If you intend to dash around Peoria Heights in a gasoline-powered bicycle, from now on that privilege is going to cost you if you’re a Heights resident.
The Peoria Heights Village Board unanimously adopted an annual $500 registration fee for the motorized bikes, with Village Administrator Dustin Sutton making it abundantly clear that he is not a fan.
“This is complaint driven,” said Sutton, who doubles as the village’s police chief. “The reason why we’re even discussing this is that we have a big issue on Prospect with these bikes. They’re weaving in and out of cars, they’re down the sidewalks. I think people are tired of it.”
Meanwhile, their operators not uncommonly ignore traffic signals, and the vehicles are exceedingly loud, said Village Board members.
“They’re not regulated and they’re not safe,” said Trustee Sarah DeVore.
The police department wanted direction from the Village, as officers felt their hands were tied given the absence of a specific ordinance. Eventually, there will be a stairstep fine structure for traffic violations up to and including confiscation for repeat offenders.
Electric bicycles are not affected by the new regulations. Non-residents riding the gas-powered bikes through town can anticipate that they may be pulled over by police and asked to produce proof of licensing.
In other action/discussion:
The Village Board created a new liquor license classification to accommodate a new dessert shop coming to the Heights that will serve alcohol-infused treats with a Mexican twist. Expect to see Fireball and margarita ice cream and slushies and champagne popsicles on the menu. “This is unique to central Illinois,” said Peoria attorney and co-owner Chris McCall.
The Village will draft a new ordinance to allow and regulate push carts selling food in the Village. McCall, who is involved with the Palarte Mexican Ice Cream shop, sought the action from the Village in order to operate on public property such as Tower Park and on private property with the permission of the owner. Mayor Michael Phelan advised that in fashioning the ordinance, the Village “be flexible” while “giving preference to brick and mortar” businesses.
An amendment to the Village Code is coming that will more stringently regulate the parking of boats, trailers and recreational vehicles on private property in the Heights. The Board deferred the issue to further address some concerns, but this has become a code enforcement issue for police and “we’re getting complaints,” said Sutton. Specifically, the Village is looking at a hard surface requirement and restricting such parking to side and back yards. “We need to really clean this up,” said Sutton.
After multiple compromises regarding size and setback, the Village Board approved the installation of a digital sign in front of the new State Farm office coming to the corner of Lake and Prospect streets, owned by Jake Davenport. The Village is in the process of rethinking signage regulations in the B-1 zoning district, which includes the Downtown.
The Village applied for a $550,000 grant through the Illinois Department of Housing and Economic Opportunity to help local homeowners with improvements to their properties and to revitalize the neighborhoods in which they live.
The Village issued a proclamation honoring local restaurateur/bar owner Greg “Gebby” Gebhards, who has operated Schooners in the Heights for 40 years. The mayor lauded the business owner’s generosity to staff, customers and people in need in the community. “It is a pleasure, mayor … to be here in Peoria Heights,” said Gebhards.