March 2016

The City has an active combined sewer outfall at what is proposed the edge of the Riverfront Park replacement property. Raw sewage discharges from this outfall dozens of times a year. The above photo was taken during an unusual January flood. This is just one of the reasons HOI sees the proposed replacement land as not being of at least equivalent fair market value as the existing Riverfront Park property, which does not flood.

The City of Peoria reported that all statements sent in for the public comment opportunity have been sent to the Illinois Dept. of Conservation Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) Office for review, along with the City’s statements regarding their need for sale of 5.8 acres of Riverfront Park. The City is also seeking approval for “replacement property” but our concerns hold that this land is not of at least equal fair market value, which is a requirement under the LWCF conversion rules. The appraisal for the Riverfront Park land is years old. The appraisal for the proposed conversion land was done comparing non-riverfront properties in commercial warehouse type areas. Friends of Riverfront Park are active reviewing city documents and keeping in contact with LWCF offices. This issue is not over. Both IDNR and the National Park Service have to verify the proposals meet requirements.

Closeup: Combined Sewer Overflow Sign