West Peoria News: Rohmann and Sterling corner revitalization on way

The environment in which resilient economic ecosystems emerge is not always rooted in large-scale development of entire cities but in the smaller, action steps taken by the local community to make the city safer, more livable, and financially resilient while focusing on using resources already available.

John Christianson, a local developer, is doing just that with his project at the corner of Rohmann and Sterling to what many longtime residents remember as Uncle Heavy’s Texaco station and its surrounding property. This type of traditional, incremental development is essential to revitalization in the city of West Peoria.

Christianson has more than 37 years of history of development in the city, purchasing and remodeling vacant housing stock throughout the city to provide affordable housing. Keeping with his commitment to stay and build in the local community, he purchased the properties at the corner in late December 2022. The original site of the gas station will be used for Christianson’s business office. The primary focus for now is on structural improvements including new windows and mechanical upgrades. With office space and a beauty shop already in place, talks are underway for a possible restaurant or ice cream shop. Long term, Christianson’s vision encompasses creating a thriving community space adding color, energy, and beautification to this corner of the city’s central intersection.

Christianson’s project is just one example of the many small steps that are being taken to revitalize West Peoria. These steps add up to make a big difference. When individual residents and businesses take ownership of their community and work together to make it better, great things can happen.

The city is lucky to have people like John Christianson who are willing to invest their time, energy, and resources into making it a better place. His project is a great example of how small steps can lead to big change.

NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH

The public is invited to attend the West Peoria Neighborhood Watch meeting at 6 p.m. Wednesday, May 10 at City Hall. Aimee Shinall, Victim Services Coordinator, Peoria County Sheriff’s Office, will be the guest speaker. Shinall will discuss crime prevention and safety tips.

YARD SALE

The West Peoria Residents Association will sponsor its city-wide Community Wide Yard Sale on Saturday, May 13. The sale will take place from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Rain date is May 20. Flyers with participating addresses will be found on sale day at the corner of Rohmann and Sterling and on the West Peoria Community Facebook page.

STATE OF THE CITY

The annual State of City Address will be held at 6 p.m. Thursday,

May 18 at City Hall. Mayor James Dillon, City Administrator Kinga Krider, West Peoria Fire Chief Terry Schadt, and West Peoria Lighting District President John Walker will be the guest speakers. The address will provide an update on the city’s progress and plans for the future.

MEMORIAL SATURDAY

On Saturday, May 27, the Franciscan Park will host a Memorial Day ceremony to honor the men and women who died while serving their country. The ceremony starts at 10 a.m., and will feature guest speakers, local Boy Scouts, and music. The public is invited to attend.