East Village TIF report raises questions

The East Village Growth Cell TIF District Redevelopment Plan and Program report by City consultant Teska Associates was published last week on the EastVillagePeoria.com website. I read the report over the weekend and observed the following: The report frequently made reference to the City’s updated (2010) Comprehensive Plan, which has only been published in draft … Continue reading East Village TIF report raises questions

Bleak Friday: China and Russia renounce U.S. dollar

This doesn’t bode well: At a joint press conference in St. Petersburg, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao announced their countries’ agreement Thursday to allow their currencies to trade against each other in spot inter-bank markets and online trading platforms like VT markets, thereby formally renouncing the U.S. dollar…. Despite the avowed … Continue reading Bleak Friday: China and Russia renounce U.S. dollar

123rd Santa Claus Parade steps off at 10:15 a.m.

From the PACE website: The 123rd Annual SANTA CLAUS PARADE – the longest running holiday parade in the country – steps off at 10:15 AM on Friday, November 26th…. Please join us in this great Peoria tradition as the parade takes a magical journey through the downtown streets of Peoria. The 88 units of costumed … Continue reading 123rd Santa Claus Parade steps off at 10:15 a.m.

Fire Chief to be acting City Manager

Official press release from the City of Peoria: The Peoria City Council has accepted the resignation of City Manager Scott Moore, effective today. Peoria Fire Chief Kent Tomblin will serve as Acting City Manager until December 8. The Council will then name an Interim City Manager to serve until a permanent City Manager can be … Continue reading Fire Chief to be acting City Manager

City Manager fired after council meeting

After the Peoria City Council meeting, the council went into executive session for a long time. After an hour or so, Scott Moore emerged from the room alone and went up to his office, never to be seen again. The council met another half hour or so, then the meeting broke up. Mayor Ardis announced … Continue reading City Manager fired after council meeting

Liveblogging the City Council 11-23-2010

Hello everyone. I just realized tonight — if I were to get elected to the council, I would no longer be able to liveblog the council meetings. Billy Dennis will have to stop sloughing off and cover the meetings for the blogosphere again. Well, here we are in Council chambers, and here’s tonight’s agenda (below). … Continue reading Liveblogging the City Council 11-23-2010

Why I’m running for Peoria City Council

What do people want from city government? They want their streets to be plowed quickly after it snows so they can get to work on time. They want to feel safe when they go outside at night. They want the fire department to respond as quickly as possible when there’s a fire or other emergency. … Continue reading Why I’m running for Peoria City Council

No primary for City Council election

Ten candidates have filed for five at-large Peoria City Council seats. They are: Ryan Spain (incumbent) Chuck Weaver (chairman of Zoning Board of Appeals) Chuck Grayeb (former council member) Eric Turner (incumbent) Jim Stowell (D150 School Board Member) George Azouri (ICC Student) Beth Akeson (former Heart of Peoria Commission member) Andre Williams (local businessman) C. … Continue reading No primary for City Council election

Journal Star hypes Kellar Trail; ignores hidden costs

The Journal Star reports: A group of 30 or so dedicated proponents of Kellar Trail gathered on a dreary Sunday afternoon at West Marietta Avenue and North Prospect Road and ventured onto the rail-less trail, marking the first time an organized group has walked it since the rails-to-trails conversion was finished…. Smiles abounded as cameras … Continue reading Journal Star hypes Kellar Trail; ignores hidden costs