Peoria Station

The December 10 edition of the Peoria Times-Observer carried an article on Recreational Trail Advocates’ latest meeting. It’s not on-line, but highlights are below.

The Recreational Trail Advocates met Nov. 3, reviewing where things stand in the effort to create a recreational trail along the Kellar Branch railroad tracks running through North Peoria and Peoria Heights.

It’s like word of defeat hasn’t reached this bunch, even a year later, but some real news seaps out in this article, suggesting there is more going on behind the scenes.

Peoria Heights Mayor Mark Allen reportedly said that a private group is working with the railroad companies to smooth the way for the Kellar Branch to finally become a hiking/biking trail.

A “private group?” Does he mean developers who dangle multi-million dollar residential and commercial investments before him with the understanding that the Kellar Branch be removed?

Elaine Hopkins reportedly questioned whether anyone could trust either railroad company to negotiate in good faith.

This from the bunch that expected a profitable railroad to give up a profitable operation for construction of a recreational trail, then demonized them when they were deemed “uncooperative.” At least Mayor Allen doesn’t share their cynicism.

Allen said he feels they are negotiating in good faith, but did not elaborate further.

Whatever the case, the railroads, especially the Pioneer Industrial Railway, may be under pressure to cut costs due to the current economic climate. Business with Carver Lumber is down, way down, thanks to the severe decline in demand for new home construction.

The cause to keep the Kellar Branch operational is not lost, however, as the railroads’ have Federal authority behind them. If neither can obtain a fair deal with the City of Peoria, then they can continue their operation indefinitely without one, if they so choose.

There were also some interesting admissions in this article:

Tim O’Hanlon reportedly questioned whether the present grant is sufficient to build the trail even if the OK is given.

Bonnie Noble reportedly told George Burrier that additional engineering would likely be needed before they would be ready to build the trail.

Finally, railroads may not be the only target of RTA smear tactics.

The connection of the East Peoria Trail to the Bob Michel Bridge has been stalled by the refusal of Buffalo Wild Wings to grant an easement for the build up of the trail. They are insisting on a great deal of landscaping, a wrought iron fence and are concerned about liability.

- David P. Jordan