The calendar may not say it, and maybe not the weather either – depending on when you read this – but summer is over. Bradley is back in session and most of Peoria’s schools are teeming with children and young adults.
There has been a lot of activity taking place in our neighborhood since we last met in May at the Annual Meeting and Potluck Dinner. The Peoria Marathon made its way along High Street and down Moss avenue on a crisp, yet sunny morning in mid-May. The race organizers and participants stated how much they appreciated the support of our neighborhood and were impressed by the encouragement shown to the runners.
One of the true signs of summer, the annual Moss Avenue Sale & Festival, took place on a gorgeous Saturday in June. Reports back from the committee charged with the event report a great day of sales and very happy vendors. If you were out on the street that day, you realized how successful this year’s event was. We need to thank Jan Krouse, who has chaired this event for so many years, for her dedication to making this an extraordinary event. And kudos to her entire team for making it work so seamlessly!
We continue to see a revival of two important elements within our boundaries. Earl Power Murphy and his wife Natalia Villanueva Linares are moving forward with their plans to restore the Hale Memorial Church located at the corner of High and Main streets. Their recent month-long Indiegogo crowd funding campaign, along with some additional donations, have provided them the funding to repair portions of the exterior of the building including the roof, gutters, and doors. On July 23, 2014 they received a Certificate of Appropriateness from the Historic Preservation Commission allowing them to commence with the repairs.
Also along Main St., the Renaissance Park Community Association continues to focus their collective energy on projects and events that improve the safety, health, and welfare of our neighbors and make West Main Street/Renaissance Park a better place to live and do business. Two recent events, “Better Blocks Project” proved to be huge success bringing large attendance and introducing our neighborhood to even more people.
This summer has also seen very positive action taken with the Washington School located at 839 Moss. The use proposal, submitted by the Montessori School, was approved first by the MBRA then by the Peoria City Council. According to John Meredith Cox, Head of School for Montessori, plans are to work on the school immediately and begin classes there full-time, Fall of 2015.
The MBRA Board of Directors continues to work closely with Westminster Presbyterian Church on a resolution to their request to replace the existing reader board. The issue first went before the Historic Preservation Commission in May and has been continued to the August meeting. There should be an update on this at the September MBRA membership meeting. There is quite a bit that has gone on in the few short month since May. And much more to take place in the remaining few months of this year.
I hope you enjoy the Fall and the beauty it brings!
Brian Buralli