Groundwork has been laid and construction on new City Hall will start this spring; stay alert and watch for winter weather

As 2023 draws to a close, West Peorians can reflect on the significant progress made in the past year and anticipate the exciting developments ahead in 2024.

Investments and Economic Vitality: The past year was marked by substantial investments in West Peoria’s infrastructure. The city has completed the installation of new sidewalks on Idaho Street, significantly improved the condition of several streets with mill and overlay projects, and enhanced the durability of many more through sealcoating.

West Peoria also witnessed a surge in economic activity. The city successfully demolished the old car wash and saw a remodel of The Getaway. A potential dispensary location is under consideration, and a major renovation project is underway at the corner of Sterling and Rohmann.

New City Hall and continued growth: The new year promises to be another one of transformation for West Peoria. The city is fully committed to constructing a new City Hall, which will provide modern and efficient facilities for city operations and enhance the overall experience for residents and visitors alike. Groundbreaking will begin this spring, with completion anticipated by the end of the year. The city continues to share the progress of the City Hall building through open house special council meetings, allowing residents the opportunity to share feedback and ask questions.

City Hall project progresses

At a special City Council meeting on Nov. 14, Mayor Jim Dillon laid out background of a process that started years ago with the vision of a new City Hall.

The original site for a new city hall was planned on Heading Ave., which was eventually home to Heddington Oaks. When the property at the corner of Rohmann and Sterling became available, salvaging and demolishing the building was possible. Ultimately, a new building was the best option.

Input was gathered from residents, City Council members, and city staff. Planners visited the East Peoria City Hall and IBEW Local 34 facility in Bartonville. In the meantime, an entity approached the city to lease the current City Hall building with an option to buy for a community bank. City leaders established priorities for safety, then efficiency.

The proposed plan for the new building includes a community hall with a capacity of 100, compared with the current threshold of 49. A civic plaza is also in the building draft, and solar and geothermal options are under consideration. Greenspace is a significant consideration in handling any watershed created by concrete infrastructure. The Veterans Memorial will be moved from its current location at the Franciscan Center, making it more central to the downtown area and more prominent. Parking will be more traditional than the current lot at City Hall that rests on gravel.

Demolition of the former Busey Bank building began on Nov. 20 after the City Council approved an agreement with PCM+ Design Architects on Nov. 14 for formal planning on the proposed building. Owner Wil Helmick shared that finalized construction documents are estimated to be completed by early March 2024. The proposed building is estimated to be 7,600 square feet. Once the construction plans are complete, the city will seek bids for the construction phase.

Residents were informed at the Nov. 14 meeting that city leaders had saved funds for the project for years and that the city has no plans to levy a tax increase to fund the building. At the regular City Council meeting later that night, the council approved the estimated tax levy for 2024. The approved increase to $213,775 was less than the 5% increase allowed by state law due to inflation and other factors.

Reminders and city services

The City still has funds for the Neighborhood Safety Program. The Safety Grant is available to all West Peoria residents for purchasing outside security cameras with recording capabilities. The city will reimburse qualified residents 50% of the cost up to $300.

• Deputy Drake Hart of the Peoria County Sheriff’s Office gave an update on various crime and safety statistics throughout West Peoria at the Nov. 8 Neighborhood Watch meeting. As winter sets in, Deputy Hart called attention to the Unattended Motor Vehicle Statute, which states that no person driving or in charge of a motor vehicle shall permit the vehicle to stand unattended. While this does not apply to locked vehicles with the engine running after being started by a remote starter device, it does have ticketing implications for anyone leaving their vehicle unlocked while warming them up. He also advised residents to be aware of their surroundings and to report any suspicious activity to the police.
  If you notice something unusual, don’t hesitate to contact the Peoria County Sheriff’s Department at (309) 672-6011. Reporting suspicious activity prevents crimes and keeps the community safe.
• The city reminds residents to take necessary precautions during the winter season. When two or more inches of snow are predicted, remove all vehicles from the streets to facilitate snow removal operations. Stay informed about weather forecasts and check the city website, community Facebook page, or Simplicity app for updates and alerts. For residents with no driveway or yard space, reach out to a neighbor so vehicles are off the roads until cleared. All vehicles obstructing snow removal may be ticketed and towed at the owner’s expense.
• Waste Management Yard Waste pickup continues every Friday through the last Friday in December. Remember to bundle your limbs and bag your leaves. If rain is forecast overnight, please ensure that bags are not getting wet. The collector is not responsible for cleaning up leaves from broken bags. Stickers for plastic containers are available at City Hall. During the Waste Management Yard Waste pickup period, homeowners are responsible for cleaning up after a storm using Waste Management services. Between Jan. 1 and April 1, please remember to go to the City website, the Community Facebook page, the Simplicity app, or call City Hall (309) 674-1993 for instructions on proceeding with extensive storm damage cleanup of fallen branches.

Scheduled closures, key dates

West Peoria City Hall will be closed on Monday, Dec. 25th and Monday, Jan. 1 for Christmas and New Year’s. City Hall will reopen and resume normal business hours (8 a.m.-5 p.m.) on Dec. 26 and Jan. 2.

• West Peoria Cub Scout Pack 11 is excited to announce its annual holiday caroling float! Watch for the scouts from 6-7 p.m.
  Dec. 11 and 12, weather permitting, as the scouts parade through the streets of West Peoria singing their favorite Christmas carols. This annual event is an excellent opportunity to get into the holiday spirit and support local scouts
• West Peoria Neighborhood Watch will host Seniors Afternoon at 1 p.m. Dec. 28 at City Hall for an afternoon of games, refreshments, and the movie “White Christmas.” There will be no Neighborhood Watch meeting Dec. 13. The next meeting is 6 p.m. Jan. 10.

Ride into Riverfront Museum for free

CityLink and the Peoria Riverfront Museum are partnering for December to offer a free entry opportunity for CityLink, CityLift, and CountyLink passengers who present a bus pass or ticket for one of these services. Passengers simply show their bus pass/ticket at the admission desk to gain free general entry to the museum. One bus pass/ticket is required per adult. Please note that this promotion does not include entry to the special exhibitions that require an additional entry fee, including the “BODY WORLDS RX” exhibition.

2024 Peoria Historical Calendar

The 2024 Peoria Historical Calendar, produced by CityLink, is now available.This year’s calendar includes vintage photographs of local educational institutions, including public and private schools, and a very early photo of students at Bradley Polytechnic Institute. Calendars may be obtained at the CityLink Transit Center (407 SW Adams), the CityLink Administrative Office (2105 NE Jefferson), or local retailer Urban Artifacts (925 N. Sheridan) for a suggested donation of $5 with all proceeds benefiting the Peoria Friendship House of Christian Service.