West Peoria News: City Hall adds to attractive investments at Rohmann and Sterling

As we witness the heartbreaking stories of the California wildfires, it’s a stark reminder of the invaluable work of our own West Peoria Fire Department. The impact of these disasters on families, pets, and wildlife in California is immense, and our first responders, who are deeply committed to the West Peoria community, play a crucial role in such situations here in West Peoria. Their dedication to saving lives and homes is immeasurable. Every contribution we make to support our Fire Department is significant, and the current wildfires in the news serve as a clear reminder of this.

PROMOTIONAL VIEW: West Peoria is actively striving for a brighter future. The new City Hall, a significant investment, promises enhanced efficiency and a more welcoming space for residents and visitors. Mayor James Dillon emphasizes the importance of attracting businesses to stimulate economic growth, a sentiment echoed by Ward 1 Alderman Colin Corbett, who highlights the vital role of local shopping in attracting property owners and fostering a thriving community.

In a recent interview with Madison Porter of 25NewsNow, Mayor Dillon reported that city leaders and staff constantly look for ways to develop West Peoria. After saving nearly $5 million to build the new City Hall, Dillon said, “Hopefully, we can run more efficiently, and we’re not going to be cramped in our space.”

Dillon continued, “It’s easier to help promote the area to have a newer building, and so we’re trying to fill some voids and make this a corner that everyone can be proud of.”

Having strong businesses that generate sales tax dollars makes communities thrive. Alderman Corbett went on to share that having convenient local shopping helps to attract property owners who shop in their community, which is a vital part of that growth.

“Making sure that all of our properties are inhabited, valued, and kept up well, and having more people who want to live in the area helps drive that,” Corbett said.

This vision aligns with principles outlined in Andrew Price’s book “The Case for Investing Downtown.” Price states, “it is within a city’s best interest to attract investment downtown.” He continues, “The role of a city planner should be to create value in their city. This value can be monetary (downtown properties generate a greater tax revenue per acre), economic (downtown businesses generate more jobs per acre), or qualitative (creating lively, urban environments that people cherish and remember.) They were doing that 70 years ago.

“An essential part of becoming a Strong Town is to have a strong local economy — one that keeps as much money local as possible — and for this to happen, we need to create an environment that small businesses can thrive in — and an environment where people are willing to support them.”

West Peoria has a rich history of community engagement. Founded by a group of dedicated residents, the city has fostered a strong sense of civic pride. As our community evolves, it’s crucial to maintain this civic spirit and invest in the infrastructure that will serve future generations.

SCOUT SERVICE: For eight decades, Boy Scout Troop 11 and Cub Scout Pack 11 have been constant fixtures in the civic fabric of West Peoria. While the Scout troop was chartered in 1941 during the lead-up to World War II, the Cub Scout pack, which became the main pipeline for boys entering the Scout troop, was established during the latter part of the war in 1944. The spirit of civic engagement that emerged throughout America in the years following the war became an essential element in the mindset and values of both groups. That engagement was strikingly symbolized when the Cub Scout pack in 1970, with a few boys and a car, initiated a parade on the Fourth of July.

Observed ever since, the event, now sponsored by the City of West Peoria, still features Scouts carrying flags at the front of the parade. Scouts have also prominently participated in and volunteered at annual West Peoria civic and communal events like the Memorial Day ceremony, the Nite Out Against Crime and Christmas Tree Lighting gatherings, plus the cleanup and litter pickup days.

Fundraising has also made Scouts a visible presence throughout the community and contributed to the strengthening of communal bonds through events like the annual ice cream social held at the firehouse.

In recent years, the Scout troop and the Cub Scout pack have experienced a significant decline in numbers. Both groups are looking to welcome new Scouts who will experience the rich range of fun and life-skill-enhancing activities that Scouting has to offer while at the same time being introduced to the shared task of communal and civic engagement. Interested parents and guardians can contact Bob DeSutter at (309) 369-8078.