The issue that seemed to bring out the public to the Peoria Park District Board meeting on Aug. 26 was a regular block party near Proctor Center.

Most of the commentary favored the block party and expressed concern about a proposal to move it north to Detweiller Park. The distance from the neighborhood defeats the purpose for neighbors to meet and strengthen community ties. An attendee reported there were two more block parties scheduled for this year and most attendees were respectful persons of 40+ years of age.

A Peoria City Council member spoke against the events because she had received complaints about noise and litter. She said she had attended one party and observed litter and smelled marijuana.

— League of Women Voters of Greater Peoria observers attend and report on local government meetings. This is an edited version of the work they do as volunteers. Check out their full reports at greaterpeoriail.lwv.org