Just a reminder to trail advocates: there is currently no petition pending before the Surface Transportation Board (STB) that would discontinue service on the Kellar Branch. Central Illinois Railroad withdrew that petition months ago and have never refiled. The only petition before the STB at this time is what’s called an “adverse discontinuance,” and the decision that’s handed down will determine whether Pioneer Industrial Railway or Central Illinois Railroad (CIRY) is allowed to operate the line.
So, even if the ruling comes down in favor of CIRY, the city still can’t tear up the tracks and turn it into a trail. Furthermore, the City has been trying for several months to (according to the 2/20/07 council minutes) “negotiate with Central Illinois Railway for a modified certificate, which would allow Central Illinois Railway to operate on the Keller Branch for a limited period of time,” but has been unsuccessful so far. That doesn’t bode well for future cooperation on abandonment.
I hate to say I told you so, but, this really shouldn’t have come as any surprise. CIRY has never been a responsible corporate citizen, and there was no reason to believe they would be in the future. Nevertheless, that was the risk the council and trail advocates chose to take.
I would encourage everyone, whether pro-rail or pro-trail, to tell the City and the Park District to go to “Plan B” and stop wasting tax money fighting this thing. They can find an alternative route for building the trail, just like they did south of War Memorial (Class III trail), just like they did at Pioneer Park and Sommer (asphalt sidewalks), and just like they did north of Pioneer Parkway (trail next to the rail line). What is the end goal: to eliminate the Kellar Branch or to build a trail? I think the parties here are losing focus.
“losing”? They lost their focus and most of their minds a long time ago.
Since we now know that Peoria is going to become a suburb of Bloomington, and we are going to start taking buses to Bloomington-Normal, perhaps the Kellar Branch should become a busway?
I want the rail AND the trail. The rail is needed to restore competitive service to Carver Lumber and any future customers. It also needed for future passenger transportation needs in the Peoria community. The trail already exists next to the rail in Pioneer Industrial Park and along the riverfront in downtown Peoria. The PPD needs to get on the ball and start looking for those types of grants that they received to build trails next to rails in those two places and get the rest of the trail built. Peoria and Peoria Heights needs to get the rail service back on the Kellar Branch and stop wasting tax dollars fighting this seemingly neverending battle before the STB.
No suprise from this side of the tracks. Ha, Ha. As you know, things happen that do not get printed until after the fact. I am sure we will learn plenty of interesting things in the weeks to come. That invite to the Kellar clean up Saturday is still out there. Come on out, clean, discuss, and look at why a side by side track and trail will not work, in our opinion. Deplete or funds by eating some lunch on us at the Penguin. We at the RTA welcome all.
who cares
CJ:
You forgot to mention that you’re not on the payroll for any railroads. 🙂
Keith, Does the RTA have permission from the cities to walk the Kellar? It is trespassing anywhere in the country to walk on railroad tracks. While I applaud your efforts to do a clean up and get to know your neighbors, doing it illegally is not a good idea.
A few random thoughts…
I noticed today that the engine parked up against Pioneer Parkway had been moved back and is somewhat camouflaged.
I know the proposed trail will use Springdale to go under War Memorial, but how will it get over Knoxville?
Surely it’s been researched, but are there any other options for having the trail extend from downtown to Pioneer Park besides the Kellar Branch?
Why don’t more people understand that the reason more businesses do not exist on the line is because of this has been up in the air for so long. Would you locate a business that needs rail access in a town that is pushing to rip out the rail lines? Heck no. Thus, no new business.
Call me jaded, but I truly think that many people would just like Carver Lumber to leave town. Problem solved.
PI, your not jaded at all. The City, not to mention the Rabid Trail Advocates and the PPD, would like nothing better than for Carver to go out of business or leave town. They would have a huge celebration if that were to happen. Some in the RTA all but openly advocate it. It’s their “I want mine no matter what” socialist/utopian/hedonist philosophy. You are evil if you stand in their way.
SD,
Permission has been granted by the Village of Peoria Heights. Mayor Allen, Tom Horstmann, and Trustee Pendleton have all said they will be there. He said he would hope more will show. Mayor Allen will be speaking at the Penguin at noon. It is possible in the near future that permission be granted to allow people to hike the rail until it becomes an active rail or trail or both.
I also have been in contact with the Peoria Park District and we are meeting next week to see when they could cut back the weeds and trees that are overgrown. The adjacent property owners will be contacted to make sure their plantlife or trees that they have been caring for are not disturbed.
All are welcome and we are flippin’ the bill.
Peoria Illinoisan,
I have spoken with CIRY and they were parking the engine by Pioneer Parkway because of the vandalism it has received. Seems someone has spray painted it more than once. I do not know why it was moved back, but I have been behind more than one person that stopped at the crossing. Probably not sure if it was coming across or not.
The crossing for Knoxville is a large part of the project. A handicap accessible bridge has been proposed and approved by IDOT. Approval was needed because of the proximity to the intersection at Prospect. The bridge has also been discussed with Junction City Ventures and I believe their future plans incorporate the design.
I have driven the route several times to get an idea of alternative routes. I believe it would be possible, but the luxury and safety of a Class I trail would be lost. Class I means pedestrians only. I am sure the PPD has also looked into other options but all I have seen is a side by side design and the stand alone trail.
I do realize businesses have been scared away because of the rail’s uncertain future. I have been told that there are currently two new companies in Pioneer Park and one down by Woodruff that could get rail service in the near future. Peoria Heights has stated that they see no need for rail service in the future. The Kellar Branch would offer competitive rates but if fair rates could be achieved through the western connection, Kellar would not be needed. I have been in contact with Carver Lumber in the past and their problem was higher rates from the west. Maybe a deal could be worked out with the UP and CIRY or UP and Peoria. I am not anywhere near as knowledgable as Mr. Jordan on railroads and do not know if this could even happen.
…..I also believe that Carver Lumber leaving town would not change anything other than the fact we would use a staple in Peoria’s history and economy. Competitive rates and service must be maintained for any future companies that might need rail service.
I for one would not be pleased if Carver Lumber did leave. They are what makes our economy stronger. Small businesses are very important. I work for a company that has done business with them as long as they have been around. Nice people and quality products. Big, big loss if they left.
My hope has always been for the western connection to function as we were told it would. I also am not aware of a RTA member advocating Carver Lumber’s departure. I hope all member’s have higher morals.
Thank you for the conversation.
As far as advocating Carver’s departure, there was one city council meeting that Nitchting basically said if Carver couldn’t operate without rail they deserve to go out of business because Lowes doesn’t use it. He didn’t say “Carver” or “Lowes” but it was very clear exactly what he was talking about. It was chilling the amount of vitriol coming out of his mouth. I remember thinking, “Wow what a nice thing to say about a business that employs 50 people in your district.”
My problem is with the Park District and their continuing efforts to push more and more capital projects while neglecting the landmarks they already have. You know that $100,000 house that everyone always talks about when they want a tax raise, “It will only add $24 dollars to the bill for a $100,000 house, etc. That house pays only $70 bucks more to the city than they do to the park district. The city, responsible for fire, police, snow removal, zoning, code enforcement, road maint, etc, gets only $70 more than the people whose job it is to provide some green space. It boggles my mind.
We need to do a great deal to be business friendly in Peoria. It’s in everyone’s interests. But to say we have to take a swath of the city for a rail line to serve one or two or even three businesses is ludicrous. Massive factories need rail service and those type of plants are already located next to very active rail lines. Many lumber yards do not have rail service. Why Carver feels it cannot make a profit without rail delivery is anyone’s guess. But they are definitely not well managed if they cannot compete without rail. We need to let the free market decide here. A city cannot bend over to this magnitude for every company that employs 50 people. I hope Carver stays but let them get their supplies by truck like Loews, Home Depot, Menards etc.
Observer,
I see that you are for a trail also. I have not been involved long but I have learned from a few people who have and with more knowledge in business. I too had the same belief in the beginning but found out that you cannot compare Carver and a big box store. The senarios are totally different. It is like comparing a Mom & Pop’s store to Walmart. Carver belongs to a group and prices are set for them along with shipping. Lowe’s does so much volume that local distribution centers are necessary and probably receive rail shipments there. Now Sheridan Road Lumber, Carver in Tremont, Hundman and others receive shipments by truck, but there volume is less than Carver or are purchasing through a wholesaler who receives his shipment by rail and then distributes by truck. Comparing these businesses cannot be done either.
My beliefs also differ from yours when it comes to a city bending over backwards for a company. I believe a city that does this can attract more businesses because of the fairness they show and the willingness to be there for them. I am not saying they should be too nice, but after all, they pay taxes and employ people who pay taxes.
Again, I would like to say that we at the RTA are only supporting what a city and a park district have been trying to achieve. We have no more clout than the average citizen. We only jumped on board a train that was slowing and tried to give it a push. The track was already in the process of being abandoned. Rails-to-Trails Conservancy is a nonprofit organization working with communities to preserve “unused” rail corridors by transforming them into trails, enhancing the health of America’s environment, economy, neighborhoods and people. The mission is to create a nationwide network of trails from “former” rail lines and connecting corridors to build healthier places for healthier people.
I love how everyone becomes an business expert in industries that they know nothing about when they don’t agree with their choices. Lowe’s makes it without rail why can’t Carver; Haddad’s makes it without liquor why can’t the new guy? It is like me saying, hamburger is gross, Arby’s can make it without it McDonalds should too, right? Ridiculous, huh? If you people are so freaking knowledgeable on how to run these types of organizations successfully then get out there and do it.
Observer,
Nothing personal, but what you wrote is ignorant, so please read all subsequent comments carefully. Also, if the City of Peoria is “bending over to any magnitude” for Carver lumber it is by ITS OWN CHOICE and not out of necessity.
It is the City of Peoria that seems to think they HAVE to build this trail, probably out of pressure from the Peoria Park District and arrogant, snobbish, insulated-from-reality, country-club attending, commercial, retail and residential-only developers.
It was the City of Peoria, not Carver Lumber, that wanted to abandon the Kellar Branch to make way for a recreational trail.
It was the City of Peoria that foolishly failed to heed the advice of “trail-incorrect” experts that service via the western spur would not and could not be comparable to that offered by the Kellar Branch, spending more than $2 million for just 1,800 feet of new track to provide something for shippers that already existed!
It was the City of Peoria that chose to contract with a Mickey Mouse railroad (CIRY) to provide service. You may disagree with their tactics, but the Pioneer Industrial Railway was a responsible rail carrier and adhered to the law.
So don’t claim the City bent over backwards for Carver Lumber.
Also, Councilman Nichting is clueless on this issue. He wants the trail built and obviously has not made any effort to understand the concerns of the other side. Carver Lumber is a contractor’s yard, with expertise on lumber. Lowe’s is a retail store that sells a full line of building materials of which a SMALL QUANTITY of lumber is only a part of their selection.
Also, Lowe’s stores make indirect use of rail delivery as wholesalers, rail-served lumber re-load ccenters or their own distribution facilities are used.
Hopefully, the STB will restore PIRY’s operating authority and the insanity will stop!
Observer, you seem a little uninformed. No one is trying to “take a swath of the city for a rail line”. The line is already there and a business is located there because the line was there. The trail would be taking a swath of the city, removing an important asset in the process and hurting the business that was utilizing it.
You didn’t advocate ripping the line out when Pabst was using it, did you? Pabst was located in the very middle of Peoria Heights and Peoria Heights didn’t seem to mind at all.
Your thoughts are akin to the fools that move next to an existing airport and then complain about noise and try to get the airport removed. (Mt Hawley airport may be next)
somebody please clear up my confusion. On one hand I hear that Class I trails that the Park District and the RTA is pushing will be for hiking and biking. On the other hand I hear that Class I trails are for hiking only. Which is it? And please don’t give me your opinion I want fact.
Here are the facts straight from the government.
Class 1 refers to trails that are seperate from automobiles and motor powered vehicles. The proposed trail is a Class 1 paved multi-purpose trail, 10′ wide striped, with 2′ shoulders on each side. This allows low speed bike riding, hiking, handicap accessiblity, cross country skiing, rollerblading, and other family activities. This link should help: http://www.nps.gov/archive/goga/admin/planning/trails_bikeways/pdf/final/3_classifications.pdf
Keith, I appreciate the information but I cannot open this website. I even backed it off to the /gog and all I got was Golden Gate State Park. Please email me off list. sha_dec@msn.com
Here it is again if anyone else cares to look. Plus I emailed it to you SD. http://www.nps.gov/archive/goga/admin/planning/trails_bikeways/pdf/final/3_classifications.pdf
You must have Adobe to read.
“The proposed trail is a Class 1 paved multi-purpose trail, 10′ wide striped, with 2′ shoulders on each side. This allows low speed bike riding, hiking, handicap accessiblity, cross country skiing, rollerblading, and other family activities.”
Sounds like overkill?