Preserving West Peoria…No Second Chance “West Peoria aspires to be the city of choice in Central Illinois for ourselves and future generations--beautiful, clean, and safe." This is the first sentence of our West Peoria Action Plan's Vision Statement, which was created by the five Action Teams composed of forty of our friends and neighbors. They donated hours upon hours to create this plan for our community.
Many of us have second, third, and even fourth generations of our families residing in West Peoria. How would the Oxbow Development, Inc., multi-family housing project-- proposed for the former St. Joseph's Home property at 2223 West Heading Avenue-- impact our city for residents today and for our future generations? This housing project calls for a 352-bed, three-story, forty-foot high housing complex with parking spaces for 360--a parking lot nearly five times the size of Haddad's! What will happen to this park-like property, to all the trees and green space?
The developer says he is targeting students to fill this complex but when might that change? Our 2008 West Peoria Comprehensive Plan, which has been adopted by our City Council, states, "Additional multi-family housing should be discouraged and that a priority should be placed on attracting upscale housing, as well as senior housing to West Peoria." Further, "The Commission recognizes the importance of maintaining the character of existing residential neighborhoods." Does a development project such as the Oxbow multi-family housing project really comply with these goals? Is increased tax revenue really worth this price?
This is a once-in-a-lifetime decision. If we don't get it right, we don't get another chance. West Peoria and our way of life in our diversified community could be changed forever. Can we work together to identify and attract a project for this property that will enhance our entire community...one that will encourage people to move to West Peoria, not to move out?
As residents we can share our thoughts on this issue with our city council and mayor (contact information listed on page 4). We have entrusted these officials—who are also our friends and neighbors--to represent us. They have the ultimate, final responsibility to make this decision with their votes.
The West Peoria Action Plan and Comprehensive Plan can be found on the city’s website (
www.cityofwestpeoria.com) under Development—Planning Commission.
Respectfully, Gary M. Dutro (674-0131)
Lifelong West Peorian;
WPRA President 1989-1994;
Mayor’s Liquor Commission Member 1993 – present
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