Well, it certainly is heartwarming to hear that $3 million in additional donations have rolled in for the proposed downtown museum, but it got me wondering… remember all the talk about this project putting people to work during the recession? Who was it that said that? Oh, yeah, Michael Bryant in InterBusiness Issues:
The message to “Build the Block” as our own stimulus package should be viewed very positively. We would be taking control of our destiny and using our talents and resources to help each other, not waiting for a helping hand. While Peoria may get some monies from President Obama’s economic stimulus package, it would be a mistake for us to wait and see what monies we may get while we have our own outstanding stimulus package right in front of us, literally “shovel-ready.”
Except that they’re not going to start shoveling until at least next year. But according to a new report by Bradley professors Scott and Lewer (you remember them), “the recession will end sometime during the second half of this year.”
So much for helping us stimulate the economy or helping our residents through tough times. Sounds like the economy is correcting itself just fine without turning a spade of dirt for the proposed museum. Who’da thunk? Why, I bet once the recession is over, there would even be a market for the land that’s been held hostage by the museum for the past 11 years.
It’s not too late to correct past mistakes. The current redevelopment agreement for the old Sears block is set to expire at the end of June and must be renegotiated. Now would be the time for the city to require a larger portion of the block be opened up to private, mixed-use development. That would allow the museum to still locate on the block, but in a different form, and it would allow a larger portion of the land to produce property and sales tax income for the city — something we desperately need.
It would not be unprecedented, you know. After voters overwhelmingly supported the library referendum, the city decided to scale back their plans, issuing only $28 million for expansion/updating instead of the $35 million voters approved. I believe the phrase at that time was that the mayor wasn’t “drinking the Kool-Aid on the 72%” of voters who approved the referendum. In fact, Ardis said, taking into account the low voter turnout, that really meant that only 15% of all registered voters voted in favor, and the council has a responsibility to look at the bigger picture and represent all residents whether they voted or not. Well, guess what percentage of registered voters voted in favor of the museum? 12.29% (15,327 of 124,730). So, it only stands to reason that the city would take the same cost-saving measures with this project that they did with the library project, right? After all, times are even more dire now than when the library referendum passed; now we’re staring in the face of a $10 million deficit. Will the mayor be representing all residents whether they voted or not this time?
Of course, the city won’t actually do what I’m suggesting. They’ll pass up (for the fifth time now on this project alone) an opportunity to save money for taxpayers and increase revenues to the city, and instead look for more regressive ways to plug the budget deficit, like cutting public works and public safety, and raising garbage fees.
Great post, CJ. I have yet to hear any explanation (let alone a lucid one) as to why the current plans for the museum could not be revamped to allow for a more urban deisgn and a larger mixed-use component. I would actually be very much in favor of this project if it included something along these lines and seemed more appropriate for this sort of urban setting. As it stands now, I frankly felt held up by by the referendum – it was either a museum plan with no real vision for the area, or no museum at all. These were not appealing choices. I think that if the goal is to truly revitalize downtown, more thought needs to be put into the plans. Frankly, I’ve been disappointed by the fact that the staunch museum supporters that I have spoken either think the museum plans are “cool” (I guess they are if you’re into “suburban looking, what would have been considered futuristic decades ago” design), or simply don’t care about the design or urban planning aspects of it at all.
CJ: And what percentage voted against the museum?
CJ-Is this the same Ardis who said in a May 14, 2006 PJS article,”We simply don’t have the manpower and jail space to locate, arrest and incarcerate those with outstanding warrants” , but within three months he was pushing for a half million dollar camera program to film the felons while they work.
If we didn’t have the time, people and money to arrest felons, why would we have those things for crooks that we filmed, but haven’t taken to court? Wouldn’t we have $500,000 less to do the job that we already didn’t have enough money to do?
Paul: the camera program was the receipient of a federal grant; I think Ardis is genuine in his desire to push the Museum, just like Carver was for the Civic Center, but they are two different causes, one destined for success and one doomed for failure. Which do you think is which?
http://www.pjstar.com/homepage/x1297742773/Food-for-thought-Dining-tax-could-help-fix-EP-roads
Because the restaurant tax in downtown Peoria will still be more than the restaurant tax in East Peoria or vice versa? Same sad chorus!
FYI: The Third Amendment to the City of Peoria/Museum Block Redevelopment Agreement expires as follows:
“November 30, 2008 was the deadline for the Museum for all documents needed for Closing and that has not happened. December 31, 2008 is the deadline (and Caterpillar) (underlined) for Closing. Under the Agreement, if these deadlines are not met, any party can terminate the Agreement upon thirty days’ notice to the other parties. The attached Third Amendment extends those deadlines to May 31 and June 30, 1009, respectively”
http://www.ci.peoria.il.us/officials/clerk/Agenda/MG64062/AS64066/AS64071/AI64105/DO64114/DO_64114.pdf
Let’s just give taxpayers a break …. let’s give written notice.
Wacko: At this point, neither. The Civic Center maybe the success if well enough had been left alone, ie. expansion. The Amazeum, Explorafence, or whatever you want to call is doomed as a failure with the current plans.
Yes, the museum is done. District 150 is rattling its [tax] saber again. Major sewer problems, hotels, police and fire protection, basic city services……… the list does go on.
PEORIA IS IN DEBT!
I have heard over and over; the deed is done, the vote is over! Simply saying the deed is “done” does not cut it! Everyone in Peoria knew the recession was in full swing. The number of local layoffs was growing at in incredible rate. Most of the people who voted against the museum did so because they believed it was not the right time to raise yet ANOTHER tax. The Citizens For Responsible Spending was not against the museum, they were for RESPONSIBLE SPENDING! This point was made time and time again, yet the ‘museum supporters’ kept ignoring the advice of anyone who spoke out against the proposed museum plan. Any and all IDEAS set forth by the people against the museum project were summarily ignored! The museum was presented as Peoria’s ‘saving grace!’ How many people in Peoria County were duped by the museum group and all of their bogus economic data?!?
Now we have more idiotic museum supporters telling us it is time to move forward! Bull Sh_t! Peoria City Council, Peoria County Board, District 150, etc, all have terrible track records when it comes to ‘listening’ to the public. The museum supporters can now follow their agenda [what ever that is]. It is easy to say “what is done is done.” Can’t wait to see what Dist 150 will end up doing to get through these ‘trouble times.’
Come on people! Let’s come together as a community!
Calling Aaron Schock! Calling Aaron Schock! Maybe now that your career has taken off you can devote a little time to your Congressional District?!?
“Bryant said the new shortfall is about $7.2 million, meaning the project has received about $3 million in donations since the quarter-percent sales tax referendum was approved by voters 50.7 percent to 49.3 percent 44 days ago.”
Interesting assumption on the part of the reporter… Because Bryant’s statement COULD ALSO MEAN that Bryant is lying to encourage more donations… (“See, we only need 7 million… we are so close… and getting closer… your phone call right now could put us over the top”) Classic fund raising strategy… We see it with MS, MD, and all the disease- a- thons, we see it with WCBU and WTVP and other “Public” groups.
I didn’t see a list of the donors of that 3 million that mysteriously showed up.
The Citizens For Responsible Spending was not against the museum, they were for RESPONSIBLE SPENDING!
Can we ( the community of tax payers) expect the CFRS to be front and center in the prevoius stated taxing bodies budget and spending meetings?
Will the citizen comment periods ( of the aforementioned bodies)be filled with CFRS folks who are so ginned up about irresponsivle spending that the board and council member will cringe when ever they approach the microphone?
Will CRFS run adds against all who voted for the referendum to be placed on the ballot?
Will CFRS actively support challengers to the board and council members who voted for the referendum to be placed on the ballot box?
Any no answers to the above shows a lack of real concern for responsible spending.
Sort of like this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jsk5wh3HW4U
that should have been “irresponsible” spending “not irresponsivle”
My goof
The post and many of the comments clearly demonstrate a lack of knowledge of the facts. Par for the course on these sites. No major dollsts from any stimulus package, including trillions from the Federal Government, is going to dramstically affect the 2009 economy. It does not, cannot work that fast. Starting as earlt as late 2009, but in earnest in 2010, trhe museum project will deleiver exactly as it has been said and should — a real, measurable shot in the arm for the ailing Central Illinois economy. The major construction will take place over a period of about three years. By the time the project is done, the local economy should be well on the way to mending. Anyone who knows anything about basic economics knows that the economy does not tank over night and it does not come back over night. This is a visionary project that will pay its divendends to Central Illinois for decades. We need projects like this to help ensure we have a strong local economy that helps us withstand the pressure. We are better off than 20 years ago due to the vision then….we will be better off 20 years from now because of the current vision.
Walrus, here are the “facts”:
Taxes are going up in Peoria. Again.
District 150 is a mess.
A museum is not going to sway a family to stay in Peoria. Just like every other “big new thing” that’s come down the pike.
The cake is safe neighborhoods and good schools. Part of the icing is the new museum. Sadly, a lot a people think it’s the other way around.
I guess that doesn’t match up with your “facts”.
WALRUS: “Starting as earlt as late 2009, but in earnest in 2010, trhe museum project will deleiver exactly as it has been said and should — a real, measurable shot in the arm for the ailing Central Illinois economy.”
AND
“By the time the project is done, the local economy should be well on the way to mending.”
So… how is the museum needed to “boost” the economy?
“This is a visionary project…” Did you mean “hallucinatory”?
“We are better off than 20 years ago due to the vision then….we will be better off 20 years from now because of the current vision.”
HOW are we better off than 20 years ago? What did you have for breakfast? Salvia?
koo koo kachoo
I wouldn’t bet anything on those “professors” predictions for the recession.
The museum folks seem to chant “build it and they will come,” have a little faith. Patrons may come, but then after they visit, they will go right back where they came from . . .Morton, Metamora, Dunlap, Washington or wherever.
As Mazr states, a museum is icing on the cake. In this case, the icing is not going to hold together or restore the layers of crumbling cake. The denial of the financial state of District 150 is staggering. And if that does not drive citizens away, the ever increasing property taxes on homes that are actually losing value will. Peoria seems to be in a death spiral that the leadership of the community does not fully grasp.
“Death spiral” says it pretty much like it is. After what happens tomorrow afternoon 2:00 at the Facilities Committee meeting, expect a recomendation to build a new BelWood at a cost of approximately $37 million of which the BelWood fund has less that $1.5 million. Our administrator says it will be built with no tax increase and pay the bond money back from “operation income”. He pledged to me no new taxes but of course, the “public facility tax” would be considered not new. Right?
Stay tuned to my site as to happenings at the County over the museum proceedings as our adminstrator is pushing the city to turn the land over to the county ASAP.
Where is Bryant’s $6 million plus coming from? Taxpayers? You can bet on it. When is Methodist going to re-start it’s “under construction” building project that was halted because of “unfavorable economic” conditions?
Caterpillar stopped all cash payments to the museum except matching funds. How much does that mean out of the $13.2 million that Caterpillar and it’s foundation originally “pledged” won’t be paid “until economic conditions improve” which may be several years. And how many pledges have been cancelled or cut back since June 30, 2008? $556,000 were deemed “uncollectable” recorded on Lakeview Museum’s year end, June 30, 2008 financial statement. How much will be note “uncollectable” in their June 30, 2009 year end statement? Bet the public won’t know till sometime in year 2010.
Kathleen Woith denied that FACT and said I should talk to her financial officer.
Sure.
I know my county adminstrator reads mine and C.J.’s blogs so “chime” right in, Patrick.
Is CFRS dead? I think not.
RE: Belwood Nursing Home
PJS reports “Facilities committee member Bob Baietto said it doesn’t make sense to renovate Bel-Wood and favors building anew. He questions the county’s involvement in the nursing home business, but says because it is, they should do things right.”
The article refers to “competitiveness in a changing market.” Does this mean there are other facilities in the area to meet this need? Well, why not let them? Does Peoria County have to be in the business of nursing homes? Really, I am being sincere. I don’t understand the matter. Can anyone enlighten me?
“Can we (the community of tax payers) expect the CFRS to be front and center in the previous stated taxing bodies’ budget and spending meetings?
Will the citizen comment periods ( of the aforementioned bodies)be filled with CFRS folks who are so ginned up about irresponsible spending that the board and council member will cringe when ever they approach the microphone?
Will CRFS run ads against all who voted for the referendum to be placed on the ballot?
Will CFRS actively support challengers to the board and council members who voted for the referendum to be placed on the ballot box?
Any no answers to the above shows a lack of real concern for responsible spending.”
– Precinct Committeeman,
I would venture to say YES.
The CFRS was up and running for how long? In that [very] short amount of time CFRS had the museum group running scared. The Museum Group had years to plan and present their project! How much money did the PRM spend on promoting their little venture? Millions? The difference between the YES and NO votes for the tax ref was minute. I am not saying the CFRS alone was responsible for such a close vote, but it does make you wonder. I am more than willing to bet that the same people involved with CFRS will be involved in other similar projects and/or protests. Keep your ‘Pyrrhic victory’ for now. Maybe YOU plan on making up the lost CAT funds yourself?!?
If they (cfrs) follow thru then I will be truly amazed. If they make a difference I will be exceedingly stunned. (in a positive way)
I do hope the CFRS wears bright purple t-shirts to every venue they attend so the boards and councils will be aware of their presence.
I’ll be looking for New Voice in a purple shirt at the next budget meeting.
Frustrated,
Belwood’s mission is to meet the need of patients on pubic aid.
non-public nursing homes shy away from public aid residents because the reimbursement rate often does not cover the full cost of providing the service. the mix of residents at Belwood is part private pay, part medicare, part medicaid. if the mix is balanced, private pay and medicaid resident fees cover the shortfall of cost to reimbursement from medicare fees.
that Belwood concentrates on providing services to public aid residents is what makes it different from other nursing homes in the area. being competitive, in this sense, just means that Belwood adds amenities to try and increase the ratios of private pay without losing it’s ability to concentrate on the mission to public aid residents.
i can be reached at (309) 495-4859.
Thank you for explaining Erik. But could it be that Baietto is still correct? Maybe the County could pay a portion for poorer residents which along with Medicaid would allow a nursing home candidate access to private care instead of rebuilding. I really know nothing about this area, as you can tell. It is just daunting to me the price tag to rebuild this facility in light of all the other assessments citizens are already paying. Is there no other way for the County to ensure those with limited finances receive care without directly providing that care??
Erik: “often does not cover the full cost of providing the service”
I always get such a slimy feeling when I hear that kind of excuse… For example, I went to the vet yesterday to get a prescription for pain medicine for my dog refilled…a $27 prescription… the vet charged me 217 for a blood test and lab work adult wellness exam and made sit for an hour waiting for the doctor to meet the appointment…
How much did that prescription actually cost? Probably about $7… what did it cost me? $217. (plus the interest on my credit card that I paid it with)
Bob Baietto… I loved that guy when he my principal.
Well… I guess you are both correct…….
I am sure that all of the individuals involved with CFRS will just dry up and blow away, never to contest irresponsible government again. These people were obviously a bunch of narrow minded glory hounds whose [only] concern in life was to see the museum fail……..
Precinct and Diane,
You two amaze me; especially you Diane. You are both quick to point out flaws in the system [as are we all], but you still prop up [tax payer] supported projects like the museum. Diane’s efforts to ‘clean up’ Dist 150 are admirable, but she [wildly] promoted the museum as Peoria’s saving grace knowing that it would become another liability. The last thing Peoria need’s right now is ANOTHER liability.
Most of the people who opposed the museum plan [including anyone involved with CFRS], made mention of the fact that Peoria has a LONG history of developing ‘money pit’ projects. Do I have to list them here?
Yes
Please check this interview out posted sometime ago:
Local: Relative boondoggles – Peoria Pundit
I’m a news anchor at WHOI-TV, Peoria, Illinois, an ABC affiliate. … Local stories here in Peoria Il, or National stories that affect us all. …pundit.blogpeoria.com/2009/02/26/local-relative-boondoggles
I would also like to thank kcdad for offering to list all of the, now famous [infamous?], Peoria boondoggles…
kcdad writes:
Erik: “often does not cover the full cost of providing the service”
I always get such a slimy feeling when I hear that kind of excuse…”
>
>
How is an observation an excuse? Man, you really have a gift for being tactless don’t you?
What about price not covering cost don’t you understand? Do you think it’s some conspiracy to steal money from your pocket? Ever hear of Amtrak? The airline industry as a whole? Your insinuation that there is a universal mechanism that robs the consumer is ridiculous.
But, what I wrote earlier still stands. I love you, don’t ever change.
There is no time, money or reason to show tact anymore. Our educational system, our health system, our political system and our youth are floundering before us. We have left them no choice but to participate in a failing economic and political system that is destroying itself from the inside out.
What is the cost for caring for someone? What dollar figure to you put on caring? The cost of food, clean sheets and clothing, some medicine for pain, a TV or a radio… the cost of your time? How much does one charge for caring? The paperwork… that’s expensive, right? A computer with a backup drive… what else do you need? How much money is enough to cover the costs for caring for another human being?
The reason the reimbursement rates don’t cover costs is because these places are run for PROFIT. (There is no such thing as a “non-profit” business) The profit should be the humanity shown and received, not the amount of worthless paper money flowing across the books.
Oh, but we can’t write in humanity or caring on the bottom line in this society… it has to be Federal Reserve Notes that stack up to the ceiling before we feel useful.
Ever wonder why we can be so generous with our time and effort when it comes to Susan G Kohlman or MS or MD or Easter Seals or Tree of Lights or anything else? Our hands stink from washing them in those FED notes so often, we HAVE TO clean them in a little humanity once in a while. Too bad it isn’t the other way around, eh Erik?
See the people at the top of the economic ladder stuffing their pockets with dollars just so when they die they can give it all away… sure, they give some away now, but just enough not to keep the stench from overwhelming themselves. I figured yesterday that my pocket change compared to Bill Gates was something like $6 to $1,500,000. (As a representation of my cash on hand to wealth)
You give us this day our daily bread
And you forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors
Some of us believe that prayer… others just say it, and others change the words and the meaning around so that it doesn’t effect their life.
How did debt become trespass? How did debt become sin?
Isn’t the stink of money the real reason for debit cards? Let us separate the reality of this monetary system as far away from everyday living as we can… so, it isn’t money you are spending, it is a debit. It is a debit from WHO YOU ARE. You are your economic worth.