Energetic Collaboration
Over 100 people (including me) showed up at the Ironfront Building Saturday morning at 8:30 to participate in the Ferrell-Madden-Associates-facilitated charrette. After some brief opening remarks, we all gathered in small groups at tables to discuss one of three topics: the Sheridan/Loucks Triangle, the Prospect Road Corridor, or the Heart of Peoria in general.
I sat at one of the “general” tables. The first thing we did was a “SWOT” analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) — they didn’t call it that; I’m just using corporate lingo to describe it. Once we finished with that individual exercise, we got to work together and draw. The tables each had a large map of Peoria with the “Heart of Peoria” (HOP) area outlined and a large piece of tracing paper over it. We were given instructions to identify several things on the map, such as:
- Places that we considered beautiful and would like to see mimicked the rest of the HOP.
- Places that we felt were a huge mistake and should never be allowed to happen again (true story: as soon as that item was read, several of us at the table looked at each other and said in unison, “Campustown”).
- Special buildings we felt should be saved and/or copied.
- Buildings that were eyesores and should be torn down.
- Streets that work well and should be used as a template elsewhere.
- Streets that need improvement and how they could be improved.
This process was actually quite fun because it allowed all of us to put our ideas on paper and dream a little bit. There was the tendency for it to spiral into a complaining session, there’s no denying that, but I thought our group did a good job of staying positive. There were a lot of positive observations and ingenious ideas of what could be done to improve things in the older parts of the city.
Unfortunately, I had to leave early, so I didn’t get to see what happened next, but it’s my understanding that the facilitators tried to synthesize all the SWOT analyses and improvement plans among the “general” tables. They’ll use all that information to develop a form-based code — a regulatory document that will incorporate rules for how development should look in the older areas of town.
I can tell you from my experience that the room was buzzing — there was so much energy in that room Saturday morning, it was hard not to be inspired by all the citizen involvement. Will form-based codes solve all of Peoria’s problems? No. But there really isn’t any one thing — no silver bullet — that will solve all of Peoria’s problems. It will take a combination of efforts and, above all, time. But we have to start somewhere, and I would much rather see the city start with the citizens, getting our input, than hiring another “expert” consultant to tell us what we want. I think this is a step in the right direction.
Concern about gentrification
That said, there is one concern regarding New Urbanism that came up at both the meetings I attended this weekend that I believe deserves a fair hearing: negative effects of gentrification.
Gentrification happens when an area is improved so much that it becomes hot property and many people want to live there. A negative effect of this is that lower-income residents can’t afford to live there anymore due to rising housing and rental prices. In an effort to stabilize a neighborhood, the very people it was supposed to help end up being displaced by wealthier citizens who essentially take over the neighborhood.
When asked about this, Geoffrey Ferrell affirmed that it is something to be concerned about — but not right now, he added. He said that if/when the city’s efforts to revitalize the older neighborhoods become wildly successful, measures will need to be put in place to protect those areas from the negative effects of gentrification. However, that’s a long ways down the road.
Also, USA Today reported last year that conventional wisdom about gentrification may not be supported by the facts. Lance Freeman of Columbia University did a study comparing relocation rates of the poor in gentrified and non-gentrified areas of New York and found surprisingly little difference between them. In other words, the displacement of the poor is largely theoretical.
Still, it would be a good idea for Peoria to plan for success — that is, start considering now what Peoria will do to ameliorate any possible negative effects of gentrification in the Heart of Peoria. It’s always better to be proactive, if for no other reason than to help relieve the fears of lower-income residents of the inner city. When you get right down to it, this would be a wonderful problem for Peoria to have, insomuch as it would mean our efforts to revitalize the older part of the city were successful beyond our wildest imagination.
Peoria and every other city is experiencing gentrification. It goes by a different name… Suburbanization.
mahkno:
Thank you for the reality check.
You bet! C.J. had better get a “reality check!” I know the “citizens” of HOP, etc. Same group of know-it-all do-nothings every other commission in Peoria is made of. Citizens? As if the downtown clique would let a common citizen influence the development of the riverfront…….. Please!
Okay, that was bitter. Do you have a personal ax to grind with one or more of the commission members? Why so much vitriol?
Why so much “us vs. them” vibe when they’ve gone out of their way to try to include as many people as possible? I looked at the invitation again, and there was no prohibition against “common citizens” attending.
And don’t leave us hanging. Since you obviously disprove of the Heart of Peoria Plan, how would you “influence the development of the riverfront,” if you were assured not to be thwarted by the evil “downtown clique”?
Chris, did you forget about that great waste of money spent fighting “Hooters”? Peoria is all about the have and have nots, those that think they know what we need. People getting killed almost weekly, money spent fighting a trail/rail debate, when one party is the real reason it is stalled, and the Peoria Clowncil endorsing this waste of money.
Another feel good get together. Can you explain what exactly was resolved and what we “common” folks will reap from this?
Also how about they hold it some hot, and humid Friday evening, say around 11 PM???
Also how much time was wasted with all the cute phrases? SWOT, HOP, Gentrification? Pa-lease…
No offense Chris, but I think Peoria has some much greater issues to resolve, and right now.
I love when people have a one-track mind. Of course, we can’t work on both crime and bad zoning at the same time. We can’t have a police force and an economic development department. The priorities are there, trust me, but shouldn’t we work on lots of things? This was an opportunity for some citizen input. I assume Cruise and Scott didn’t go. Too bad. If you don’t think the zoning code needs to change — and that zoning plays a role in urban deterioration and hence crime — then you are ignorant.
Cap’n Jack,etc,
What makes you think I did not go? I am not arguing against the need for a zoning code change[s], I have a problem with clique- politics in Peoria as usual. Exchanging notes, ideas, etc, is very nice, but what happens in the end is what counts. Projects like the museum and the med-tech thing in Peoria are ridiculous…because they are controlled by ridiculous people. How long has Peoria had a riverfront? How long has it taken Peoria [politics] to do anything with it? ZONE THAT!
I too was at the Charrettes and will be there tomorrow. I live near the Sheridan cooridor and wanted my voice and those I represented to be heard. We wanted our ideas put into the process. There were some of the same folks, advocates, staff, etc. There were a lot of folks I’ve never seen before and I made some new friends. But it was open to the public and rather well advertised and there were open forums at a variety of times to at least come and see what was happening. I don’t understand the complaining about this particular process. For all the complaintents there should have been a packed house overflowing with people to voice their opinions.
Additionally there was a crime forum this morning. Aaron Schock, Barbara Van Auken and the Chief of Police were there. Some of the same folks were there, and others that were knew. I know I heard a couple of good ideas that I had not thought of and some that I have. Again, another well advertised opportunity to be heard.
Instead of coming on here and complaining, I would suggest that people attend these forums, participate, speak up, and write down the answers to your questions, the follow up a week or two later and see what the status of your answer is. They are either elected officals or public servants, all of which are accountable to us (society) when we appropriately voice concerns or needs or have ideas we would like to explore. I know that I have had great ideas only to have found out someone else is already working on something similiar….great, it’s going to get done, but I do toss in my two cents hoping that I have another angle to consider. Collaberation is much more effective than complaining.
“Projects like the…med-tech thing in Peoria are ridiculous…because they are controlled by ridiculous people.”
Which ridiculous people would those be, Scott?
Is it the scores of residents that attend meetings and influence the votes (and don’t think they don’t)? You know who I’m talking about. The hard working people that have managed to get pocket parks built in their neighborhoods in place of empty lots full of hypodermic needles. The people working to get new streetscapes and additional police coverage, to get Cilco to take better care of their tall neighborhood trees — and all through their active involvement in Renaissance Park (i.e., “the med-tech thing”).
Or maybe it’s the business owners…the people who are paying for the ongoing beautification of main street out of their own pockets…people who are discussing hiring their own security officer to walk Main Street and make it safer for pedestrians. It’s their investments at risk, Scott. How many of your dollars are sunk into the area?
Possibly the ridiculous ones are really the representatives from the big boys. You know, those pesky brain surgeons, scientists, university muckety mucks, architects and hospital henchmen… people who have spent countless off-hours (away from families and homes) working to make a nasty part of town a delightful part of town — and for no other return than to catch a load of crap from whiney, always-negative twits like yourself.
It’s simple, Scott. If you don’t like the direction Renaissance Park is going, get involved. But don’t complain because someone you don’t like already is involved. At least they care enough to try. But simply dismissing the entire concept — the untold thousands of hours of work from hundreds and hundreds of smart people — well, it strikes me as…ridiculous.
I think we have our culprit.
PDW,
This is a blog site. If we can’t complain here…where can we complain? Example: When ever the regionl museum is the topic of discussion, most Peoria blog sites are pointing out some major flaw in the plan or are dead set against it at all. Yet…. we never see an editorial in the JStar asking questions about the museum, the plans and/or people behind it, etc. You use the word “collaberation” as if the “evil downtown clique” really knows what that means. Inviting the public to these open forums is one thing, but acting on their suggestions, ideas, etc, is something else. Most people are literally scared of speaking out against many of these projects. Most of my CAT friends think the museum is just a cover for the CAT visitors center, and that the visitors center is the last thing the Peoria riverfront needs…..can they voice their opinions about it…and keep their jobs? You my friend belong in Rotary International.
Hey Snarkelicious!
Is that your real name? Can you spell N-A-I-V-E? I happen to be one of those “muckety mucks.” Read my last. The “big boys” are only going to let YOU get SO involved before they stomp you. Go ahead and try it. Go ahead and write into the Star using your real name. There are more than enough people upset with the way the med-tech thing is going, the museum plans, plans to “renovate downtown, etc. Are they whiney as well? I am sorry I VOICED MY OPINION!
The only voices that matter are the voices that vote. Look at the turn out numbers. The majority of Peorian’s don’t give a rats ass. The problems this town has does not rise high enough for them to interrupt their daily lives for something messy like politics.
If 500 people showed up at a council meeting demanding change… you bet they would notice. If 1000 people showed up at a council meeting demanding change… the council would get restless. If 10,000 people showed up downtown for the council meeting, demanding change… we would have a revolution in local politics. But… that would interrupt their baseball or basketball game. It might interrupt American Idol. We know American Idol is more important anyways…
Excellent point. You need the right people and the right number of people.
Replies to Scott Creedy:
1. “Is that your real name?”
Answer: Um…no.
2. “Can you spell N-A-I-V-E?”
Answer: Yes. But that’s a trick question, silly, cause you gave me the answer! This game is easy!
3. “I happen to be one of those ‘muckety mucks.'”
Response: Help me out here, Scott, but aren’t “muckety mucks” of the ilk we’re discussing relatively well known in their communities? Well, if Scott Creedy is your real name (and I assume by the insulting tone of your first question that it is), then…I don’t know who in the hell you are! Can’t even find reference for you online. Anywhere.
(Perhaps you’re not quite as muckety as you might believe.)
4. “The “big boys†are only going to let YOU get SO involved before they stomp you. Go ahead and try it. ”
Response: It isn’t the big boys who are doing the stomping, Scott. One RP commission member recently had their family garage set on fire…by a nutbag neighbor. You know, one of those people you mentioned that “are more than enough upset with the way the med-tech thing is going.”
Perhaps the neighbor in question was a muckety muck, too.
(Okay, I will officially never use that word again. Ever.)
Hmm, that was fun.
Dear Snark,
O.K. you have a point…but please explain something to me. I am being critical of Peoria politics [and the political/social circle that controls everything in this city] and a bunch of you panty-wastes want to crucify me. C.J. himself was very critical of Ray LaHood…”follow the money,” in his blog “Property Acquisition not illegal; just stupid.” Is he implying that Lahood, family and friends are up too no-good? LaHood and his buddies run Peoria with an iron fist. YOU obviuously do not follow this entire blog site. Is what is going on with Dist 150 legal? Remember when the museum council went [behind closed doors] to Peoria County Board for a museum tax? The brilliant minds on the [Lakeview] board eventually found out that such a tax could not be levied. Peoria city bends over backwards for the museum, but tells the zoo “no more money!” This kind of crap goes on in this town all the time. You’re wishy-washy bull makes me sick.
Scott,
While I can’t speak for the rest of Peoria’s panty-waste population, I can definatively say I have no desire to crucify you. In fact, I can’t imagine any readers of this blog (and again, CJ, great work) having a problem with political dissention — especially locally in Peoria.
It’s the blind lumping together of issues that’s irritating to me personally. The museum is not the zoo is not Renaissance Park is not the zoning issue. All different. And because I’m particulary fond (and full of hope because) of what Renaissance Park represents, I’m annoyed you lambaste everyone involved as either big bad capitalists determined to rule over the working man — or as ignorant patsies, residential Uncle-Toms who are selling their souls to clean up their neighborhoods.
All of these issues are complicated and difficult. And generalities that make them seem one-dimensional or black-and-white are the real “crap that goes on in this town all the time.”
(By the way…what exactly is a panty-waste? It certainly does paint a mental picture.)
Snackelicious,
I can tell you bloggers stick together. You are wrong. You are trying to tell me all of these projects are being organized by completely different entities? Peoria is not that big and you are deluded. C.J. does do great work so you can stop kissing-up. We all have our specific interests in certain aspects of Peoria’s future. You’re passion is obviously Ren Park. That is fine, but you are not really addressing my comments at all. What…Lahood and other Peoria elite only care about Dist 150? SURE. The “big bad capitalists” have a major hand in everything that goes on around here. Are you trying to break into that circle…or are you already there?
P.S. and stop being an ignorant patsy…you know what a panty-waste is. I do now withdraw from this blog!
Sounds like Scott wants to run for an At Large seat…
Charm…plus a sense of humor! He’d get my vote.
Interesting discussion. Scott’s cynicism is not unwarranted. The way the planning for museum square went down in particular was disheartening, and I said so at the time. I also stated what I would like to have seen instead. I was always taught to offer an alternative solution instead of just pure criticism; the question always comes back, “What would you do?” I’m sure I’ve violated that rule in my more intemperate moments, but I do try to offer constructive criticism as much as possible.
I also don’t believe that everyone who sits on the city council and city commissions and other boards or organizations are all in collusion. I believe these groups are just as divided internally on the issues as the public at large. Sometimes one side wins out (museum square’s suburban plan for downtown) and sometimes another side wins out (Sheridan Triangle, Prospect Corridor projects).
As for Cat employees being gun-shy about criticizing a Cat project… well, obviously. They’re not stupid. The city’s capitulation to whatever Cat wants is a serious problem. But that’s corporate pressure put on a project that’s literally next door to Cat headquarters. I don’t think Cat is that involved in projects like the Sheridan Loucks Triangle or the Prospect Corridor.
I think the residents will have real input in those latter projects, and in the form-based code for the Heart of Peoria. Cat will always get variances to the code to do whatever the heck they want, but those projects are few and far between. The form-based code will have a positive impact on the other 99% of the Heart of Peoria.
C.J. [and everyone else],
You are correct! Complaining for the sake of complaining is never constructive. I guess I was having a little to much fun with Snorkle-icious. As Snorkle’s passion is Ren Park, I guess mine is the museum. I did respond to your [C.J.] Jan 17th blog “Museum Square – does it fulfill Peoria’s vision?” My response was dated Jan 20th [“Gentlemen, when it comes to the museum we are all beginning to miss the point…” It was signed anon. Any attempts of mine to question these “elements” of the museum plan met with open hostility by the Reg Museum [Lakeview] board members. I do know many of these people serve on most of the boards and commissions in Peoria. Contrary to what Sgt. Snorkle would believe, I do not have a problem meeting with my fellow citizens. My problem is with people like [do I dare mention names?] those who serve on these boards to climb the social/corporate ladder. If the employees of CAT are scared to death of saying anything “negative” why shouldn’t the rest of us be? The muckety-mucks are not going to take our charrettes, etc seriously until these meetings begin to threaten THEIR legacies. Thank you for your time.
I’m with you both on the museum. One Tech and Civic Center all over again. Lots of promises, but in the end it will just be more ugly metal and glass — and a big bird flipped to the heart of the Heart of Peoria plan.
Snarkelicious,
Did we just see eye-to-eye on something? In all fairness, I would like to see Ren Park work. I do have a vested interest in that area [sort-of]. In the end, I guess…I would just like the “powers-that-be” to listen to someone else for a change. Perhaps I will keep my comments reserved for “museum business.”
Carry On,
SC
“By the way…what exactly is a panty-waste? It certainly does paint a mental picture.”
It’s pantywaist (no hyphen, and waist, not waste), and it’s old-fashioned kiddie underwear that buttons together the shirt and shorts at the waist. Slangily, it’s a wuss or a pansy, most specifically a man considered weak and/or effiminate and/or homosexual.
Read more trashy 1930s novels. 😉 Very popular insult!
E. McGee,
My strange play on words. Your research is very good though. I retract the statement…Snarkelicious is not a P.W. [of course he has to vote for me if I run for Peoria Council…].
SC
Irish Eyes,
I bow humbly and pray I never face you in a trivia match. You amaze me. And no, that’s not a snarkicism…