12/31/2010
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12/30/2010
Planning in America
Decades before the planning of America's earliest city—St. Augustine, Florida (AD 1565), Indigenous people in America created beautiful master planned communities such as Chaco Canyon of the Anasazi (AD 1000), the Mississippian Mounds of the Midwest and Southeast (AD 900), and the nation of Hawaii (AD 500) and embraced tenants of planning that are today coined as ‘sustainable communities”.
Indigenous nations always had planned communities. We had the ways of the earth - which was the environment and the land-use practices associated with that. That is our tradition, which was the use of sustainable communities designed to preserve the health and spirit of a person. Modern planning makes use of some of the same things…. in some circles it's referred to as Smart Growth, in others, Sustainable Development and in others, it's planning with nature. Quite simply, it's "common sense"-doing what is smart in conjunction with the various constraints and requirements that govern planning. The difference is that Native American planning was never separate from the person. The existence of the spirit or soul of the person was a primary consideration, not just the physical but also the spiritual elements.
L.Robert Ulibarri, AICP
Navajo Nation
______________
I have visited Mesa Verde and Chichen Itza. Very interesting city planning.
Good article noted below:
Indigenous nations always had planned communities. We had the ways of the earth - which was the environment and the land-use practices associated with that. That is our tradition, which was the use of sustainable communities designed to preserve the health and spirit of a person. Modern planning makes use of some of the same things…. in some circles it's referred to as Smart Growth, in others, Sustainable Development and in others, it's planning with nature. Quite simply, it's "common sense"-doing what is smart in conjunction with the various constraints and requirements that govern planning. The difference is that Native American planning was never separate from the person. The existence of the spirit or soul of the person was a primary consideration, not just the physical but also the spiritual elements.
L.Robert Ulibarri, AICP
Navajo Nation
______________
I have visited Mesa Verde and Chichen Itza. Very interesting city planning.
Good article noted below:
Mammoth Mixed Use Development in Chicago
Chicago wants a mammoth mixed-use project at a former steel plant
The South Works of US Steel Corp., an approximately 470-acre steel-making site that closed in 1992 and was cleared of nearly all its buildings, is being eyed for a huge development.
Read the rest of the story on the New Urban Network at:
Tired of Snow
When you see this you know we are getting tired of snow. Where is global warming when you need it?
Citizen Participation Is Vital - Tell Us What You Think
Citizen participation is vital for a properly functioning democracy. Our citizens deserve to be heard. Our society works bet when people believe that their government is paying attention to what they think
To that end we are trying an experiment. Technology now lets us collectively write documents.
Leave your your thoughts on the "YOUR THOUGHTS" box on the left, and help write the "WORLD SUSTAINABLE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PLAN", also in the column on the right. Just click on the document and contribute.
This may now work. There may be too many spammers and angry clowns for this to function. And a document might end up looking like a camel, when the committee started to design a horse.
But it is worth a try. And it would be interesting to try to write the working drafts of a Comprehensive Plan in this way.
To that end we are trying an experiment. Technology now lets us collectively write documents.
Leave your your thoughts on the "YOUR THOUGHTS" box on the left, and help write the "WORLD SUSTAINABLE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PLAN", also in the column on the right. Just click on the document and contribute.
This may now work. There may be too many spammers and angry clowns for this to function. And a document might end up looking like a camel, when the committee started to design a horse.
But it is worth a try. And it would be interesting to try to write the working drafts of a Comprehensive Plan in this way.
Lets give it a try.
__________________________________
__________________________________
WORLD SUSTAINABLE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY
12/29/2010
Joint Review Board approves East Village TIF
Today the Joint Review Board approved the East Village Growth Cell TIF.
Read the rest of the story on the Peoria Chronicle at:
http://peoriachronicle.com/
More info at:
http://www.eastvillagepeoria.com/
http://www.eastvillagepeoria.com/uploads/EVGC-TIF-PublicMeeting-11-29-10.pdf
More info at:
http://www.eastvillagepeoria.com/
http://www.eastvillagepeoria.com/uploads/EVGC-TIF-PublicMeeting-11-29-10.pdf
Uncle Sam Wants You To Spend Again
In 2011 America’s economy will surprise the pessimists. It will grow faster than 3% and unemployment should fall to 9% and probably lower.
Read the article at:
US Census - The Economist
Dec 29th 2010
From The Economist print edition
From The Economist print edition
The first tranche of statistics to be released from America’scensus showed the population stood at 308.7m on April 1st 2010, a rise of 9.7% from 2000. Texas gained more people than any other state, up by 4.3m to 25.1m, fetching it four more congressional seats in the House.
See article
The End of Men
A good article in the Atlantic Monthly about the changes in our economy and how it is impacting men.
http://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2010/07/the-end-of-men/8135/
It is an interesting article. It points out how women are succeeding in America today, where men, especially unskilled men, are finding it very difficult to succeed.
In my opinion the article points out an important reason for our crime rates. Men with few skills have a tough time making it in this economy, and some of them turn to crime, both to make money and because they are angry.
But most of this article could also be written to describe the gap between bright people and dull people of either sex. Our modern American society is working very well for educated people. For those of low ability and low intelligence, things are tough.
One hundred and fifty years ago most people worked on the farm, and there was need for male labor. When we switched to an industrial economy there was still a need for male labor.
But in our technology economy the need for a strong back is much reduced.
Most of this negative impact is on people with low intelligence. As a society we must figure out how to help these people. Currently we do it with welfare and/or prison.
We would be much better off to create a guaranteed job. Folks that could not find a job in our competitive society should be put to work on public works project, cleaning our cities, safeguarding our cities. This would be far cheaper then our current method.
State and Local Government Pensions Reform
Public sector pensions are being reformed to reduce costs and benefits. The International City Management Association has compiled a map and a summary of these changes.
Pension Reforms
The Center is collecting best practices, principles, and lessons learned from state and local pension plan changes that have been negotiated over the past 10 years. Use this interactive map to find examples of state and local governments that have negotiated changes, many with links to more information. [Note: Red markers indicate local governments; blue indicate state governments.] You may also view the full map in a separate window.
The Center is collecting best practices, principles, and lessons learned from state and local pension plan changes that have been negotiated over the past 10 years. Use this interactive map to find examples of state and local governments that have negotiated changes, many with links to more information. [Note: Red markers indicate local governments; blue indicate state governments.] You may also view the full map in a separate window.
View Pension Reforms in a larger map
12/28/2010
Green Sculpture Park
A City could create a Green Sculpture Park that would be artistic and “green”, incorporating recycled materials, wind and solar energy, etc. into the design. 
A program modeled on the successful Sioux Falls, South Dakota program could be created.
Each year new sculptures are displayed in downtown for one year, and become a tourist attraction. After one year the sculptures are replaced by new sculptures. The sculptures are for sale and people vote for their favorite.
Giant Solar Peace Sign Sculpture
Giant Solar Peace Sign Sculpture Made from of 80 Metal Oil Barrels
by Yuka Yoneda, 12/28/10
Far out! This giant solar peace sign made of 80 metal oil barrels is bringing eco art to a groovy new level. Artist Fred George designed the sculpture to "sound a global alarm of our crisis of consumption" and call attention to our need for greener energy
What will they think of next? Read the rest of the story on the link below:
City Planning According to Wise Geek
City planning is a profession in which planners work to guide the present and future growth of a city by striking a careful balance between residential, commercial, recreational, and institutional needs. A planner makes the best use of a community’s resources, solves current community problems, and protects important physical and geographical landmarks, all while considering how the future needs of a city will fit in. A city planner should be certified by the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP).
Read more at:
Here is how Wise Geek defines urban planning.
Urban planning is a mixture of science and art. It encompasses many different disciplines and brings them all under a single umbrella. The simplest definition of urban planning is that it is the organization of all elements of a town or other urban environment. However, when one thinks about all the elements that make up a town, urban planning suddenly seems complicated - and it is.
12/27/2010
Government Incentives to Redevelop Older Urban Areas
My favorite blog in Peoria is the Peoria Chronicle, written by C.J. Summers, who is a candidate for City Council. C.J. does a great job on city of Peoria issues.
I love his blog, but respectfully disagree with his opposition to Heart of Peoria redevelopment efforts. If an older city does not lead the redevelopment of its older central city, it will continue to decline.
Take a look at beautiful downtown Harvey, Chicago Heights, and Gary. I know these cities well. Most of their efforts to rebuild their central city was too little, too late. A visit to their downtowns might convince a skeptic that a city must rebuild itself, or give up and move out.
We would all prefer that we did not have to incent the redevelopment of our older cities, but that is not reality.
People are angry about taxes and incentives to the private sector. I understand that anger. But these folks should also understand that a decision not to incent redevelopment is a decision to give up on your older areas.
Downtown Peoria has some outstanding advantages that Harvey, Chicago Heights, and Gary did not share. The City overlooks the Illinois River, providing a great view. Our downtown is fortunate to have two great hospitals and a corporate headquarters of Caterpillar, a very successful company that cares about its home town. And the interstate runs through downtown, providing great access.
Still, incentives are required to rebuild downtown. Developers go where they are certain they can develop and get a great return. Redevelopment is much more costly and high risk then greenfield development. We have to equalize these costs through incentives if we want private sector renewal.
Redevelopment assisted by Tax Increment Financing (TIF) is very effective in the City of Peoria. The City created three new TIF's in 2007-2009 and approved twenty redevelopments - some during the "great recession".
Total investment in the buildings is estimated at$336,000,000, creating approximately 1,050 jobs. And there are many more buildings in the works, waiting for better economic conditions.
Warehouse TIF
LaVille De Maillet, L.L.C. *
JP Riverfront Development Comp, Inc. (Sullivan) Sealtest
Iron Front, L.L.C., (Huber) 408 Washington
Iron Front, L.L.C., (Huber) 412 Washington
Iron Front, L.L.C., (Huber) 420 Washington
Edgewater Building (Huber) River
Fastenal Company *
Drumheller Properties L.L.C *
D and B Developers, L.L.C. (Waterstreet Solutions) *
B and L Sales *
Southtown TIF
Illinois Medical Clinic *
Long Term Acute Health Care Facility Cullinan *
Cancer Research Center
Hospitality Improvement Zone
Pere Marquette Mariott Courtyard Hotel
Eagleview
Behr Peoria, Inc. *
Martco, LTD (Laser Electric) *
Pulaski Express/Adams Street Supermarket *
JWE Properties/Engler Meier and Justice (Westmont) *
CBD
Caterpillar Visitor Center
Riverfront Museum
The City has Ten Tax Increment Financing Districts. These district have created substantial numbers of jobs and additional tax base for the older parts of the City.
I love his blog, but respectfully disagree with his opposition to Heart of Peoria redevelopment efforts. If an older city does not lead the redevelopment of its older central city, it will continue to decline.
Take a look at beautiful downtown Harvey, Chicago Heights, and Gary. I know these cities well. Most of their efforts to rebuild their central city was too little, too late. A visit to their downtowns might convince a skeptic that a city must rebuild itself, or give up and move out.
We would all prefer that we did not have to incent the redevelopment of our older cities, but that is not reality.
People are angry about taxes and incentives to the private sector. I understand that anger. But these folks should also understand that a decision not to incent redevelopment is a decision to give up on your older areas.
Downtown Peoria has some outstanding advantages that Harvey, Chicago Heights, and Gary did not share. The City overlooks the Illinois River, providing a great view. Our downtown is fortunate to have two great hospitals and a corporate headquarters of Caterpillar, a very successful company that cares about its home town. And the interstate runs through downtown, providing great access.
Still, incentives are required to rebuild downtown. Developers go where they are certain they can develop and get a great return. Redevelopment is much more costly and high risk then greenfield development. We have to equalize these costs through incentives if we want private sector renewal.
TIF Is Effective
Redevelopment assisted by Tax Increment Financing (TIF) is very effective in the City of Peoria. The City created three new TIF's in 2007-2009 and approved twenty redevelopments - some during the "great recession".Total investment in the buildings is estimated at$336,000,000, creating approximately 1,050 jobs. And there are many more buildings in the works, waiting for better economic conditions.
Completed *
Warehouse TIFLaVille De Maillet, L.L.C. *
JP Riverfront Development Comp, Inc. (Sullivan) Sealtest
Iron Front, L.L.C., (Huber) 408 Washington
Iron Front, L.L.C., (Huber) 412 Washington
Iron Front, L.L.C., (Huber) 420 Washington
Edgewater Building (Huber) River
Fastenal Company *
Drumheller Properties L.L.C *
D and B Developers, L.L.C. (Waterstreet Solutions) *
B and L Sales *
Southtown TIF
Illinois Medical Clinic *
Long Term Acute Health Care Facility Cullinan *
Cancer Research Center
Hospitality Improvement Zone
Pere Marquette Mariott Courtyard Hotel
Eagleview
Behr Peoria, Inc. *
Martco, LTD (Laser Electric) *
Pulaski Express/Adams Street Supermarket *
JWE Properties/Engler Meier and Justice (Westmont) *
CBD
Caterpillar Visitor Center
Riverfront Museum
TIF Plays in Peoria
Southtown Tax Increment Financing District
Tax Increment Financing is controversial. But there is no question that it is an effective way to build tax base and jobs. The Southtown TIF is the oldest TIF in the City of Peoria and one of the oldest in Illinois. The graph and chart show that the value of real estate within the TIF grew much faster then the City and District 150. In 2013, the TIF will be completed, and the tax revenues will go to all the local goverments.
The graph and chart below show how effectively the two new Tax Increment Financing Districts (TIF's) have worked. Despite "The Great Recession of 2007-2009", Equalized Assessed Evaluation (EAV) has grown very rapidly in the TIF's, faster then the City as a whole and faster then School District 150. 150 lags the City because it's boundary misses the rapidly developing north side of the City.
We believe these numbers support the continued use of Tax Increment Financing. We want our older neighborhoods to thrive and improve, and TIF is one of the best ways to help that process.
The City has Ten Tax Increment Financing Districts. These district have created substantial numbers of jobs and additional tax base for the older parts of the City.
