ACTION REQUESTED:
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Communication from the City Manager and Director of Public Works with a Request to RECEIVE and FILE a PRESENTATION by TERRA ENGINEERING Regarding the RIVERFRONT PLAN.
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BACKGROUND: The Peoria Riverfront Plan is a vital front door for the City of Peoria and can serve as a revitalization engine for the greater downtown and civic heart of the City. The recommendations, illustrative concepts and materials within this plan are intended to provide exciting and yet practical proposals which respond to the input received from the public, as well as opportunities and constraints encountered along Peoria’s Riverfront. The overall goal of the plan is to identify a variety of programed improvements that cohesively bring the riverfront properties together to form an energized multi-cultural entertainment and recreation zone. The vision for the plan is for a design that is resilient, family oriented and flexible in its space planning.
The plan encompasses the area generally seen as extending between the Murray Baker Bridge (Illinois Route 74) and the Bob Michel Bridge (William Kumpf Blvd.) and extending into the Business District.
Since the plan started in 2017, Public Works, Community Development, along with other City leaders and our consultant, Terra Engineering, Ltd undertook significant public involvement activities. One on one presentation with many key stakeholders within the downtown such as:
- Peoria Civic Center
- Peoria Museum
- Chamber of Commerce
- Young Members Group of Chamber
- Unity Point Health
- OSF Medical Center
- Caterpillar
and many others.
In addition, many presentations and coordination efforts took place with the Downtown Advisory Commission, Peoria River Front Association, Business Owners, general surveys throughout Peoria and throughout the process.
Following this presentation, the plan will go to the Planning and Zoning Commission on August 3 and return to the Council for a vote on August 8.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: The City recorded a Grant from DCEO for $15 Million for construction of the project.
NEIGHBORHOOD CONCERNS: Significant Public engagement and surveys. This will be discussed in presentation.
IMPACT IF APPROVED: Planning will continue toward approval of the plan and future construction, resulting in a vibrant multi-use riverfront park.
IMPACT IF DENIED: The park will not be constructed.
ALTERNATIVES: N/A
EEO CERTIFICATION NUMBER: N/A
WHICH OF THE GOALS IDENTIFIED IN THE COUNCIL’S 2017 - 2032 STRATEGIC PLAN DOES THIS RECOMMENDATION ADVANCE?
1. Financially Sound City
2. Beautiful Peoria
3. Grow Peoria
WHICH CRITICAL SUCCESS FACTOR(S) FROM THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN DOES THIS RECOMMENDATION IMPLEMENT?
1. Invest in our infrastructure and transportation.
2. Reinvest in neighborhoods.
3. Have an efficient government.
DEPARTMENT: Public Works