Members of Peoria’s Downtown Advisory Commission yesterday heard the proposed demolition of the Riverfront Village could eventually comprise more than just the 2.6 acre site. The city council will vote August 23rd on an agreement to contribute $1.5 million dollars for purchasing development rights and for the demolition of what is often referred to as the “pad.” But Peoria Assistant City Manager Chris Setti says this could be a first step toward overall improvement to the downtown riverfront.
"Save for a few buildings, we own everything from the Bob Michel Bridge to the RiverPlex. Actually, all the way to Spring Street at the moment, we own everything. So the idea is what are the elements people want to see. What is it that will drive people to come downtown." - Chris Setti, Assistant Peoria City Manager
For now, the city is asking for citizen input as to what improvements might be made to the Riverfront Village site at PlanPeoria.com. The site is in a floodplain, so there should be no suggestions of permanent structures.