Jobs

Interesting article on the
Workforce Development Blog

"Professional and technical services industry has brought the most jobs with a total of 7,570 total jobs brought in during the period." (Peoria County 2001-2006)

Riverfront Planning and Development

Click on the Map to Make it Larger
Discuss what Peoria can do to encourage
continued improvement in Riverfront Planning.


Saturday 8:00 am to 12:00, Gateway Building at the Illinois River south of I-74

8:00 a.m. Welcome - Ray Lees, Planning Commission

8:10 a.m. Tom Tincher- Heartland Water Resources Council

8:30 a.m. Terry Kohlbuss - Tri-County Regional Planning

8:45 a.m. Craig Hullinger- Economic Development

9:00 a.m. Break-out session of 10 person planning group.

Discuss ideas, goals and proposals.

11:00 a.m. Present outcome to group

12:00 p.m. Adjourn

The citizen’s input will be placed on the City of Peoria blog at
peoriaed.blogspot.com and incorporated into Riverfront planning efforts, and considered by the Planning Commission for incorporation into the Comprehensive Plan.

More information at http://peoriaed.blogspot.com/ under

Green Edge

Riverfront Drive

Sustainable Development

Maps

Eagle View

For more information contact:

Craig Hullinger, Director Economic Development

309.494.8640

hullingerc@gmail.com

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

The City of Peoria seeks proposals from qualified developers for the purchase or lease and redevelopment of a City-owned building located at 121 Morton Street. This building is located near Constitution Park, along the Illinois River next to the downtown.

121 Morton Street


This building is one-story with a small, second story loft area 150 sq. ft. at the southern end of the building. The total size of the building is approximately 6,000 sq. ft. The exterior walls of this building are concrete block, and brick veneer with long rectangular windows facing the river; interior flooring is concrete; interior walls are concrete block and brick veneer; the roof is built-up with a ¼” per foot pitch; downspouts are on the exterior of the building. The building was originally used as the Rock Island Railroad Depot, but more recently has been used for storage and a small office area.

A City-owned parking lot containing 45 parking spaces is located adjacent to the property.

The building is currently zoned for R-3, single family residential, but proposals containing other zoning will be considered.

Possible City Contributions

• City of Peoria Enterprise Zone incentives
• Low interest loan programs
• TIF

Submission Requirements

• A development plan shall be submitted consisting of a narrative, maps and design schematic.
• The Developer shall submit evidence of qualifications consisting of developer’s experience and three (3) references competent to speak to the developer’s experience.
• A statement of experience managing project(s) of similar size; a statement identifying any defaults and bankruptcy; and a list of financial institutions as references shall be submitted.
• A preliminary development proforma showing assumed sources and uses of funds shall be provided.

Review and Selection Basis for Proposals

Each criterion in the evaluation will be ranked on a scale of 1 to 10, where 10 equals the highest ranking of submittals received. A rank of 10 for any criterion indicates the most qualified firm for that criterion. Each numerical ranking will be multiplied by the weighted value below. A total point value for each submittal will be determined by the composite evaluation of the Selection Committee. The firm with the highest overall point total will be ranked first.

Request a copy of the RFP to see the requirements for submittal and decision by the City.

All proposals will be evaluated by City staff review committee. The committee may consist of members of the following Departments: Public Works, Economic Development, Planning and Growth Management. Final recommendations will be made to the City Council. Final authorization to enter into a contract can only be made by City Council; and until that occurs, there are no commitments by the City.

Proposal Process

Seven complete sets of the proposal and all supporting documentation must be submitted. Proposals shall be sent to:

Craig Hullinger
City of Peoria Department of Economic Development
419 Fulton, Suite 403
Peoria, IL 61602

Proposals will be accepted at the above address until 4:00 p.m. (Central Standard Time) on May 16, 2008.

Questions shall be directed to Craig Hullinger at: (309) 494-8639, chullinger@ci.peoria.il.us

City’s Selection Process

The City will enter into negotiations with the top ranked firm, if negotiations cannot be reached, the City will suspend negotiations with that firm and go to the next firm on the list. This process will continue until a firm is selected.

The City of Peoria reserves the right to reject any and all proposals received as a result of the Request for Proposals, or to negotiate in any manner necessary to serve the best interests of the City. If a minority and/or female owned small business is included, then a Business Plan for that small business must also be included.

Meeting / Inspection City Staff will conduct a meeting for interested parties on May 5, 2008, at 2:00 p.m. at 121 Morton, which will include a walk through of the building. This meeting is mandatory for anyone submitting an RFP.



Sustainable Development

Over 95 people attended the Sustainable Development Meeting on April 23, 2008, and they provided valuable information and proposals on how we could collectively improve our city and region. That information will be added to this blog shortly, and be used in the new City Comprehensive Plan and in the Economic Development marketing efforts.


Mayor Ardis has created a Sustainable Development Commission, which will lead our efforts. He named Dr. Amir Al-Khafaji as Chairman of the Commission. Dr. Al-Khafaji is Chairman of the Bradley University Civil Engineering and Construction Department.
Please join the leadership of Peoria to discuss what Peoria can do to encourage continued improvement in………

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
“Green Plays in Peoria”April 23, 2008
5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.Gateway Building

AGENDA

5:30 p.m. Welcome - City of Peoria, Mayor Jim Ardis

5:35 p.m. New Urbanism/ Sustainable Development - Ray Lees, Planning Commission Chair & Craig Hullinger, Economic Development

5:40 p.m. Civil Engineering and Construction - Dr. Amir Al-Khafaji, Bradley University

5:45 p.m. Green Navigation – Brian Davie, Farnsworth Group

5:50 - 7:00 p.m. Participants will break into small 8-10 person groups and develop goals/strategies

7:00 - 7:30 p.m. Small group presents goals/strategies to larger groupThe goals and strategies developed by the participants will be considered in the development of the new City’s Comprehensive Plan.

More information at: http://peoriaed.blogspot.com

For comments or questions: Contact craighullinger@gmail.com

RSVP with Stephanie Grayson 309.494.8640 or sgrayson@ci.peoria.il.us

Sponsored by the City of Peoria and the Civil Engineering and Construction Department at Bradley University

Peoria’s One World Café

Peoria’s One World Café is proud to announce the opening of the company’s newest addition, The Green Dragon Lounge. The Lounge is One World’s new bar featuring extra seating and customer waiting area with the signature charm of a culturally eclectic environment located inside One World Café, on the corner of Main St. and University. The bar is now open and offers a new element to One World with the addition of draft beer, a new line of wines and the same great Homemade Sangria that they are known for. Patrons can now enjoy a visit even later on Thursday, Friday and Saturday ni ghts with One World’s new lounge hours.

"The Green Dragon tavern was the meeting place in the days of Paul Revere; a place for drinking, eating and socializing. Taverns later turn into the local community bars and diners like what we have today. One W orld is the combination of a modern day tavern and diner, a gathering place to eat, drink and socialize; a platform to discuss business, political, social and spiritual ideas and entertain ourselves in a comfortable, warm, eclectic environment" says Sam Eid, co-owner and CEO of One World, about the new lounge.

One World opened its doors as a coffee shop in 1993 and by 1995 had completed its first full expansion that included a new dining room and menu. Other major renovations to the building occurred both inside and out in 2002. Since then, One World has added a full catering department and now operates downtown Peoria’s Packard Plaza banquet and meeting facility.

The City of Peoria was pleased to assist One World with a facade improvement grant and a low interest business expansion loan. It is great to see an expanded business in Renaissance Park on Main Street.

For interviews, questions or further information, please contact Sam Eid by phone at (309) 472-6803. You can also email One World via their website, www.OneWorld-Cafe.com, and click on the ‘Contact Us’ link for a department contact listing.
The Heartland Partnership has moved to the Riverfront on Main Street into the old Damon’s Grill. The location is easy to find and convenient, and a great place to sell developers on building in the Peoria region.





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