The new Fresh Market grocery store in Westlake Shopping Center recently told the City’s Liquor Commission that they intent to open August 25. The store will be 23,000 square feet, with 500 to 800 feet (approx. 2-4%) dedicated to liquor sales. There will be no requirement that they hire an off-duty police officer to act as a security guard from 2:30 to closing, like the liquor commission and City Council requires for south side grocery stores. Surprisingly, this question did come up at the commission meeting: “Liquor Investigator Jordan stated [the security guard was required on the south side] because of neighborhood group requests and there had been no such requests with this [Fresh Market] application.”
Category Archives: General News
NL beats AL in All-Star Game
For the first time since 1996, the National League beat the American League in the MLB All-Star Game. The final score was 3-1. The game was played at Angels Stadium in Anaheim, California. The win gives the National League home-field advantage in this year’s World Series.
Looking for a used locomotive?
The creditors of Central Illinois Railroad‘s parent company are selling theirs.
Central Illinois Railroad just got $150,000 in taxpayer dollars in May — their price to allow the Kellar Branch rail-to-trail conversion go forward.
UPDATE: The front office of CIRY states that they’re still going to be providing shortline service in Peoria to O’Brien Steel, but were unable to answer any further legal questions. According to published reports, the company only has eight locomotives, and they all appear to be up for sale based on the above notice. So, how exactly they’ll be able to continue providing service is unclear.
Brandywine CEFCU closing July 31
The CEFCU member center on Brandywine Drive in Peoria will close at the end of business Saturday, July 31, 2010, according to an official letter I received today. The reason? Business has fallen off since CEFCU added a new member center in northwest Peoria near the Shoppes at Grand Prairie and the new Sheridan Village Member Center opened with its five drive-up lanes.
It will be interesting to see what becomes of the property on Brandywine Drive.
Main Street Commons update (UPDATED 2x)
Second District Council Member Barbara Van Auken has just forwarded me the promised press release from Devonshire Group regarding the proposed Main Street Commons development. I’ll comment on it later. For now, here it is in full:
New Student Housing and Retail Development
Begins Construction in PeoriaFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Shawn Luesse
Tel: 217-403-3300
Cell: 217-840-3823
Email: shawnl@devonshire-realty.comDevonshire Group and Oxbow Development will begin construction this summer of Main Street Commons, a 184-bed mixed-use complex at the northwest corner of Main and Bourland in Peoria. The two-phase student housing project will offer such amenities as a multi-layered security system, concierge service, 8,000 square feet of retail lease space, a swimming pool, tanning facilities and a 24-hour fitness center. Enhancing the options available to Bradley University students, Main Street Commons will open late summer 2011 with availability for the 2011-2012 academic year.
Main Street Commons is being developed by Oxbow Development and Devonshire Group. Oxbow Development, based in the Quad Cities, has extensive experience with projects similar to Main Street Commons having developed several student focused living communities on and near campus’ throughout the Midwest. Oxbow managing member Ben Eastep states, “I am excited to partner with Devonshire on this venture. We are proud to bring a first class product to Bradley University.”
Devonshire Group, based in Champaign, utilizes their Single Source Solutions approach encompassing real estate development services including civil engineering, mechanical, electrical, structural and environmental engineering, title services, and architectural services. Devonshire’s expertise and services along with Oxbow’s experience with student housing, combine to offer an upscale option for Bradley University students.
Bradley University, a strong supporter of the project, continues to experience strong enrollments which include expectations for another large freshman class for the fall 2010 semester. Main Street Commons will allow Bradley University to offer their students the modern, attractive, upscale housing and amenities today’s students expect from a high quality, well respected and competitive University. Bradley University President Joanne Glasser, who is committed to providing Bradley students with the best possible educational and living environment, states, “Universities that continually enroll and appreciate outstanding students and that offer a complete, enriched educational experience, understand the importance of supporting quality of life options for students. Bradley is delighted with the Main Street Commons project and its outstanding features. We know our students, faculty and staff will find Main Street Commons a welcome addition to the area.”
Area residents are also excited about the project. Golda Ewalt, who lives in the neighborhood, states “The new apartments will bring more people to our neighborhood making the area more vibrant. More people may attract more business such as restaurants. This is exactly the movement I am looking forward to seeing. The new development makes this a better place to live.”
Throughout the planning process Oxbow Development and Devonshire Group have worked closely with City of Peoria officials and Bradley University as well as local investors and Marine Bank. “I’m delighted by this significant investment on Main Street and the much-needed quality housing it will bring to Bradley University students, while enhancing the older neighborhoods that surround the project.” states Council Member Barbara Van Auken.
Equity for the project was provided by a consortium of investors primarily in the Peoria, Bloomington and Champaign area. Financing for the project is provided by Marine Bank.
Main Street Commons will be available for leasing for the 2011 fall semester and is considered Bradley University approved housing for Sophomores, Juniors, Seniors and Graduate Students. Please contact Oxbow Development for leasing information at (563) 441-3055, email info@liveatmain.com or on the web www.liveatmain.com. Leasing information for the retail space can be obtained from Thomas Harrington, III at (309) 692-7707 or tt@cbcdr.com.
UPDATE: According to Shawn Luesse, “Phase 1 is the south building on Main Street. Phase 2 is the north building on Bourland Avenue. Phase 2 is planned to start at the conclusion of phase 1 construction.” The swimming pool and pool house are part of Phase 2.
UPDATE 2: Shawn Luesse told me via e-mail earlier this week that “Phase 2 [of the project] is planned to start at the conclusion of phase 1 construction.” But what do I read in the Journal Star Thursday morning?
Phase two still is considered “proposed.”
Luesse said based on “certain parameters,” including occupancy rates, that phase two, which includes the second three-story building, swimming pool and additional off-street parking, could be completed within a year after the first phase is completed.
Well, that’s a horse of a different color. In other words, Phase 2 might not get built at all. It all depends on “certain parameters,” “including occupancy rates.”
I’m singing a song of freedom
Happy Independence Day! To help you celebrate, I present here Irving Berlin’s “Song of Freedom” from the movie “Holiday Inn” (1942), sung by the inimitable Bing Crosby. Enjoy!
My family went to see the Glen Oak Park fireworks last night as usual, and they did not disappoint. We’re all looking forward to Sky Concert tonight on the riverfront. I’d like to wish all my readers a safe and happy Fourth of July!
Illinois’ budget woes catch the attention of the New York Times
Illinois is so bad that even the New York Times is taking notice.
For the last few years, California stood more or less unchallenged as a symbol of the fiscal collapse of states during the recession. Now Illinois has shouldered to the fore, as its dysfunctional political class refuses to pay the state’s bills and refuses to take the painful steps — cuts and tax increases — to close a deficit of at least $12 billion, equal to nearly half the state’s budget.
Then there is the spectacularly mismanaged pension system, which is at least 50 percent underfunded and, analysts warn, could push Illinois into insolvency if the economy fails to pick up.
When the state doesn’t pay its bills, it hurts a lot of other government agencies — for instance, school districts. At a recent District 150 school board meeting, Comptroller/Treasurer Pam Schau reported that the state owes District 150 $9,125,000, as of June 23. That’ll put a dent in your operating budget.
Despite this state of affairs, our representatives are continuing to spend money on non-essentials, such as giving tax breaks to millionaire developers.
Blood Donors to Honor City Councilman George Jacob
From a City of Peoria press release:
Friends and co-workers of George Jacob encouraged to give blood.
PEORIA, Ill. (June 4, 2010) –George Jacob has served the people in our community as a Peoria City Councilman since 2005. He is known for his dedication to the city, his job, his church and, most importantly, his family and friends. George has been hospitalized since the Memorial Day weekend, receiving treatment for injuries suffered in an accident.
As part of his treatment, George has received blood transfusions. Now his friends, co-workers, city officials/employees and the citizens of Peoria have a chance to give blood in his honor. From Monday, June 7 through Monday, June 14, donors at the Peoria Blood Donation Center can roll up their sleeves to help patients like George. All presenting donors will be able to sign a “get well” card that will be delivered to George and his family.
The Peoria Blood Donation Center is located at 405 W. John H. Gwynn Jr. Ave.
Day Date Hours Monday June 7 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday June 8 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday June 9 6:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday June 11 6:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday June 12 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday June 14 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. *June 14 is World Blood Donor Day Donors with type O negative blood are especially encouraged to schedule an appointment. Type O negative blood, the universal blood type, is always in high demand because it can be transfused to patients with any blood type, especially in emergency situations.
How to Donate Blood
Simply call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE (1-800-448-3543) or visit redcrossblood.org to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license, or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental permission in some states), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.
Councilman Jacob seriously injured in motorcycle accident (Updated)
I’ve been hearing rumors about this since last night; just received official word from the City:
Council Member George Jacob was involved in a serious motorcycle accident yesterday and after he came back to consciousness advice he will reach offshore accident lawyer houston to get represented properly at court. Click here to be informed on the common causes of vehicle accidents in the US.
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they will represented him at court and advise toward the best possible resolution of his case.If you engage the services of an accident lawyer, he or she will be able to assist you in obtaining the monetary compensation you deserve to cover any accident-related losses, such as car repairs, lost wages and medical expenses. An auto accident attorney will be able to help you make the insurance company pay up. Contact a truck accident lawyer, no further information will be released at this time, and we would ask that you respect the family’s privacy.
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According to 1470, Jacob was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash, and he’s in intensive care at OSF St. Francis Medical Center and will then be prescribed a CBD tangie strain to help deal with the pain while healing. And that’s all the information I can find online. My prayers and best wishes go out to Councilman Jacob and his family. We’ll be praying for a speedy recovery.
UPDATE: The Journal Star has some additional details. The accident took place on a track at the Espy Motocross Park in Hollis Township. He has a severe head injury and several broken bones including fractured ribs but is now receiving proper treatments at Pain Control Clinic in QC Kinetix (Westover Hills).
Ancient oak felled to make way for yet another strip mall
Here’s a picture of a large, beautiful old oak tree that has stood for at least one hundred years, maybe even two or three hundred. This picture was taken just a few weeks ago on Big Hollow Road, next to Michael’s, across the street from Barnes & Noble. Here’s what the same parcel looks like now:
The property was recently sold, and now it’s being cleared to make way for a new strip mall (because if there’s one thing Peoria needs, it’s another strip mall). The City of Peoria has no tree protection ordinance, although attempts have been made to establish one for many years. Eleven years ago, a giant white oak was removed from the Michael’s property, even though it was in the corner of the lot and not obstructing anything, and even though the developer assured neighbors it would be spared. Now another ancient oak is gone.
I don’t know if a tree ordinance is a good idea or not. The prospect raises a number of concerns about property rights and government power. I guess I just wish people would, of their own accord, value old trees like this and not so cavalierly uproot them in the name of “progress.” Commercial development that incorporated natural features of the land would be so much more interesting. But there seems to be a blueprint for strip malls that all developers follow. As a result, we’re treated to the same, generic look wherever we go, not just in Peoria, but throughout most of the country. It’s a shame we can’t be more creative… and less destructive.
