10/22/2024
Can the Heights do better by those without vehicular transportation? Attend this meeting
The Village of Peoria Heights will host a public meeting from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 22 to discuss ideas for how to make it easier and safer to get around the Heights without a vehicle.
The opportunity for public input at this juncture is the result of months of study and brainstorming regarding the creation of an Active Transportation Plan for the Village. “Active transportation” is defined as the movement of people or goods utilizing human-powered, non-motorized means.
A list is being developed for future capital projects, including those initiated by the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), private developers and the Village, the latter largely funded by grants. It also will serve as a guide for future coordination between the Heights, the City of Peoria, Peoria County and the Peoria Park District.
An initial public meeting was held on June 27, 2024, followed by an online community questionnaire. The data from those efforts was collected and analyzed by project planners and now includes recommendations for:
• Access: Removing barriers to utilizing active transportation for all ages and abilities;
• Connectivity: Improving active transportation linkages between neighborhoods, schools, parks, regional trails and the Village’s central business districts;
• Complete Streets: Increasing the amount of space in the public right-of-way for sidewalks, street trees, bicycle facilities and access to bus stops;
• Slower Streets: Safely sharing use of streets near schools and destinations by reducing vehicular operating speeds;
• Intersections: Reducing conflict points between active transportation and motor vehicle travel;
• Places: Improving active transportation support facilities at various locations.
Informational displays and maps will be available for public review with study team members. A brief presentation will start promptly at 5 p.m., followed by multiple opportunities for informal input and suggestions.
The study and action plan are being conducted under the direction of Virginia-based Lardner/Klein Landscape Architects, funded by a $50,000 grant from the Tri-County Regional Planning Commission, accompanied by a $10,000 local match. An advisory committee was appointed to help guide development of the plan and is composed of a cross-section of stakeholders including Village residents, businesses, active transportation users, the Peoria Park District, and the Board of Trustees. The plan will be unveiled to the Village Board in late November or early December.
Please feel free to attend the Oct. 22 public meeting to help us toward a final outcome. In the meantime, for more information contact Community Development Director Wayne Aldrich at 309-686-2385 or [email protected].
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