Peoria's Master Plan

Back in 2002, a prominent bank president told me that the community had a vision and he would vote or support candidates that shared that vision. That vision, or master plan, is nearing full circle. Using the Civic Center as a starting point, then adding GateWay Center the failed Damons, the failed InPlay, the failed RiverStation, failed Tilly's, One Tech Plaza, the new ball park, the RiverPlex, the expanded Civic Center, the expanded zoo, TransPORT, the new schools, new and expanded libraries, with the museum underway, the planned Caterpillar Visitors Center, the movement of the Peoria Park District Headquarters to the soon to be former Lakeview Museum Building, and the renovation of the the old PPD headquarters to a new Childrens Playhouse and the new and expanded Pere Hotel, basically completes the 2002 Vision.

Almost 100% enhancement projects. Major exception; the Visitor Center. Almost all others are tax supported or tax backed with most all tax collecting bodies.

The promised growth and new promised private investment? Some of it may be in place or on its way shortly. It had better come as the vision when completed, in total will have created less than a hundred high paying permanent jobs. And created very little income from taxpaying construction.

This was a vision to make Peoria one of the most desirable places to open and retain businesses and an create an influx of new residents.

Hmmmmm.

Union job availability in the construction industry are currently reported to be less than desirable.

The promise of new taxpayer supported industries like Globe Energy and FireFly did not turn out as projected. The Riverfront Museum, may be still at least $10 million short of projected funding. The hotel, appears to be stalled. If it proceeds, the taxpayer is faced with a costly relocation of Peoria's most famous strip club. If the hotel new building and expansion takes place, more closures similar to the old Jumers/Radisson/Private label; will most likely occur.

Almost all noted above are called community enhancements to keep our young and creative people in town.

Time will tell. I hope I am wrong in my realistic approach to this costly commitment to repay long term borrowed money.

Not to be overlooked is the committed funding of a new $50 million county nursing home. And the postponed sewer system expenditure plus deteriorating water lines. And millions to save the river, stormwater control, erosion control and an ageing infrastructure, etc. And a growing pension funding problem.

And all in a possibly bankrupt state.