Columbia Terrace to get historic streetlights, wider sidewalks

It’s been more than two years in the making, but if approved Tuesday night by the City Council, Columbia Terrace from University to North street will finally get its promised facelift. Specifically, it will be improved by:

. . . removing existing curb, sidewalks, and driveway approaches, and constructing combination curb/sidewalk up to 6′ in width, new driveway pavement, an ornamental street lighting system consisting of acorn fixtures on a fluted aluminum pole, and a bituminous concrete overlay, along with all necessary adjustments, incidentals, and appurtenances as shown on the plans or as directed by the Engineer.

The project, which covers just under 3/4 of a mile, is expected to cost $1,906,465.11, or $42.31 per foot. According to the request for council action, the city will pay for approximately 89% of the project, with the remaining 11% being assessed against property owners along the corridor.

columbia-terrace-project-032409

Efforts to improve Columbia Terrace began in earnest in September 2006 when petitions were circulated getting a majority of homeowners to agree to help pay for the improvements. The second district project is cited by incumbent councilwoman Barbara Van Auken as one of her accomplishments in improving the West Bluff.

47 thoughts on “Columbia Terrace to get historic streetlights, wider sidewalks”

  1. I just don’t see where the public can afford this project right now. And why should I have to pay for something I will never use.
    We should get to vote on it. If the Columbia Ave residents want this improvement so bad they should pay for it with private funds. This will not better the community. This will not create jobs.
    What about the on going cost of maintenance for this project? This is just not the right time.

    I am guessing all of those against the museum block will make the same arguments against this project- right?

  2. Peoriafan — Streets and sidewalks are basic services. Museums are not. That’s the difference. This improvement to Columbia Terrace is exactly the kind of project on which tax money should be spent.

  3. I’m sure many more people will start using Columbia Terrace if (when?) Main Street is reduced to three lanes, and this will be a nice facelift and some needed maintenance.

    The improvements I’m sure will also include better, safer lighting in the area, which is a definite perk considering there is a school located here. CityLink buses also use Columbia Terrace. Any chance of adding bus cut-outs to help traffic flow?

  4. This project was supposed to have been done already, so I am very glad it is on deck.

  5. What Clyde Gulley did – at least temporarily – was put a road block into using stimulus funds for Center for Prevention of Abuse roof repairs instead of sidewalks. What has the essentially unopposed mayor done about sidewalks in the other districts?

  6. Columbia Terrace is a common drug territory, so I hope the new lights will be bright enough to clear the dealers out of the area. Maybe with the improvements, the neighbors will take more pride in their area and report the illicit activity in the area.

  7. Yep, new street lights that are ornamental no less will help those drug dealers make change at night. Another bunch of Money thrown down the drain but hey, it might improve property values! Like putting lipstick on a pig. It’s still a pig.

  8. Scott A.: Lighting is absolutely an essential service. The form of the lighting should be consistent with the environment. In this case, we’re looking at a dense, urban neighborhood in the older part of the city. It is totally appropriate to install pedestrian-scale “ornamental” lighting.

    Emtronics: No one wants to move into an area of town that looks like it’s been abandoned by the city — like most of your district, for instance. Improving infrastructure does improve property values and make the area more desirable for private investment.

  9. Well, improving property values -> higher tax assessments -> less money in the pockets of slum lords who cater to these drug dealers.

  10. You guys crack me up. No matter what the issue you find fault in it.
    Actually I am all for this project and other like it around Peoria. I think this will really be an improvement for the area.
    I also support the museum project for similar reasons.

  11. It sounds like a wonderful project. Just wish we had money for more like it. These older neighborhoods need lifted up… definitely. I would be for the tax increase if it went for these sorts of infrastructure improvements rather than the museum. When people return to live and pay taxes in Peoria the museum would easily become a reality on its own merits. I am all for turning the Block into a park until that time.

  12. CJ sez: “No one wants to move into an area of town that looks like it’s been abandoned by the city — like most of your district, for instance.”

    That is exactly why this project is a waste of money when there are so many other areas that need the improvement over a street that has sidewalks already. Of course I wouldn’t expect the snobs in the Uplands to understand that when it seems you people think like “We got ours, screw the rest.” It’s not that our councilman hasn’t tried for funds for projects, he has, but he doesn’t seem to carry the clout your drinker councilperson has. Maybe he should make more of them cocktail parties on Moss? So, I expected that type of comment from you CJ, we in the south have endured this for years.

  13. boy that some vision, a park on the sears block. And you don’t think that would cost some money and create upkeep.
    If Peoria was downtown Chicago then maybe we would need the greenspace but this is Peoria and all you have to do is drive 20 minutes in any direction and you can have all the greenspace and cornfields you want.

    “No one wants to move into an area of town that looks like it’s been abandoned by the city — like most of your district, for instance.”
    Like the Sears block too?

  14. “You peoriafans crack me up. No matter what the alternate proposal, you find fault in it.”

  15. “If Peoria was downtown Chicago then maybe we would need the greenspace but this is Peoria and all you have to do is drive 20 minutes in any direction and you can have all the greenspace and cornfields you want.” Yes and maybe if this block was in Dunlap we would need a suburban style museum. That museum, as designed, doesn’t belong on that block anymore than a park does. At least the park could be temporary and gradually infilled. Once the museum is up, it is over. Suburban sprawl as part of an urban revival, well done Peoria. Way to think out side the box.

  16. Emtronics — The people in the Uplands are not snobs, and the second district is not a “pig” unworthy of a little “lipstick.” And while our council person did use poor judgment while drinking one night, and while I do disagree with her on several issues including the Land Development Code and historic preservation, she nevertheless got this project right, and I think she deserves credit for it. Kudos to her for following through — I’m looking forward to seeing these improvements implemented.

    I think it’s funny that you were offended by my observation that the city hasn’t spent enough resources in the first district to improve infrastructure, even after you made your “pig” comment about the second district. You can look back on my blog and see that I’ve always supported improving the first district. But it’s not the second-district councilperson’s job to get projects for the first district. That’s the first-district councilman’s job. So don’t complain about Barbara; complain to your councilman.

    The first district isn’t the only district that needs infrastructure maintenance. Is it your contention that all infrastructure maintenance in the city should stop until the first district has new sidewalks on every street?

  17. Who would walk there? if in your right mind YOU WOULD NOT AND ESPECIALLY AT NIGHT NO MATTER THE LIGHTS! I grew up in that area and yes it was SAFE day or night BUT NOW …..

  18. Popijw — My daughter and I ride our bikes down this street every summer. The only safety issues we’ve encountered are when the sidewalk narrows to about two feet or when there’s a utility pole right in the middle of the sidewalk.

  19. Yes, C.J., I, too, am bewildered as to why anyone would think that people living in the Uplands–many who have chosen to stay rather than to vacate this area of the city–would be considered snobs. Rather they should be applauded for staying in the heart of the city. At least, I feel that even West Peoria benefits from these closeby neighbors who maintain this area of Peoria.

  20. Emtronics: Which is is? In one comment, you claim the area is riddled by drug dealers who would benefit from lighting at night. In another, you say the 2nd District residents are snobs.

  21. And Billy, I didn’t say second district residents are snobs, I said Upland residents were snobs. Christ! Don’t you get anything right?

  22. Regarding sidewalks. Doesn’t Peoria have a program whereby residents can pay a portion of the cost (as Columbia residence did) to have their sidewalks redone? I think a percentage of homeowners have to agree to it and then the city helps with the cost. Something to look into Em – every homeowner deserves curbs and sidewalks – at the bare minimum. We need better sewers and more police, also.

    I would love to see a tax referendum next year to address some of these basic services issues. Let’s vote down the Block “debockle” and vow next year to rally for a new referendum that will make a real difference in people’s lives.

  23. The sidewalk issue was the impetus that led to West Peoria becoming a city 25 years ago. I think most of West Peoria now has sidewalks–residents did have to pay a portion (maybe 50%) of the cost.

  24. We can use some sidewalks in rolling Acres.I am sure most of our children would use them, unlike in other portions of the city. Why bitch about fixing sidewalks when the residents prefer to use the street to walk in? Just MY observation.

  25. Neal,
    Having lived in Rolling Acres nearly 40 years ago I’m familiar with your subdivision, school, etc. Why do you complain about not having sidewalks on most streets when it was never required in the first place and obviously grandfathered to this day. Surely you knew that before you bought there.

  26. Actually not everyone in the Uplands is a snob and my mother lives in the 2nd District and I don’t think she is a snob. So…..

    All that aside, I still think this Columbia Terr project is suspect being announced right before the 2nd Distrcit is about to decide on a council person. To coin a word from a blogger, I think it is “douchebaggery”.

    I think that is a better word to use than pointing a boney finger at the Uplands and calling them snobs.

  27. Oh great Em… now you got New Voice smiling and patting himself on the back because you are quoting him…. he will be impossible to be around next week.

  28. Tulip,

    The city does have a program where residents pay 50% and the city 50%. The problem for most folks in the poorer areas of town, is that they cannot afford even 50% or 10%… or any of it.

    You have the landlords who don’t want to spend dime on anything that improves the place, which is baffling but that is what they don’t do.

    Then you also have those principle types who consider the sidewalks (and alleyways) to be part of the public infrastructure which is already PAID for in their property and sales taxes. Why should they be charged extra? We can afford to bankroll a $4 million dollar private parking garage for doctors but can’t fund some sidewalks at 100%? It would seem some priorities are misplaced.

    Emtronics,

    Yes the timing of the Columbia Terrace funding and the news about Main Street funding applications is suspect.

  29. “Is it your contention that all infrastructure maintenance in the city should stop until the first district has new sidewalks on every street?”

    I would argue that all expansions northward should stop until the rest of the city is taken care of properly.

  30. An all or nothing mentality is not an effective strategy. The growth out north was started 30 years ago with planning for the growth cells. That will and must continue to make us economically competitve. What the failing was in that planning was there was no concurrent sustainability plan for the rest of the city and still is not. I suggested to the council in a email that a long term, comprensive infastructure strategy be developed and implemented. That idea made it to council discussion and a directive was issued to staff to develop one. To my knowledge it has not been completed. The Columbia Terrace Project will make significant improvements in an older area. Having walked those streets for Curpy’s campaign, the sidewalks are not in bad shape. There are suspect houses people in the area. In driving through at night, it is dark. Like most older areas, people don’t leave on their porch lights, altough that is a strong crime deterrant. In looking at the plans, Cilco is supposed to be bundling utility wires to minimize the effect of leaving above ground utilities, yet they still remain. In looking at simiiar projects in the Heart of Peoria N.A., East McClure, Moss Ave, Machin ave, Ron. Rand. N.A. and Main street. there is a significant difference in those areas where the utiities were buried, vs. not. In my opinion it is a much better project to do it correctly and bury the cables and remove the wooden poles. It is not. Additionaly to aesthetics, power loss during winter or storms is greatly reduce.
    Although funding for this project has been approved and obtained for a significant amount of time, it has not been a priority until there is a contested election.

    At the Uplands Forum, Sidewalk issues were brought up from my neighborhood, also brought up at the Alliance Forum as well. The Response from the 2nd District Council person was that I did not follow through with specific addresses to the council person. Also at the Alliance Forum it was reported that I tried to get a cop to do the work for me and that it was neither the responsiblity of the police nor the council person to pursue these things. At the Uplands forum the same council person was confronted with the fact that a report was completed. Knowledge of said report was denied and the statement of “I’m tired of hearing about sidewalks on McClure” was stated. CJ, you were present. I submitted a report to the city council members on 2/14/06. It was a full color document with descriptions, pictures, and yes both specific addresses and areas. The minutes will reflect presence of all council persons and citizens to address the council notations will note discussion of said concerns, with a notation of follow up, which never happened. Additionally in 2007 my vice president sent an email with addresses for sidewalks in need of repair to our District Council Person. No response. Finally, in August of 2007 after a request by Planning and Growth Management for projects for CDBG funding for neighborhoods to submit projects, our neighborhood gathered statistical crime data, some demographic data, and again took more color pictures with descriptions and developed a presenatation for city staff to be considered for such a project. It was turned into Planning and Growth Management and not a word was every heard back. Furthermore at the Uplands Forum, your former president noted “we’re not here to talk about sidewalks on McClure, it has nothing to do with the Uplands”. It is that isolationalistic philosophy given in a condescending tone that people refer to that area of town as “snobby” as noted in another comment somewhere on here. It is particularly frustrating to our neighborhoods as we have helped a significant number of neighborhoods city wide with projects, including the all much more affluent areas of the bluff. Currently we have used our own associations 501c3 to write and obtain a $4500 grant and wrote a $1500 grant as well as obtained about $1300 in donations for a project ths summer which will not only benefit our neighrohood, but many others throughout the city.

    We simply do not recieve the city funding in this part of the district that the more affluent neighborhoods get. We have been referred to as starter homes and other discouraging terms and referrences. We therefore find other ways to get as much done as we can. If this were your experience, you would understand our plight.

    Tulip, the misguided believe that struggling sections of town will be able to get landlord participation in special assessment is based on the Columbia Terrace project. The were able to get enough landlords and homeowners to sign the petition. It is a lot of work and requires a lot of resources. You also have tolive in an area where the landlords actually do already care for their properties. The 700-800 blocks of McClure are 93% rental or more at recent check. We have a govenor of a gang in one of the houses. Just looking at the amount of trash accumulated on the street is an indication of the lack of care the residents have for thier homes. The houses will lack grass, paint, or even look like they should simply be demolished. Large groups gather there, blocking streets, other residents simply stay inside and hope for the best. Since lanlords in this area don’t care who lives in their homes, or are concerned about the look of the property, they certainly are not going to pay extra money to have the dangerous sidewalks repaired in front of their houses. Increasing home values to them will cut into Section 8 driven profits through higher assessed values.

    Several years ago, the council voted to dedicate CDBG and other funds to complete the main street project. Those funds were supposed to be a concentrated effort to achieve success in that area of town. It is my understanding that those funds have shifted to other areas in the District, which has prevented completion of the original project. At the time, my concern was that there would not be funding for things we needed in my neck of the woods. I will admit was pretty green back that, and have since learned the need for targeted investement strategies to make signficant improvements in areas of town, but also know that we must also foster private investment dollars through partnerships. This means working on cooperation with private entities, not engage in power plays. they must be kept at the table for success. This strategy is now being implemented in the East Bluff and I hope that future councils will allow the funding to occur to spur reinvestment in that part of town. I also hope that the Columbia Terrace project will also spur addtional investment in that area. I am concerned about where the people will go, who will be undoubtedly be moving with the hopefully increased desire for home ownership in that area. Quite Frankly if you look at the crime maps our area is already saturated.

  31. Paul, I finally had time to sit down and read your post. I hope CJ now understands just how hard it is in areas like yours and mine to get simple things like sidewalks funded and why I get so discouraged when I see sidewalks and ornamental lighting going in next to one of the better parts of the second district when so many other areas are hurting. That is why I called the Uplands snobs. I see you can relate.
    Your work in your neighborhood deserves a medal. This also should show why the 2nd should vote out Van Auken. Throwing this “red meat” item out just before the election is douchebaggery to say the least. I hope some in the 2nd don’t forget Ren-Park which she has all but abandon, the Frat House finger poking night, and the most important item in my eyes, her campaign promise to rid is of the Garbage Fee which she promptly reneged.

  32. Em,
    So we are supposed to vote for the Curphster, who has vowed to “represent” Bradley students? Yeah.

    Barbara, we all know, is less than perfect. (Like all of us.) But she does care about this district, the people who live here, and its institutions, including Bradley. Didn’t she advocate for giving the parking deck blunder a “pass” when that could have gone much worse?

    It’s laughable to talk about the “better parts of the second district.” We are ALL at risk here. All of us in central Peoria need to stick together and pull together. Let’s work for and not against each other. The first district, second district, and third district have much more in common than we have differences. Let’s build a coalition.

  33. Can’t a person hope anyway? And no, the excellent ReMax realtor I had led me to believe they were coming in the near future. I agree, you are right , I should have researched iit before I signed on the dotted line. Wasnt the storm water drainage also granfathered in too? the city did extensive work on that in different portions of RA (not only because of Glen Hollow), thank goodness. Well anyway, I did look at subdivision rules, etc when purchasing our lot we are about to build on. Live and learn. Have a great 40 more in RA……..

  34. Tulip, there is a coalition, the Neighborhood Alliance and it encompasses 5 council districts. The Parking Deck Blunder, do you mean when BU torn down Maplewood after and I quote “Bradley will never expand beyond its inistitutional boundaries” or when they “accidentally moved the damn thing 5 feet forward….
    My point is that We have stood behind other neighborhoods, we have sent manpower to pick up litter in the entire west bluff, we have helped rake leaves with Moss Bradley, we gave voice to the Arbor District before it was torn down and presented then with a gift at the dedication of the new arbor. We have done similiar efforts in the south end and east bluff. it is very discouraging to have people turn their backs and ignore the issues we need help with here. We have patrolled neighborhoods as well. When the Guardian Angels were out patrolling in force, 60% of them came from this neighborhood. Ironically we, although welcomed by the Chief and the district police, and most other elected officials, were called vigilantes by our district council person. We were welcomed by Manning in the 3rd.

    and yes tulip, if you run in an office you represent all your constituents, even those who didn’t support you and yes Bradley Students. it is not up to you or the rep to pick and choose who they represent….someday you could be on our end of it and am I sure you wouldn’t like it one bit.

    Some WB residents are up in arms about the students. I would trade their student issues for our drug and gang problems any day of the week. Pull up the crime map and look at the difference. Additonally, if I had the resources of the students, we would be able to eat off the streets it would be so clean around here. It’s a matter of approach and reaching an understanding. It is currently a we vs. they and many residents are happy with that.

    I talked with one resident about the behavioral flyer. I noted if that were simply stuck in my door, I’d rebel or be disagreeable also. Several neighborhoods have adopted a code of conduct, but addressing it successfully is an art. For example, including it a new neighbor packet with a city directory, a copy of the association by laws, the dates garbage is picked up, phone numbers for key neighbors for questions, etc. is not threatening or perceived as aggressive. positive response rate is higher.
    Power trips work only if you have absolute power, and that rarely happens. BU students are young adults. They are growing and learning. Teaching vs. attacking, engaging vs. threatening are better strategies. They are not gun toating, drug dealers. You want to deal with them, come on over, I’lll put you to work.

    It most certainly is not laughable to talk about better parts of the district. Have you read the budgets, followed the money. There is a signficant gap. Basic services are often argued here. Should the children here be able to walk on safe sidewalks to and from school, apparantly not. We are flanked by Columbia and Loucks (now aka Thomas Jefferson) Police have said they will not chase criminals in parts of our neighborhood. It was reported that I was being unreasonable to ask our then POP officer, to walk a section of the neighborhood with me, to document which areas in particular so that we could get them repaired. Tonight at the Ward Chapel Forum it was said the POP officers are not gone. That’s not accurate. The officers physically are present, but are now called “focus officers” and have been combined with street crimes. In our area, we worked closely with POP and district officers to make significant dents in our crime. Through innovative ideas among the association, the local liquor store and the those particular police officers, we reduced police calls to Sheridan and McClure by 66%. Those are significant results that cannot be attributed to any elected official. So we lose our POP officer, we lose our 2nd District officer to another area and finally our first shift officer who knew the criminals, the residents, who belonged and who didn’t….guess what, crime skyrockets again. We had several bad houses nipped in the bud, they are refilled with similiar problematic types. Why, our resources were moved, communication has been all but eliminated and these changes are supported by elected officials. In other words, this part of the district is expendable. So when you want to work with us, drop me a line. lip service on a blog doesn’t make changes in our area, we have to fight for them.

    Em, I am supportive of Columbia Terrace getting new fixtures. They worked hard to jump through the hoops to get them. The WB people are not snobs, I just noted due to the continued actions of a few, they have that appearance. I have many friends in that area, politics aside.
    Tulip, you are at risk. If our area gives up you will see the damn burst and this poison we fight to contain, will quickly spread, but we are tired of fighting, tired of dealing with the same issues at the same houses with different people. Tired of seeing literally hundreds of thousands of dollars going to the same favored areas. It apparantly is only unjust if your not on the recieving end.

  35. The growth out north was started 30 years ago with planning for the growth cells.

    I think your history is about 20 years to short. The expansion northward (I moved here in 1963) began with absorption of Richwoods Township, an act of unimaginable deception and greed. That annexation nearly doubled the tax assessments of the city. It began the deterioration of the north end. Oh, Peoria Heights, why didn’t we listen to you?

  36. kcdad: Was the Richwoods annexation the same time period with the boundary issue between D150 and Dunlap? Was this a ‘win the battle lose the war’ situation regarding student populations?

  37. I don’t think Dunlap was more than a twinkle in the eye of the rich, proud whites running from the growing black menace in the inner city at the time.

    Since Richwoods was not a part of 150 until the annexation, I presume you are correct in your suspicion.

    Now, Dunlap is what Richwoods was when I went there. Richwoods is what Central was and Central is… uh… never mind.

  38. Karrie: I believe the Richwoods annexation took place first. Some time afterward, I believe John Parkhurst (on the state legislature) had something to do with the boundaries–to insure that the Dunlap area would never come into 150. If anyone can clarify my memories, I would appreciate the history of this decision.

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