A new duplex in the East Bluff is a step forward for the neighborhood’s revitalization efforts. That was the theme of a ribbon cutting Tuesday, attended by Peoria Mayor Jim Ardis, 3rd District City Councilman Jim Riggenbach and representatives from several nonprofit organizations.
45-year-old Erin Flaherty moved into the duplex at in December. She was previously living in a nursing home.
"And I was looking for affordable housing. It’s hard in Peoria to find something in a good neighborhood," Flaherty said. "I’m very proud to live here.”
East Bluff Neighborhood Housing Services will serve as the property manager for tenants residing at the new duplex. Executive Director Kristina Gamez says already, the neighborhood benefited from the arrival of neighbors who are eager to be there.
“Neighbors helping neighbors make a community. We’ve got such great neighbors here, that actually they care about people, they care about the neighborhood, this is their home," Gamez said. "And they care about the new residents that are moving in.”
Flaherty says she agrees. She says she feels safe walking down the street to ask a neighbor for a cup of sugar. And with a grin, she says, she already had to ask the neighborhood housing services how to use her new dishwasher.
"It sounds silly, but I've never had one before," Flaherty said.
Eligible residents must be considered low-income, disabled and have lived in a nursing home or similar facility, Gamez said. She says aside from improving residents a better quality of life, community-supported housing takes the onus off of taxpayers.
Funding for the project comes from a $3 million dollar grant from the state Attorney General’s Office to demolish buildings in the East Bluff and build new homes. The Access Peoria Duplex is a collaboration that includes Greater Peoria LISC, the City, and the East Bluff Neighborhood Housing Services.