Peoria Station

PEORIA - With the Journal Star, I’m beginning to think a tree planting ceremony would be front-page news with full-color photo, while at the same time news of 200 jobs created by manufacturer would be buried in the classifieds!

Updating my April 5 post, the City Council has now postponed a vote on re-z0ning land for expansion by O’Brien Steel Service Co., pending talks with the local neighborhood association. This action is typical of a city which doesn’t want any industrial development, but rather, “clean industry” such as retail, gas stations, hotels and restaurants, i. e., minimum wage jobs.

At least the JS writer elaborated on the claim by William Ordaz, president of the Detweiller Marina Neighborhood Association that the land on which O’Brien wants to build was reserved for a park:

[Economic Development Director Craig] Hullinger said the actual agreement did not stipulate a park be built. He said the idea for a park came from a map that showed a park development in that space if the S-curve transportation project connecting Adams Street and Jefferson Avenue was developed. It never was.

Forget “beautifying” Caroline Street. The City is in debt and doesn’t need another project. O’Brien Steel’s land should be re-zoned industrial. It shouldn’t even be an issue. Finally, take a look at the photo below which shows the view from NE Adams Street. This is the “riverside view” William Ordaz wants to maintain. Not exactly Grand View Drive quality, eh?

- David P. Jordan