While recently attended a birthday party, my swallowing mechanism was put to the test. During the enjoyment of the festivities and the treats, a fellow came up to me and asked, “Hey aren’t you from Peoria Heights?”  Upon rapidly chewing and swallowing my mouthful of salad, I responded in the affirmative. Then, he continued with what sounded like a 60-second commercial for Peoria Heights, “Man, my wife and I just love coming to the Heights. It’s such a neat place. We have eaten at several of the restaurants. You just can’t find them anyplace else.”  He continued to mention multiple Peoria Heights restaurants for which he and his wife had an affinity. I smiled and affirmed his evaluation, “You’re right. It is a special place.”

Certainly I smiled. I smiled because he is correct. I smiled because I have heard the same statements from countless individuals. I smiled because I know that there are more significant “plans” happening in the Heights. I smiled because of remembering having had the privilege of being involved in a “planning” process initiated by the Village government of Peoria Heights.

To be transparent, I am not a “city planner.”  In fact, words like “metrics” and “charrette” are not part of my daily vocabulary. I know just enough about “community planning” to make me dangerous. But, on the flip side; I am a planner; I have passion for the assets contained in Richwoods Township and Peoria Heights and history cannot be made unless it is planned.

Such characteristics came to the surface as I participated in the “months-long” planning process sponsored the Village of Peoria Heights. During that time, a diverse group of community citizens and business owners met and shared their thoughts of the present and their dreams for the future of the Village.

The resulting planning document was over 70 pages and I have not the space to discuss it nor you the patience to read it. I do, however, want to provide a couple of the “plans” in the document.

One component of the “plan” refers to “Intersection Improvements,” which addresses the safety of both driver and pedestrian. Aspects such as a “Pedestrian-Friendly Turning Radius” affords safety by developing a narrower turning radius, leading to slower and safer turns by vehicles.  Another aspect of improving intersections is to add another crosswalk at Cox and Prospect, thereby providing another crosswalk between War Memorial Drive and Lake Avenue.

The Rock Island Greenway (Trail) brings cyclists, runners, walkers and nature enthusiasts through the Village daily. To capitalize on this asset, another element of the plan is to develop a trailhead which could include amenities such as parking, an information kiosk, picnic area and potable water.

The potential implementation of this plan would add to the rich history and present which we know as Peoria Heights and Richwoods Township.  I invite you to come to Peoria Heights and observe that history.  Perhaps, you might make your own.