8/30/2010

American Planning Association Illinois Conference

New Roundabout

New Roundabout

New Roundabout

The 2010 APA-IL State Conference in Bloomington-Normal highlights innovative yet practical solutions to transportation issues faced by many communities. Conference sessions and mobile workshops give you the opportunity to hear details behind these initiatives and how to integrate them into your own practice or community.
The League of Illinois Bicyclists has been traveling the state with theIntroduction to Bicycle Planning seminar. Now it's coming to you! Ed Barsotti, the LIB Executive Director, will discuss how to effectively plan for bicycles and implement your strategies.

Delve further with Beyond Complete Streets 101. See how the Tri-County Regional Planning Commission implemented a complete street project and find out about IDOT's recent policy change from its bike/ped coordinator. 
Learn a thing or two from Champaign's engineers in Putting Pedestrians First: why roundabouts really ARE safer, and how the High intensity Activated crossWalk (HAWK) can turn a mid-block crossing into a safe haven for pedestrians.
Learn how to successfully accommodate cars and parking while still encouraging other modes of transportation at the Nuts and Bolts of Downtown Circulation from Tim Doron and Daniel Brinkman of Gewalt Hamilton Associates.

These sessions, along with several others during the 3-day conference, will allow you to earn over 15 CM credits, a great way to fulfill your credit requirements!!!!

Register today!

http://www.ilapa.org/conf/10/conf2010.html
 

2010 APA Illinois Chapter Conference

Peoria County Considering Creating an Economic Development Department

Peoria County considering creating an economic development Department. Good idea to take action in this poor economy. It should work closely with the City Economic Development Department and EDC.

http://www.pjstar.com/news/tricounty/x1903425247/County-could-plan-own-economic-development

8/28/2010

Zoning in America

Dear Craig: 
Good Catch
Do you know that your own professional association publishes one of the most useful and highly respected publications about zoning in America?

It's true! Month after month, APA's 
Zoning Practice helps planners like you in communities all over the country work smarter and better. ZP covers all facets of contemporary zoning, from dealing with vacant properties to zoning for solar, wind, and geothermal energy.

Subscribe to 
ZP and start receiving monthly issues packed with real-world applications of best practices, illustrated case studies, and handy references.

As a 
ZP subscriber, you'll also get unlimited free access to ZP's six-year, online archive — an invaluable resource you'll turn to again and again for practical solutions to difficult zoning problems. ZP+, a monthly e-newsletter included with your subscription, will alert you to archived articles that relate to today's lead stories.

We've made it easy for you to find out all the ways 
ZP can help you practice smart. Click here to check out our new, "green" e-brochure, read a free issue of Zoning Practice, and sign up for ZP today!
Sincerely,
Kenneth A. East 
Kenneth A. East
Director of Marketing

P.S. Do you know that ZP sponsors a monthly online forum where readers and other APA members ask questions and get answers directly from the experts who write for Zoning Practice? Our Ask the Author forums are another way ZP broadens and enriches planners' understanding of today's most important zoning issues.

8/26/2010

The Block Ground Breaking




This is a great deal for the Peoria region. It will be our premium meeting place, and will do great things for downtown.  Thanks and congratulations for everyone who made this happen.


http://buildtheblock.com/



8/25/2010

Scoop From Arts Partners

Friends of the Arts,

Listed below are just a few of the great arts events taking place in the Peoria area this weekend.  For a more complete list of arts activities, we invite you to visit our events calendar at www.artspartners.net.

ArtsPartners of Central Illinois, Inc.
820 SW Adams St.  Peoria, IL 61602
p. 309.676.2787  f. 309.676.0290

Nominate a 2010 ArtsPartner of the Year right
from our home page at www.artspartners.net!

Good Scoop From Peoria Magazines


Good Scoop From Peoria Magazines

News

Nominations for the 17th annual 40 Leaders Under Forty awards celebration are now being accepted. The deadline for nominations is Wednesday, September 15th. Visit peoriamagazines.com and nominate a leader today!
Quest Charter Academy, Peoria’s new math, science and technology-focused charter school, opened its doors yesterday in the former Loucks-Edison Junior Academy on University Street for the start of its first school year. Learn more about the charter school and read an interview with the school’s principal, Engin Blackstone, in the August iBi.
The Peoria City Council approved the redevelopment agreement to build the Peoria Riverfront Museum last night. Groundbreaking on the four-acre downtown block is expected to take place early next month.
The Great Rivers Partnership, a global project of The Nature Conservancy, announced that it has established its new home office in Bradley University’s Peoria NEXT Innovation Center. Founded in 2005 with a generous lead donation from the Caterpillar Foundation, the GRP brings together scientists and river managers throughout Africa, Asia, North America and South America with the goal of managing the world’s freshwater supply in a way that works for both nature and people. Inspiration developed through two decades of efforts by The Nature Conservancy, Caterpillar and others to restore the Illinois River. Learn more atnature.org/greatrivers.
The Salvation Army is seeking participants for its annual Dress-a-Doll program.Each year, new dolls and teddy bears are dressed by volunteers and judged according to various categories. The award-winning dolls and teddy bears will be sold through a silent auction to benefit the programs and services of The Salvation Army. Deadline for returning the dressed dolls and teddy bears is Monday, November 15th. For more information, call 655-7220.
 
2010 40 Leaders Under Forty Nominations
 

art & society: September/October 2010

The Sep/Oct issue features a tour of the Bishop's home, a film noir primer, excerpts from David Hoffman's new book, a preview of this year's Fine Art Fair, Take 10 with Nellie Gould, and an inside look at LOOP, Peoria's new indoor cycling studio. Plus social scenes, community events and more!
Visit peoriamagazines.com/distribution for a list of distribution locations and pick up your copy today! For uninterrupted home delivery, visitpeoriamagazines.com/subscribe to subscribe online.
 
In this issue...
Giving Life to History: A Tour of the Bishop’s Home
by Amy Chovan
Sweeping staircases on either side of the entrance make visitors and passersby keenly aware of one of Peoria’s oldest homes. Predating the Civil War, the residence of the bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Peoria, located at 607 N.E. Madison Avenue, is a sight to behold.
A Story Inside Each of Us
by Jan Wright, Publisher
There are thousands of hidden stories in the central Illinois community; finding and telling those stories is what we do.
Excerpts from...What’s That Bus Doing On the Runway? The Antics and Absurdities of a Life on the Road
by David Hoffman
In his 13 years traveling with the great Ray Charles, David Hoffman experienced many things, from the hilarious to the poignant, from heartwarming remembrances of his friends and musical colleagues to the sublimely ridiculous difficulties of road life.
Rough Rides, Dark Corners & Hard-Boiled Cinema
by Steve Tarter
Despite the passage of years—-or maybe because of them—-one genre of movies remains alive and well, dark and menacing, engaging one generation after another in the contemplation of what happens when things go wrong.
Get “Blown Away” At This Year’s Fine Art Fair
by Amy Kennard
The Peoria Art Guild will showcase glass blowing with live demonstrations and unique artists.
Riding The New Workout Wave
by Scott Rogers
The first of its kind in Peoria, LOOP Cycling Studio is set to open at Metro Centre on September 1st.
Event Preview: Peoria Film Noir Festival 2010
The Peoria Film Noir Festival will kick off at the Peoria Public Library Lakeview Branch on October 14th and continue at the Apollo Theatre on October 15th, 16th, 22nd and 23rd.
Take 10: Nellie Gould
Few people can capture the tender emotions of life-changing moments in a still frame like Nellie Gould.
  
WGLT
 

Events

Thursday, August 26th @ Spalding Pastoral Center
Catholic Charities will hold its 6th annual Wine Tasting from 5 to 7pm at the Spalding Pastoral Center, 419 NE Madison Ave. in Peoria. Patrons will have the opportunity to sample 20 wines from various regions of the world while enjoying light hors d’oeuvres and browsing works of art from local artists, who will donate 10 percent of their proceeds to Catholic Charities. Cost is $25 per person. Tickets are available at the door or by calling 636-7710.
Saturday, August 28th @ Ravina on the Lakes
OSF Home Care Services will host the Lumin-essence celebration, a family fun picnic featuring live music, face painting, fishing, sand volleyball, horseshoes and other activities, from 6 to 10pm. Tickets are $15/each or two for $25. Children under 12 are free. All proceeds will benefit the Home Health and Hospice programs at OSF Home Care Services. Call 683-7770 for more information.
Sunday, August 29th @ Peoria Riverfront
The 22nd annual Duck Race to Stop Abuse will take place at 3pm at the Marina in front of Old Chicago. Funds from duck sales will help The Center for Prevention of Abuse carry out its mission. For more information, visit duckrace.com/Peoria.
Tuesday, August 31st @ Packard Plaza
The Peoria Historical Society will host a Centenarian Dinner to honor local organizations and businesses with a 100-year record of uninterrupted operation in the Peoria area. Among the businesses honored this year: Caterpillar and Illinois Mutual, founded in 1910, and Grace Presbyterian Church, founded in 1862. Cocktail reception is at 5:30pm, dinner at 6:30pm. Tickets are $30. Call 674-1921 to make a reservation. Visit peoriahistoricalsociety.org/centenarian.html for a complete listing of Centenarian Award recipients.
  
ExplorePeoria.com
 


Electro-Motive Diesel Inc. is scouting for a new facility




Peoria would be a great location for this new facility.

Electro-Motive Diesel Inc. is scouting for a new facility to assemble locomotives, and the company's McCook headquarters is a contender, people familiar with the matter tell Crain's.

The company, which announced June 1 its acquisition by Caterpillar Inc. of Peoria, would need a U.S. facility to assemble locomotives to qualify under the buy America provision of the federal stimulus program, which is pouring more than $8 billion into rail projects. 




8/24/2010

Build Illinois Now





BUILD ILLINOIS NOW

State Guarantee Municipal Bonds Infrastructure Stimulus
The State of Illinois could guarantee municipal bonds to accelerate public works construction. This would encourage local governments to build needed roads, sewer & water, curbs and sidewalks, schools, and other important infrastructure this year when we need the stimulus and the jobs. Put Illinois back to work.Build Illinois now!

Contractor prices are low. They need work, and we need infrastructure improvements. This would be a great way to stimulate our economy, and put our workers back to work building our communities.

Most local governments have a backlog of needed public infrastructure improvements. With support and encouragement from the State government, we could have major local programs underway soon. This should be a very simple and low cost way to stimulate substantial public works expenditures this year, and put Illinois workers back to work.
____________________________

Background

As the recession deepens, corporations cut back on spending and jobs. This is the correct course of action for them - they have to stay solvent to survive.

At the same time, the Federal Government increases spending in order to slow the recession. Widely accepted Keynesian economics advocates substantial increases spending during recession to stimulate the economy. Government acts in an anti cyclical fashion to get the economy growing again. And our Federal Government is spending.

State and local governments, however, often act like private corporations. They, unlike the Federal government, cannot print money. But for many reasons, this is the wrong course of action. Local governments can borrow money at relatively cheap tax exempt rates, and build needed public improvements such as improved roads, schools, and sewer and water systems.

The State of Illinois should support and encourage local and State government spending. They could do this by guaranteeing bonds, and using the bully pulpit of the Governor to advocate for an aggressive program of local and State government public works expansion efforts.

Strong local governments with AA and better bond ratings have no trouble borrowing money now. But weaker rated governments do have trouble getting good rates. Insurance is hard to get for local governments that don't have top credit ratings.

A State guarantee would ensure good rates for all Illinois municipal borrowers. This would be a strong incentive for local governments to borrow and construct needed improvements now.

This stimulus effort by all levels of government is a safe and effective way to get Illinois back to work. Local governments are good at building local public works projects that are needed and worthwhile. They usually do a good job at cost containment. And they seldom default, so the risk to the State government is quite low.
Also see:

Build America Now


Contact Craig Hullinger at

craighullinger@gmail.com

309 634 5557
for more information or comment



Senator Dave Koehler

The following was excerpted from Senator Koehler's newsletter. In my judgement he is doing a great job for Peoria and Illinois.




From the Illinois Senate
State Senator Dave Koehler


Dear friends,


As everyone knows, Illinois government is facing some steep challenges. In my opinion, we still have not adequately addressed our budget situation, and I intend to continue to work on this issue. However, we did accomplish some good things in Springfield this year. I was especially pleased that we passed a historic preservation tax credit pilot program. I believe this tax credit is an essential economic development tool with the potential to create jobs, revitalize downtown business districts, and make Illinois more competitive with our neighboring states.


We also passed legislation that will help the Peoria School  District replace some of its most outdated facilities. Read on to learn more about these initiatives and some of the other legislation I sponsored in the General Assembly this year.


Legislation


•Economic Development


Though our national economy continues to recover, I believe that there is always more that we can do to improve Illinois’ business climate, create good, middle‐class jobs, and make us more competitive with our neighboring states. Earlier this year, I proposed a historic preservation tax credit. During the course of legislative negotiations, the tax credit was scaled back to a pilot program that will benefit the Peoria‐area (Senate Bill 2534). Getting the bill passed took a lot of effort, and I want to thank Representative Jehan Gordon for her work as cosponsor in the House.


The pilot program creates a tax credit equal to 25% of the cost of restoring or rehabilitating a historic hotel, and it should ease the costs of the Hotel Pere Marquette / Marriott Hotel project in downtown Peoria. Unlike some other economic development incentives, it has an immediate effect and does not rely on potential profits. I believe that the pilot will be successful and that we will be able to extend the program to the whole state for all historic restoration projects in the future.


13 S. Capitol St.
Pekin, IL 61554
309-346-4646


Learn More at:





8/23/2010

Green Plays in Peoria



Sustainable "Green" Economic Development


Green Plays in Peoria


Peoria Sustainability Commission




My writings on Sustainability

8/21/2010

Peoria Promise

Peoria Promise is a great program that provides scholarships for the graduates of the City of Peoria Public High Schools. Congratulations and thanks to all the individuals and companies who made this happen.



"This spring and summer, over 20 graduates of the Peoria Promise program will have earned a degree from Illinois Central College. "




Read the rest of the story at Peoria Magazines at:



8/20/2010

Illinois Planning Conference


2010 APA-IL State Conference
  Click here for sponsorship information...


Houseal Lavigne Associates



Farr Associates | Architecture | Planning | Preservation

Hoerr Schaudt Landscape Architects

SB Friedman & Company




Gewalt Hamilton Associates, Inc.

Teska Associates, Inc.



Deep Root - Urban Landscape Products And Urban Design Solutions

Pizzo & Associates LTD | Ecological Restoration






July 1, 2010
Greetings!
Welcome to Uptown Normal, where we hope you will join us for the 2010 Annual Conference of the American Planning Association - Illinois Chapter. This will be a perfect time to visit Uptown Normal, where most of the redevelopment dust has settled. New streetscapes and utilities have been installed, the traffic circle is working very well, and the central water feature is fully functional. By September, the federal TIGER grant-funded “Multimodal Transportation Center” will be under construction near the conference event. You will see the fruits of more than ten years of planning labor!

We’re fortunate to be able to use the new Marriott Hotel and Conference Center for our annual event. It’s an outstanding facility, located in the midst of a vibrant and historic commercial center and adjacent to the beautiful Illinois State University campus. Within a three block radius, conference attendees can enjoy a variety of shopping, dining, and entertainment opportunities. Bring the kids, and you can walk down to the Town’s very popular Children’s Discovery Museum or attend a movie at the historic Normal Theater. If conference attendees want to hop onto a local bus or stroll down the Constitution Trail, there are also many great businesses in our sister city Bloomington’s historic downtown.

Please be sure to notice the “green” elements of the annual conference. Environmental sustainability is a core value for planners, and it has been at the heart of the Uptown Normal project since the earliest days. Notable design elements in Uptown Normal include “Silva Cells” that permit healthy tree root growth under the sidewalks, a water feature that cleanses stormwater runoff with wetland plants, and three LEED Silver buildings. These features played a key role in the U.S. Green Building Council designating a portion of Uptown Normal as “Silver” under its new LEED-ND program for Neighborhood Development.

We look forward to meeting all of you this September!

Sincerely,
Conference Co-Chairs:

Phil                                     Mercy
Phil Dick, AICP, Director                                     Mercy Davison, Town Planner
McLean County Dept. of Building and Zoning         Town of Normal, IL


2010 APA Illinois Chapter Conference





I will be speaking of Friday morning at the conference on 
Sustainable Economic Development in tough Economic Times.

http://www.ilapa.org/conf/10/conf2010.html

http://www.ilapa.org