ROCKFORD (WREX) — At tonight's Rockford City Council, leaders approved a $233,108 demolition proposal for the historic Elks Club Building.

The vote ended in a six-to-six split, before Mayor Tom McNamara voted to approve the tear down, casting the tiebreaking vote.

The proposal to tear down the long vacant building had been delayed earlier this month, as aldermen called for more time to consider alternatives.

The building is located in Rockford's 13th Ward.

Before the final decision, emotions ran high among council members.

13th Ward Alderman Tamir Bell questioned the role of 14th Ward Alderman Mark Bonne who has been at the forefront of the demolition proposal.

“Since we have here on City Council a middle man negotiating this deal, maybe we should eliminate the middleman and have con

See Full Page