by Marjorie Klise
As we look out over a new year it is always wise to look at those issues that cause concern for the neighborhood. We are fortunate to be well organized in the West Bluff. We have the strength to address our concerns. We may be able to find solutions. Two of these concerns that need our attention are grocery shopping and internet service. We are losing the neighborhood Aldi’s store and our area is not served by AT&T as far as fiber optic availability is concerned.
Aldi’s has been a vital part of this neighborhood’s grocery shopping for several years. It is a convenient place to shop. It is small enough to allow us to get in and out efficiently. It has wonderful fresh produce, quality canned goods and unique ‘specials’ to perk up our dining experience. This store provided the only national chain shopping opportunity between Harmon Highway and the 4200 block of Sheridan or the 3300 block of Sterling. We have seen what happens to neighborhoods that have no stores and it is not a good sight! Can we do anything to re-attract this business to our area?
The second issue is that AT&T provides many of us with our Internet connection. But it has been noticed that this service is very slow and below normal power. According to one of their technicians who came to my house to investigate this deficiency, AT&T has chosen to target their resources and install fiber optic potential in the northern end of Peoria…and they have NO plans for updating those of us who live in the West Bluff. Large institutions (i.e. Bradley University) have their own program so they aren’t pressuring AT&T for that update. We can certainly sign up for Comcast or other cable connection (which have their own problems) but why should we have to?
Please plan to attend our monthly neighborhood meetings where we can voice our preferences as to how we should address these two areas. We are presently under-served as far as vital services are concerned. As a group we are strong. As individuals our needs and opinions are easily over-looked.
The views and opinions expressed herein are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Moss Bradley Residential Associations or its Board of Directors