IDOT to update progress on Route 29 project at public hearing

IDOT to update progress on Route 29 project at public hearing

The Illinois Department of Transportation will host a public open house/hearing regarding progress on the pending reconstruction of Illinois Route 29 from 4 to 6 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 4, at the Peoria Heights Grade School gymnasium, 500 E. Glen Ave., Peoria Heights.

The $70 million-plus widening and improvement of 2.5 miles of Illinois Route 29 through Peoria Heights and part of Peoria – basically from the McClugage Bridge to Gardner Lane – along with the construction of a bluff-side recreational path overlooking the Illinois River, is considered a potentially transformational project for the Village. The development also is an important one for the region given Route 29’s status as a commuter thoroughfare and northern gateway to the Peoria area.

Other impacts include the relocation of the Grandview Drive Pavilion, which is on the National Register of Historic Places, to make way for the path. Grandview and Bielfeldt parks will be affected, with about 1 acre of their combined 200 acres being converted to highway use. The state will be acquiring right-of-way property along with eight residences.

The project is currently in the planning stages, with groundbreaking expected in the latter part of this decade.

Anyone interested in learning more about or weighing in on any of the above issues is encouraged to attend. The location is accessible to those with disabilities. IDOT staff will be present to provide information and answer questions.

“Pay Water Bill” link is currently unavailable, see for alternate link

The “Pay Water Bill” link is currently unavailable on the Village’s website. Please use the following link to access the payment portal directly: www.invoicecloud.com/VillageofPeoriaHeightsIL

 

To make a payment you will need to enter the book-account # with a hyphen between (ie 3-50936000) as well as the last name associated with the account.

 

We apologize for the inconvenience and are working with our vendor to resolve the issue.

 

Can the Heights do better by those without vehicular transportation? Attend this meeting

The Village of Peoria Heights will host a public meeting from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 22 to discuss ideas for how to make it easier and safer to get around the Heights without a vehicle.

The opportunity for public input at this juncture is the result of months of study and brainstorming regarding the creation of an Active Transportation Plan for the Village. “Active transportation” is defined as the movement of people or goods utilizing human-powered, non-motorized means.

A list is being developed for future capital projects, including those initiated by the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), private developers and the Village, the latter largely funded by grants. It also will serve as a guide for future coordination between the Heights, the City of Peoria, Peoria County and the Peoria Park District.    

An initial public meeting was held on June 27, 2024, followed by an online community questionnaire. The data from those efforts was collected and analyzed by project planners and now includes recommendations for:

  • Access:  Removing barriers to utilizing active transportation for all ages and abilities;

  • Connectivity: Improving active transportation linkages between neighborhoods, schools, parks, regional trails and the Village’s central business districts;

  • Complete Streets:  Increasing the amount of space in the public right-of-way for sidewalks, street trees, bicycle facilities and access to bus stops;

  • Slower Streets:  Safely sharing use of streets near schools and destinations by reducing vehicular operating speeds;

  • Intersections:  Reducing conflict points between active transportation and motor vehicle travel;

  • Places:  Improving active transportation support facilities at various locations.

Informational displays and maps will be available for public review with study team members.  A brief presentation will start promptly at 5 p.m., followed by multiple opportunities for informal input and suggestions.

The study and action plan are being conducted under the direction of Virginia-based Lardner/Klein Landscape Architects, funded by a $50,000 grant from the Tri-County Regional Planning Commission, accompanied by a $10,000 local match. An advisory committee was appointed to help guide development of the plan and is composed of a cross-section of stakeholders including Village residents, businesses, active transportation users, the Peoria Park District, and the Board of Trustees. The plan will be unveiled to the Village Board in late November or early December.

Please feel free to attend the Oct. 22 public meeting to help us toward a final outcome. In the meantime, for more information contact Community Development Director Wayne Aldrich at 309-686-2385 or waldrich@f-w.com.

Employment Opportunity - Public Works Laborer

The Village of Peoria Heights is seeking qualified applicants for a full-time laborer position in the Public Works Department.

 Qualified candidates must have a high school diploma or equivalent as well as a valid Illinois driver’s license with the ability to obtain a CDL class B license and an Illinois Class C water license within the time required. The candidate will be required to pass a pre-employment criminal background check and medical physical with a drug/alcohol prescreen.

 Candidates interested in this position have until Friday, October 18 to turn in a completed employment application, which can be downloaded at www.peoriaheights.org.

Applications can be emailed to: water@peoriaheights.org

They can also be dropped off at Village Hall, or mailed to the attention of Peoria Heights Public Works Department, 4901 N Prospect Rd, Peoria Heights, IL 61616.

The Village of Peoria Heights is an equal opportunity employer.

No phone calls please.

Employment Opportunity - Part-time Firefighters

The Village of Peoria Heights, Illinois is currently accepting applications for part-time firefighters.

The 2 main qualification categories are fire certifications and EMS certifications. Minimum requirement is Emergency Medical Responder qualification however EMT is be preferred.   Will require Basic Operations Firefighter.  Minimum age is 18 and salary is based on qualifications and experience.

Must be willing to work 8, 12, or 24 hour shifts on a fire engine, responding to all emergency incidents throughout the Village of Peoria Heights, up to 32 hours per week.  Benefits available for those who work over 24 hours per week.

Applications may be picked up and/or submitted with a resume at Village Hall, 4901 N. Prospect Rd., Peoria Heights, IL 61616. For more information on this position and a job description, please visit peoriaheights.org