"Green Conference" in Aurora October 2, 2008
http://www.greentownconference.com/
Friday, August 22, 2008
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Looking for a Sustainable "Green" Developer
The City of Peoria is looking for a Sustainable "Green" Developer to develop our great Riverfront. More info at:
_
_
Sunday, April 6, 2008
Sustainable Development
Sustainable Development - Definition
"Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs."
United Nations http://www.un.org/esa/sustdev/csd/review.htm
"We believe sustainable development begins at home and is supported by effective domestic policies, and international partnerships. Self-governing people prepared to participate in an open world marketplace are the very foundation of sustainable development."
US State Department, http://www.state.gov/g/oes/sus/
"Leave your campground better than you found it." Scouting Principle.
"We pledge to transmit this city not only not less, but far greater and more beautiful than it was transmitted to us." Oath written by Pericles. From 594 to 404 B.C., literature, science, philosophy, and the arts flourished in Athens. The birthplace of democracy had its golden age during the rule of statesman Pericles (c. 495-429 B.C.), who made sweeping political reforms and actively supported the arts. Pericles is credited with the Athenian oath of fealty.
"Leave your campground better than you found it." Scouting Principle.
Friday, March 7, 2008
Green Peoria
Peoria was originally built at high density. Trips to work, shopping, and schools were made by walking or a short streetcar ride. The historic city was energy efficient.Modern American urban development is auto oriented, with large homes on large lots distant from destinations. Modern suburban development is built at low density. Long auto trips waste a great deal of time and energy.Our historic “Heart of Peoria has "hollowed out". Most retail has left downtown, and a great deal of near in housing has been demolished. Historic older buildings are often underutilized.
The following are potential improvements to "Green" the Heart of Peoria:
· Energy efficiency in all buildings is encouraged
· Developers are encouraged to create green housing
· Mixed use development will be emphasized
· Historic buildings will be adaptively reused
· Walk ability of the city will be encouraged
· Incentives will be employed to support improvements
· Energy efficient buildings will be required
· Sedimentation & erosion controls will be enforced
· The environment of the River's edge will be enhanced
· Bike trails & racks will be emphasized
· Transit will be maintained
· Trees and natural landscaping will be planted
· Renewable energy sources will be sought
· Recycling will be supported
· Air and water quality will be improved
More info at: http://peoriaed.blogspot.com
More info at: http://groups.google.com/group/green-edge
Contact craighullinger@gmail.com for comments or questions
The following are potential improvements to "Green" the Heart of Peoria:
· Energy efficiency in all buildings is encouraged
· Developers are encouraged to create green housing
· Mixed use development will be emphasized
· Historic buildings will be adaptively reused
· Walk ability of the city will be encouraged
· Incentives will be employed to support improvements
· Energy efficient buildings will be required
· Sedimentation & erosion controls will be enforced
· The environment of the River's edge will be enhanced
· Bike trails & racks will be emphasized
· Transit will be maintained
· Trees and natural landscaping will be planted
· Renewable energy sources will be sought
· Recycling will be supported
· Air and water quality will be improved
More info at: http://peoriaed.blogspot.com
More info at: http://groups.google.com/group/green-edge
Contact craighullinger@gmail.com for comments or questions
Friday, February 15, 2008
Next Meetings
Monday February 18, 2008 4:00 to 6:00 pm drop in on the 4th floor of City Hall at 419 Fulton Street
Wednesday February 20, 2008 at 1:30 pm at City Hall on the 4th floor before the Planning Commission.
You are welcome to attend and voice your concerns.
After the Plan Commission makes their recommendation, the proposal proceeds to the City Council for their consideration.
Wednesday February 20, 2008 at 1:30 pm at City Hall on the 4th floor before the Planning Commission.
You are welcome to attend and voice your concerns.
After the Plan Commission makes their recommendation, the proposal proceeds to the City Council for their consideration.
Questions and Answers about the Green Edge Plan
The Green Edge Plan and River Trail Drive Plan is of course controversial. The use of public open space for another use will naturally develop opposition.
The following are questions and comments posed by various people, followed by my response in bold. Please feel free to ask any question or make any response, and I will respond. Please send your question or comment to Craighullinger@gmail.com. More detail is available on the plan in this blog, at http://www.greenpeoria.blogspot.com/ , and at the Economic Development Department on the 4th floor of City Hall. Please feel free to drop in and take a look at the concept plans.
______________________________________
Q. I am confused about the plan. Is it just for the river park, or all the way to Memorial Drive?
A. The River Trail Plan is just for the City owned property between the Water and Spring Street. The Green Edge Plan is for all the area between Water Street and to just north of War Memorial drive, tying back into Grand View Drive. The River Trail Drive plan could be developed rather quickly, over the next 3 to 5 years. The Green Edge Plan will take a long time, and relies on willing land owners. There are a total of nine land owners between Water Street and War Memorial Drive.
Q. Don't take my property.
We have no plans to take anyones land or home. The River Trail Drive plan is on city owned land. The Green Edge Plan is partly on privately held property, and will only happen if the owners want it to happen.
Q. This is done deal and developers have been lined up to develop our great riverfront open space.
A. It is not a done deal. If the citizens of Peoria object to this development, we will drop it and move to other redevelopment efforts. If the Planning Commission and City Council do not approve the plan, it will not go forward.
Q. Won't this proposed development take land that is currently used for open space?
A. Yes. An area east of the railroad tracks would be used. Approximately sixty feet would be used for residential development, and approximately forty feet would be used for the road and parking on the west side of the new road, preserving views of the lake and park.
This loss of open space would be mitigated in two ways. New park land islands would be constructed next to the park, with total land area of about 7 acres, equal to the land taken for the new housing and road. So there would be no net loss of open space.
In addition, the land was originally purchased with grants. The money received from the sale of land must be reinvested in open space at a location approved by the State of Illinois Department of Natural Resources. They have told us we cannot use the proceeds on the islands, which don't yet exist. So the loss of the approximately 7 acres along the railroad would be replaced twice - once in the islands and again in a to be determined location.
This development does take river / lake area, though. We would be taking about 120 feet of river/lake (100 feet for the new land, and about 20 feet of water between the islands and existing shore line). The lake is about 7,500 feet wide. I don't think most people would notice a 1/75th reduction in the Lake width. And the Rivers edge would be far more interesting and ecologically diverse with the islands and intervening estuary and wetland.
________________________________
Q. There is no guarantee that the islands will be built.
A. The approval request will be made to the Planning Commission and City Council stipulating that the Islands must be part of the development.
We have verbally asked and will formally ask the Corps to build the islands if the City Council approves the development. The Corps is on record proposing to build about $20,000,000 worth of islands in the lower lake. We would simply ask them to use about $1,000,000 to build the small islands close to our river park.
Q. There is not enough room on the Riverfront for park, roads, and houses.
A. The plans for this development are on scaled aerial photographs and GIS base maps. You can see and scale how wide the remaining park will be after the development. With the addition of the islands, there is as much park land after as there was before the proposed development. And you are welcome to come into our office on the 4t floor of city hall to look at large scaled aerial photos showing the exising park and proposed development.
One way to understand it is that the existing bike path stays in place as is, until you get to the far north end near Spring Street, where it has to be relocated slightly to the south.
Q. You can't make the riverfront any better than it is.
A. The park is very nice as is. If the people prefer, it can be left as is is presently configured.
Where the current park could be improved:
The slope to the river is too steep. During construction of the islands a number of gradual approaches to the water should be developed, permitting people to walk down to and along the rivers edge. Also, the river and lake are not very bio diverse. There are too few wetlands and estuaries and too much mud.
One side of the existing park is formed by a railroad, factory, and some dilapidated buildings. After the home construction views from the bike trail will be imroved. The park does get excellent use during the day, but people are reluctant to walk there in the evening.
Q. Wy are you doing this?
To bring back the homeowners to the Heart of Peoria. We are trying to get a beautiful river trail drive, so that people in the Heart of Peoria can drive overlooking the lake, similar to the experience you get when driving on Grand View Drive.
The following are questions and comments posed by various people, followed by my response in bold. Please feel free to ask any question or make any response, and I will respond. Please send your question or comment to Craighullinger@gmail.com. More detail is available on the plan in this blog, at http://www.greenpeoria.blogspot.com/ , and at the Economic Development Department on the 4th floor of City Hall. Please feel free to drop in and take a look at the concept plans.
______________________________________
Q. I am confused about the plan. Is it just for the river park, or all the way to Memorial Drive?
A. The River Trail Plan is just for the City owned property between the Water and Spring Street. The Green Edge Plan is for all the area between Water Street and to just north of War Memorial drive, tying back into Grand View Drive. The River Trail Drive plan could be developed rather quickly, over the next 3 to 5 years. The Green Edge Plan will take a long time, and relies on willing land owners. There are a total of nine land owners between Water Street and War Memorial Drive.
Q. Don't take my property.
We have no plans to take anyones land or home. The River Trail Drive plan is on city owned land. The Green Edge Plan is partly on privately held property, and will only happen if the owners want it to happen.
Q. This is done deal and developers have been lined up to develop our great riverfront open space.
A. It is not a done deal. If the citizens of Peoria object to this development, we will drop it and move to other redevelopment efforts. If the Planning Commission and City Council do not approve the plan, it will not go forward.
Q. Won't this proposed development take land that is currently used for open space?
A. Yes. An area east of the railroad tracks would be used. Approximately sixty feet would be used for residential development, and approximately forty feet would be used for the road and parking on the west side of the new road, preserving views of the lake and park.
This loss of open space would be mitigated in two ways. New park land islands would be constructed next to the park, with total land area of about 7 acres, equal to the land taken for the new housing and road. So there would be no net loss of open space.
In addition, the land was originally purchased with grants. The money received from the sale of land must be reinvested in open space at a location approved by the State of Illinois Department of Natural Resources. They have told us we cannot use the proceeds on the islands, which don't yet exist. So the loss of the approximately 7 acres along the railroad would be replaced twice - once in the islands and again in a to be determined location.
This development does take river / lake area, though. We would be taking about 120 feet of river/lake (100 feet for the new land, and about 20 feet of water between the islands and existing shore line). The lake is about 7,500 feet wide. I don't think most people would notice a 1/75th reduction in the Lake width. And the Rivers edge would be far more interesting and ecologically diverse with the islands and intervening estuary and wetland.
________________________________
Q. There is no guarantee that the islands will be built.
A. The approval request will be made to the Planning Commission and City Council stipulating that the Islands must be part of the development.
We have verbally asked and will formally ask the Corps to build the islands if the City Council approves the development. The Corps is on record proposing to build about $20,000,000 worth of islands in the lower lake. We would simply ask them to use about $1,000,000 to build the small islands close to our river park.
Q. There is not enough room on the Riverfront for park, roads, and houses.
A. The plans for this development are on scaled aerial photographs and GIS base maps. You can see and scale how wide the remaining park will be after the development. With the addition of the islands, there is as much park land after as there was before the proposed development. And you are welcome to come into our office on the 4t floor of city hall to look at large scaled aerial photos showing the exising park and proposed development.
One way to understand it is that the existing bike path stays in place as is, until you get to the far north end near Spring Street, where it has to be relocated slightly to the south.
Q. You can't make the riverfront any better than it is.
A. The park is very nice as is. If the people prefer, it can be left as is is presently configured.
Where the current park could be improved:
The slope to the river is too steep. During construction of the islands a number of gradual approaches to the water should be developed, permitting people to walk down to and along the rivers edge. Also, the river and lake are not very bio diverse. There are too few wetlands and estuaries and too much mud.
One side of the existing park is formed by a railroad, factory, and some dilapidated buildings. After the home construction views from the bike trail will be imroved. The park does get excellent use during the day, but people are reluctant to walk there in the evening.
Q. Wy are you doing this?
To bring back the homeowners to the Heart of Peoria. We are trying to get a beautiful river trail drive, so that people in the Heart of Peoria can drive overlooking the lake, similar to the experience you get when driving on Grand View Drive.
Bringing people back into the central city revitalizes the City. And providing more people an opportunity to view and enjoy the lake is a great positive.
Grand View Drive provides a beautiful view of the lake and park. The plan for Grand View Drive is the same as that proposed for the area between downtown and War Memorial Drive - Lake, Park, scenic drive, and housing.
The biggest natural amenity for Peoria is the beautiful river, lake, wooded bluffs and ravines. But there are few places in the Heart of Peoria to view the lake. This plan would create a beautiful drive overlooking the river and lake for all the people to enjoy.
Q . The islands will wash away
Good engineers can certainly construct an island that will not erode. And good environmentalists can properly design and seed the islands and wetlands to promote biodiversity and improve habitat.
Q. You should not use sediment to create the islands - takes up flood plain.
Any action must be approved by the Corps of Engineers and IDNR and our own excellent Public Works and Planning staff. The tiny islands (7 acres) would be placed in the over 2,500 acre lower lake, creating a minimal impact. But if this is a concern, material from the estuary across the river could be used. This material is already above the normal water level, so moving it across the river would have no impact.
Q. No one will build nice homes next to a railroad track and public housing.
If you are correct, the development will not happen.
Q. No one wants to live in the old part of the City anymore. Too much crime and deterioration.
If all developers agree with you, then you have nothing to fear - the development will not happen.
Q. This is a pipe dream, and will never happen. The City is always changing its plans.
I hope you are incorrect. Time will tell. In any event, it will take a very long time to develop the entire Green edge. But if it is developed, Peoria will have a great River park running all the way from War Memorial Drive south to downtown, with a beautiful scenic drive connecting downtown to Grand View Drive.
Q. What happens next?
We will present the proposal to the Planning Commission at 1:30 pm on Wed Feb 20, 2008 at City Hall on the floor. You are welcome to attend and voice your concerns. It then proceeds to the City Council. If they turn it down, then we drop it and move on to other efforts. If they approve it, we would issue an RFP (Request for Proposal), and look for a quality developer. We would ask the Corps to design and construct the islands.
Please send any more questions or comments to Craighullinger@gmail.com, and I will respond. Thank you for your consideration.
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Proposed Islands
Email and drawings from our Environmental Engineering Consultant on the proposed islands developed and refined as a result of our meetings with environmental and neighborhood groups.
Attached are the islands perspective that Paul and I put together for you. In the drawing, you will find an overview of the two islands with an enhanced existing shoreline; a vignette of a close-up view of the area between the two islands; and finally a colored plan view of the island component of the project.
I know you would like to swap the wildlife island and the recreation island. But after consulting with our landscape architect, we feel that the original concept should stay for both practical and various design reasons. Placement of the access ramp is best at the current proposed location. There may not be enough room to do so at the lower island because the bluff narrows down in that area.
Also, we'd like to place the overlook tower to be aligned with Norton Street. Streets leading to the lower island are blocked by the PMP buildings. In addition, there needs to be a short separation between the Riverplex and the recreation island from a design standpoint. It is only a short walk between the two focal points; plus people will be able to enjoy the view of the river scenery and wildlife on their way to the recreation island.
Let me know if you need any changes to the drawing.
Jack T.P. Chan, Ph.D., P.E. Water Resources Engineer LAND RESOURCE MANAGEMENT GROUP 525 East North Street, Suite F Bradley, IL 60915 Email: jchan@lrmg.net Phone: 815.928.8990 x228 Fax: 815.928.8606
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
More information at
First Draft of Meeting Notes - Participants please email any corrections to mailto:craighullinger@gmail.com Our thanks to Professor Goitein, who suggested the changes in bold.
__________________________________
Meeting Notes from the Meeting with Representatives from Environmental Groups, City Staff, Consultants held on January 23, 2008 at 5:00 pm at the City Planning Department Office.
Attendees
Rudy Habben Sierra Club
Maureen McNamara Transport
Jane Gerdes City of Peoria Public Works
Dorothy Sinclair
John Edwards
Tom Tincher Heartland Water Resources
Pashion Gawoash Heartland Water Resources
Bernie Goiteen Bradley University
Ross Black City of Peoria Planning Department
Bobby Gray City of Peoria Economic Development
Craig Hullinger City of Peoria Economic Development
John Sharp, Peoria Journal Star
INTRODUCTORY REMARKS:
Craig Hullinger, Director of Economic Development, called the meeting to order. Hullinger presented the proposed City of Peoria’s master plans for the river edge which include the Green Heart of Peoria Plan, River’s Edge Redevelopment Initiative (portion of the lakefront between War Memorial Drive and I-474) and the Green Edge Plan (between Water Street and War Memorial Drive). Hullinger noted that all plans were draft and prelimary, and subject to change based on public input and further study.
As part of the Green Edge Plan, three alternatives for the redevelopment of the Riverfront Park between Spring Street and the Riverplex parking lot were presented:
1. Do Nothing – no change to the existing park;
2. Road Only – construction of River Trail Drive through the park, which would eventually connect with Grand View Drive as part of the Green Edge Plan. The road would provide the public an opportunity to drive and overlook the lake similar to Grand View Drive;
3. Townhomes and Islands – Same as 2, with townhomes and/or mixed-use development on the west side of River Trail Drive; improvement to existing park amenities; creation of two islands with river dredged fill materials to atone for loss of open/green space: one island for recreation purposes, and one island with naturalized plantings for wildlife habitats. Parkland taken for development would be replaced twice - with the new island parks, and with purchase required from the sale of the property.
The City’s plan to eliminate the combined sewer overflow at Spring Street was briefly mentioned. The idea of incorporating wet weather storage of the combined sewage at the project location was discussed, along some preliminary cost issues.
Hullinger introduced Paul Vicari and Jack Chan as the environmental and ecological consultants to the City. Vicari and Chan would help facilitate the workshop discussion.
Two breakout groups were formed to discuss the redevelopment of the river’s edge, including the proposed three alternatives of the Riverfront Park Redevelopment.
GROUP DISCUSSION HIGHLIGHTS:
· The existing riverfront park is an asset to be maintained for the quality of life for residence in Peoria and surrounding communities. As such, access to the riverfront and water’s edge should be improved and the park should provide pedestrian-friendly recreation and amenities. Shade trees are needed for comfort in summer months”.
· Safety was raised as a concern with the existing park. Additional lighting should be considered.
· Sulfur springs still exist near south edge of the existing Komatsu property.
· City Engineer (Jane Gerdes) confirmed that the City has ROW on quite a few streets that lead to the edge of river. An example of which is Spring Street that has the combined sewer outfall at the end of the street.
· Several concerns and challenges to Alternative 3 were raised:
· Technical/engineering challenges to island creation.
· Whether it is an equitable trade-off to allow for the loss of public open space in return for private development, even with the creation of recreation and habitat islands.
· Hydrologic and hydraulic issues with the created islands – a hydraulic study will be required; impacts of the islands to flood flow.
· Creation of islands may not be a permanent solution to the siltation problem experienced by Peoria Lake. The need for long-termed strategies was raised. This project presents a retrofit opportunity as a short-term part of the overall solutions.
· The development plan should strike a balance between
· Economy,
· Ecology, and
· Recreation.
· A consensus was reached that the Green Edge Plan was a great idea where landowners would be given incentive to donate their river frontage to create public green space. However, the need for a proposed drive was questioned. A "green" alternative, such as the trail-only option, should be given consideration.
The idea of "development in nodes" was brought up. Development should happen in nodes at major access points (streets) connected by a linear green river's edge and a multi-purpose trail system.
· A phased approach should be taken to fully realize the Green Edge Plan and spark revitalization of Peoria downtown where mini-projects (park enhancement) should be considered to get interest going.
· Involvement and cooperation from multiple agencies and local governments (such as the Park District and the County of Peoria) in carrying out the Green Edge Plan.
· The Riverfront Park (constitution garden) is difficult to get to. Better public awareness of the park and better visual and physical access to the park is needed. Improved interpretative signage at the park should be considered. Alternative use of the park to include a visitor center/museum was suggested. Historical aspects (DuSable settlement site, Native American Village, and railroad history, etc.)
· It was suggested that a net benefit has to be resulted from this project. Each alternative should be evaluated based on its net gain.
· Biodiversity is an important factor. More birds, the better.
CONCLUDING REMARKS: Everyone was thanked for their participation in the mini-charrette. LRMG will prepare the minutes and note all the comments and suggestions raised during the meeting. Participants were invited to join another public meeting on February 6, 2008 from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm, where nearby property owners in the neighborhood will be invited. Everyone is welcome to attend and further discuss the proposed development. A public Hearing before the Planning Commission is also scheduled to take place on February 20, 2008.
__________________________________
Meeting Notes from the Meeting with Representatives from Environmental Groups, City Staff, Consultants held on January 23, 2008 at 5:00 pm at the City Planning Department Office.
Attendees
Rudy Habben Sierra Club
Maureen McNamara Transport
Jane Gerdes City of Peoria Public Works
Dorothy Sinclair
John Edwards
Tom Tincher Heartland Water Resources
Pashion Gawoash Heartland Water Resources
Bernie Goiteen Bradley University
Ross Black City of Peoria Planning Department
Bobby Gray City of Peoria Economic Development
Craig Hullinger City of Peoria Economic Development
John Sharp, Peoria Journal Star
INTRODUCTORY REMARKS:
Craig Hullinger, Director of Economic Development, called the meeting to order. Hullinger presented the proposed City of Peoria’s master plans for the river edge which include the Green Heart of Peoria Plan, River’s Edge Redevelopment Initiative (portion of the lakefront between War Memorial Drive and I-474) and the Green Edge Plan (between Water Street and War Memorial Drive). Hullinger noted that all plans were draft and prelimary, and subject to change based on public input and further study.
As part of the Green Edge Plan, three alternatives for the redevelopment of the Riverfront Park between Spring Street and the Riverplex parking lot were presented:
1. Do Nothing – no change to the existing park;
2. Road Only – construction of River Trail Drive through the park, which would eventually connect with Grand View Drive as part of the Green Edge Plan. The road would provide the public an opportunity to drive and overlook the lake similar to Grand View Drive;
3. Townhomes and Islands – Same as 2, with townhomes and/or mixed-use development on the west side of River Trail Drive; improvement to existing park amenities; creation of two islands with river dredged fill materials to atone for loss of open/green space: one island for recreation purposes, and one island with naturalized plantings for wildlife habitats. Parkland taken for development would be replaced twice - with the new island parks, and with purchase required from the sale of the property.
The City’s plan to eliminate the combined sewer overflow at Spring Street was briefly mentioned. The idea of incorporating wet weather storage of the combined sewage at the project location was discussed, along some preliminary cost issues.
Hullinger introduced Paul Vicari and Jack Chan as the environmental and ecological consultants to the City. Vicari and Chan would help facilitate the workshop discussion.
Two breakout groups were formed to discuss the redevelopment of the river’s edge, including the proposed three alternatives of the Riverfront Park Redevelopment.
GROUP DISCUSSION HIGHLIGHTS:
· The existing riverfront park is an asset to be maintained for the quality of life for residence in Peoria and surrounding communities. As such, access to the riverfront and water’s edge should be improved and the park should provide pedestrian-friendly recreation and amenities. Shade trees are needed for comfort in summer months”.
· Safety was raised as a concern with the existing park. Additional lighting should be considered.
· Sulfur springs still exist near south edge of the existing Komatsu property.
· City Engineer (Jane Gerdes) confirmed that the City has ROW on quite a few streets that lead to the edge of river. An example of which is Spring Street that has the combined sewer outfall at the end of the street.
· Several concerns and challenges to Alternative 3 were raised:
· Technical/engineering challenges to island creation.
· Whether it is an equitable trade-off to allow for the loss of public open space in return for private development, even with the creation of recreation and habitat islands.
· Hydrologic and hydraulic issues with the created islands – a hydraulic study will be required; impacts of the islands to flood flow.
· Creation of islands may not be a permanent solution to the siltation problem experienced by Peoria Lake. The need for long-termed strategies was raised. This project presents a retrofit opportunity as a short-term part of the overall solutions.
· The development plan should strike a balance between
· Economy,
· Ecology, and
· Recreation.
· A consensus was reached that the Green Edge Plan was a great idea where landowners would be given incentive to donate their river frontage to create public green space. However, the need for a proposed drive was questioned. A "green" alternative, such as the trail-only option, should be given consideration.
The idea of "development in nodes" was brought up. Development should happen in nodes at major access points (streets) connected by a linear green river's edge and a multi-purpose trail system.
· A phased approach should be taken to fully realize the Green Edge Plan and spark revitalization of Peoria downtown where mini-projects (park enhancement) should be considered to get interest going.
· Involvement and cooperation from multiple agencies and local governments (such as the Park District and the County of Peoria) in carrying out the Green Edge Plan.
· The Riverfront Park (constitution garden) is difficult to get to. Better public awareness of the park and better visual and physical access to the park is needed. Improved interpretative signage at the park should be considered. Alternative use of the park to include a visitor center/museum was suggested. Historical aspects (DuSable settlement site, Native American Village, and railroad history, etc.)
· It was suggested that a net benefit has to be resulted from this project. Each alternative should be evaluated based on its net gain.
· Biodiversity is an important factor. More birds, the better.
CONCLUDING REMARKS: Everyone was thanked for their participation in the mini-charrette. LRMG will prepare the minutes and note all the comments and suggestions raised during the meeting. Participants were invited to join another public meeting on February 6, 2008 from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm, where nearby property owners in the neighborhood will be invited. Everyone is welcome to attend and further discuss the proposed development. A public Hearing before the Planning Commission is also scheduled to take place on February 20, 2008.
Monday, January 28, 2008
"Green" Heart of Peoria
Green Heart of Peoria
* Improve and Enhance our Environment
* Live Close to Downtown and the River
* Conserve Our Neighborhoods
* Encourage Sustainable Development
* Save Time and Energy - Walk to Work
Historic Peoria is an inherently "Green" City. Peoria was originally built at high density. Trips to work, shopping, and schools were made by walking or a short streetcar ride. The historic city was energy efficient.
Modern American urban development is auto oriented, with large homes on large lots distant from destinations. Modern suburban development is built at low density. Long auto trips waste a great deal of time and energy.
Our historic “Heart of Peoria has "hollowed out". Most retail has left downtown, and a great deal of near in housing has been demolished. Historic older buildings are often underutilized.
The following are potential improvements to "Green" the Heart of Peoria:
· Energy efficiency in all buildings is encouraged
· Developers are encouraged to create green housing
· Mixed use development will be emphasized
· Historic buildings will be adaptively reused
· Walk ability of the city will be encouraged
· Incentives will be employed to support improvements
· Energy efficient buildings will be required
· Sedimentation & erosion controls will be enforced
· The environment of the River's edge will be enhanced
· Bike trails & racks will be emphasized
· Transit will be maintained
· Trees and natural landscaping will be planted
· Renewable energy sources will be sought
· Recycling will be supported
· Air and water quality will be improved
More info at:
http://greenpeoria.blogspot.com
http://groups.google.com/group/green-edge
Contact Craighullinger@gmail.com for comments or questions
River's Edge Redevelopment Iniative
All the documents on this Blog are early drafts, and have not been adopted by City Council. Staff are presenting the concept plans to citizen groups. A Public Hearing will held in front of the Planning Commission to ensure that all people get a chance to understand and comment on the proposed plans. Send an email to Craighullinger@gmail.com with any questions or comments.
River Trail Drive Alternative 3 Road, Housing, Islands
This alternative would construct a road through the park parallel to the railroad tracks from Water Street north to Spring Street, providing access and parking to the park and attractive vistas over the Illinois River and Lake. It would also create residential property between the railroad tracks and new road, providing new housing in the Heart of Peoria. It would add security to the park, with homeowners watching the park.To replace the approximately 7 acres used for the road and park, 7 acres of new ecosystem restoration park would be added from River sediment. This plan proposes two islands, one for wildlife habitat and one for pedestrian access. The interior lagoons would provide improved fishing habitat.
More info at this group page address:
Green Edge Heart of Peoria
River Trail Drive Alternative 2 - Construct Road
This alternative would construct a road through the park parallel and next to the railroad tracks from Water Street north to Spring Street, providing access to and parking for the park, and attractive vistas over the Illinois River and Lake.River Trail Drive Alternative 1 - Take No Action
This alternative would leave the park as it is presently configured.Potential Green Edge Plan
The potential Green Edge Plan for Peoria envisions a gradual conversion rivers edge of the Illinois River to green park space and new urban development. The City has created a great Riverfront Park in downtown. This park system could be extended north and south where possible. A road could be extended along this park, with new residential development on the side away from the River, eventually connecting to Grand View Drive at the north end. The River side would be kept clear of development, providing access and views of the park and river and lake..
More info at this group page address:
Green Edge Heart of Peoria
This is only a proposal at this time, and has not been fully considered or acted on by the City or Park District. We will present these preliminary concepts to the public for their review and input at a number of public meetings. Your thoughts and concerns can be made to Craig Hullinger at Hullingerc@gmail.com, or 309 494-8639.
Saturday, January 19, 2008
"Green" Heart of Peoria - First Draft - Comments to craighullinger@gmail.com
Green Heart of Peoria
Improve and Enhance our Environment
Live Close to Downtown and The River
Conserve Our Neighborhoods
Encourage Sustainable Development
Save Time and Energy - Walk to Work
Historic cities are inherently "Green". They were originally developed on transit systems and built at high density. Trips to work, shopping, and schools were made by walking or via a short streetcar ride. Historic communities were energy efficient.Improve and Enhance our Environment
Live Close to Downtown and The River
Conserve Our Neighborhoods
Encourage Sustainable Development
Save Time and Energy - Walk to Work
Modern American urban development is auto oriented, with large homes on large lots distant from destinations. Modern suburban development is built at low density. Long auto trips use a great deal of energy.
But our historic areas have "hollowed out". Most downtowns have little retail, and a great deal of near in housing has been demolished.
The following are potential improvements to "Green" the Heart of Peoria:
The City will encourage developers create new green housing
Energy efficiency in new and existing homes are encouraged
Mixed use development will be emphasized
Walkability of the city will be encouraged
Energy efficient buildings will be strongly supported
Sedimentation & erosion controls will be enforced
The environment of the River's edge will be enhanced
Bike trails & racks will be emphasized
Transit will be maintained
Trees and natural landscaping will be planted
Renewable energy sources will be sought
Recycling will be supported
Air and water quality will be improved
More info at: http://groups.google.com/group/green-edge
More Info at
All the documents on this Blog are early drafts, and have not been adopted by City Council. Staff are presenting the concept plans to citizen groups. A Public Hearing will held in front of the Planning Commission to ensure that all people get a chance to understand and comment on the proposed plans. Send an email to Craighullinger@gmail.com with any questions or comments.Green Edge Planning Meetings
Rivers Edge Redevelopment Iniative
Green Edge Plan
River Front Park Alternative 1
River Front Park Alternative 2
River Front Park Alternative 3
http://greenpeoria.blogspot.com
http://groups.google.com/group/green-edge
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
