2025. The council approved a series of measures aimed at facilitating the transfer of property and the discontinuation of West Street, which is crucial for the center's development.

The first item discussed was the transfer of a city-owned lot to a nonprofit entity, Lincoln King Community Center Qualic B Incorporated. This transfer is essential for the nonprofit to secure financing through new market tax credits, which will support the construction and operation of the center. The property in question is located on Martin Luther King Drive, adjacent to Julian Thomas School.

In a related move, the council initiated the process to discontinue West Street, which currently runs through the proposed site of the community center. This step is necessary as the design of the center includes a plaza that would occupy part of the street. A public hearing will be held within 40 days to gather input from local residents, particularly those living within 2,650 feet of the proposed discontinuation.

Council members emphasized the urgency of these actions, noting that the nonprofit's ability to attract investment hinges on the timely completion of these processes. The measures were passed with a majority vote, reflecting strong support for the project, which aims to enhance community services in Racine.

As the project moves forward, the council will continue to engage with the community, ensuring that residents have opportunities to voice their opinions during the upcoming public hearing. The successful establishment of the Lincoln King Community Center and Clinic is anticipated to bring valuable resources and services to the area, marking a significant development for Racine.