I knew Family House was going to build a new home, but I had no idea it where it was going to be. That is, not until I read PeoriaIllinoisan’s post today. It looks like it’s going to be built on land that was once purchased specifically to prevent it from being developed — land near Glen Oak Park that was once eyed for acquisition by the Park District. Land with some of Peoria’s oldest oak trees, according to a 1998 Journal Star article. Very interesting story!
I live adjacent to this parcel of land. It’s filled with wildlife. Deer, turkeys, bard owls, Cooper’s hawks, etc. all call this property home. Although I agree the Family House is a great institution, it saddens me to think my little piece of country in the middle of the city will soon disappear.
This project/plan was announced to the public a few years ago at a meeting for all of the residents of the neighborhood area welcome to attend. I was at the meeting that was at All Saints Greek Orthodox Church. Family House has no intention of removing any more trees than absolutely necessary. Dr. Geiss saved this area by purchasing the land to insure that it would not be commercial property (at least that is my understanding). He probably feels that Family House is a great institution and will do nothing but enhance the area and neighborhood around it. Family House has gone out of it’s way to communicate with the surrounding neighborhood and should be commended. Thank you,
Phil Harris
I agree with you totally, Phil. If this parcel is to be developed, I’m glad it is by an institution such as Family House. Dr. Geiss saved it years ago and got nothing but grief from the city citing him with pithy violations dealing with trash on the land. The trash was minimal and had been there for decades. I don’t blame him a bit for donating it to a worthy cause, now maybe the city will get off his back! I just hope the wildlife and Family House will find a friendly compromise.
Yes, I’m happy for Family House–this will be a great place for them. Maybe ,C.J., you can research the history of this land. When this topic was brought up a year or so ago at a Retired Teachers’ luncheon, one of my former colleagues at Roosevelt (40 yrs ago) was upset by this project. Someone in her family had owned the land–and I believe there was some interesting story about a man (one of her relatives) who had actually planted the trees. I believe she felt it was his intent that the trees never be cut down. I hope I am remembering this little bit of the story correctly.
Obviously, I was writing off the top of my head–not thinking clearly about the man actually planting the trees. I think the man was Birkett (mentioned in the story that C. J. referenced) and that he had wanted to perserve the trees, etc.
People: Lost trees are lost whether they are torn out to build a new Walgreens or torn out for a charity. people has an abundance of vacant and/or run down, delapidated buildings. I have not heard one GOOD reason why this MUST be the place for a new Family House.
This property SHOULD have been purchased by the Peoria Park District and preserved. But then, Bonnie Noble’s Peoria Park District sees greenspace as an an opportunity for developers.
So Billy you’re in favor of property rights as long as they’re not exercised by developers?
James: Did I saw I favor government action preventing this land from being deveoped? No. I simply criticized the people for doing what they plan on doing.
They could buy the vacant White School and put the family house there. Close to the hospitals and uses an existing structure. Guess it is cheeper to cut down trees than renovate an existing structure.
I think that the property was a “gift” to Family House, wasn’t it? So I guess you’re saying that they should have refused the gift. Also, why is everybody fussing over this now–I have known about the location for over two years. I do believe that the site was identified in the press quite some time ago–probably two or three years ago. Certainly, Family House has held many fund raisers, etc., and the plans and the site have been publicized in brochures, etc. Also, I assume the owner has the right to decide what to do with the property since it is private property.
I was at the meeting Phil speaks of as well as commenter East Bluffer over on Peoria Illinoisan’s blog. While I agree that far worse things could have been built on that hillside, the meeting at the Greek Church was presented as “just so you know, here is what we are going to do”. Now if you are trying to win friends, this isn’t what I call trying to be neighborly. Reminds me of D150 wanting to put Glen Oak School in Glen Oak Park.