This blog is maintained for the sole purpose of allowing the people of Peru and those interested in the cities of the Illinois Valley to express their views.
“It doesn’t take a majority to win, just a tireless minority that will keep starting brush fires in the mind and hearts of their fellow men.” Samuel Adams
Isnt that amazing?! Even the business owners, people who supply jobs to the area, say the change is inferior and the mayor insists he knows better. We desperately need someone new in office.
The managers of the businesses were not at city council meetings before this fiasco and complaining about things. HARL SAYS IT'S BETTER THAN BEFORE---THIS SHOWS HOW DAMN STUPID HE IS! HE SHOULD BE THROWN OUT OF OFFICE! I DON'T CARE HOW BIG HIS WARCHEST IS, I VOTE FOR THE PERSON! COME ON APRIL.
Just read the News tribune.How sad the city of Peru could care less about the impact this stupid intersection change affects local businesses, and could care less about the chaos it causes now at that intersection.The Mayor and council could care less and that is BSh**
Wait till I post the video-basically Harl said to the businesses we dont care you can't prove your business losing money is because of the intersection change. If it wasn't for the businesses who provide those sales tax dollars that Peru prides themselves on Harl would not be able to afford all those road changes and signs he continues to screw up...oops I mean fix.
There is no doubt that something should have been done at the 38th street intersection long ago and that what has been done so far is partially unpopular because it is a change. Most people do not appreciate change. There could not have been a better time to enact this change weather wise, seasonal wise because of the longest daylight of the year, nor traffic wise because it is way before the holidays and giving people ample time to become familiar with new patterns. I would hope that all further improvements would be offered and considered. I also would like to hear what improvements that the businessman north of 38th st. offered as improvements to the existing set-up. As I have already stated all positive input should be weighted but as the firms effected must realize they are within affected by constant change so must the city government be affected by constant change. This time it happens to be roads, tomorrow it may be electrical, the next day it may be water mains. What it will be you can't count on but you can bet change will happen. Lets all make a effort together that it is for the best and fair to all.
It is a disgrace that the businesses were not consulted once during the change of the intersection and asked for their input. Peru better re-evaluate "business friendly" and start saying what they mean and mean what they say because these tactics are exactly why businesses no longer locate or leave Peru and Illinois.
Harls arrogance and smug attitude are sickening. This is why we need meetings recorded for people to watch at home. He treats council members and citizens like crap and has no clue on fairness. He thinks he's the all mighty and we all need to bow down to him. Disgusting! !
11:13 I was waiting for someone to say Home Depot was stretching the truth. Seems people around here are so used to truth stretching and bending they think everyone has to do it to make a point. The facts are that there has been more than enough sample size for a store like Target and Home Depot to calculate exactly what the impact of this change has been, because they have the tools. Measuring key performance indicators called dailies is SOP with major chains, and they are benchmarked against other regional stores . You can track a significant delta sales to the day , say when a promotion starts or someone clogs up an intersection that is absolutely fine 90 % of the sales day. If anything , both Target and Home Depot are under valuing this new drop, because the longer it occurs, the more shopping patterns are changed permanently. Getting a consumer to change a trip pattern to shop at another store is very hard ( our marketing departments worked on it day and night) , and is the reason for blanket coupon promotions and store wide sales. The city seems to have done more for competitor sales in a few days than many thousands of dollars marketing can do in a year. In short this is a REALLY BIG DEAL, and the fact that the major big box retailers were not deeply involved in the planning from the start in so bush league it is beyond comprehension. Stores are closing left and right and the city is relying on Traffic engineers? Excuse me but the best of them do not always have a degree in retail marketing. In fact, of all the things on this city blog, this one may end up being the absolute biggest if any of these big box stores fail. Point us to the STUDY that showed in detail the congestion problems, who was complaining, and what periods were the horrible issue. I am sure one was done, communicate it! Let the damn alderpersons see it before you act. If the advanced traffic lights are too damn expensive ask the retailers to pitch in. I guarantee you they would do that rather than lose the business they WILL LOSE and ARE losing. You can ignore a few pickle ball neighbors, but when you ignore and marginalize a retail store manager you cause real problems. Getting defeated in an election is a drop in the damn bucket compared to losing jobs with benefits. We cant all work for the township!
11:45 Change is not always good. If it affects businesses in a negative manner then it also affects the city in a negative manner. These businesses provide us with the 1/2% sales tax increase that we wanted to fix these roads. If they lose, the city losses, and then the tax payers lose.
Has anyone looked at the long range aspect of what sales have been lost at the Peru Mall and south of 38th street overall because nothing has been done previously or are a few stores going to be the influencing factor in determining Peru roads? If those complaining would direct their time to improving the engineering of Peru roadways with ideas possibly traffic flow could be improved upon. What ideas on improvements did the store managers north of 38th street provide to the city?
A semi could not make that turn on Monday while I was leaving the mall. The semi was attempting to turn right on Venture Dr. I watched him try to back up while cars were behind it also having to back up.
Did someone really record this meeting? And can it be posted on here? Were there really 2 aldermen wanting to table un-seen ordinances for review and the other officials over ruled them? according to the trib alderman Ankeiwitcz asked to table one for review and it was favored by the same officials that wouldn't allow the other to table and review? Was this recorded? I would love to see that and to see how the mayor treated the Peru business owners. I think if the city approves video recording council meetings and posting their behaviors and crooked mentality the City of Peru would soon wake up.
I don't think the Mayor was too happy to see them there as he told them they had 3 minutes each for their comments. I don't think there were any plans to meet with them privately at a different time unless he decides later to get their input.
Harl sucks and the city council won't fight him pu---!I hope some one will stand up and speak their mind and tell him just what he is ! USELESS ! iTS OUR CITY NOT YOURS !
It's obvious after reading the news tribune today that Rodney and Sherry are the odd people out, and it's a shame because those two are without a doubt the most competent when it comes to fairness and transparency. Its a shame being stuck with the "good ol' boys club", and Radtke and Lukosus have obviously moved to that side as well. It's a shame they can't think for themselves and do what is right. I can't wait to see who is going to be running this year against them.
3:35 Looked at the long range aspect of what sales have been lost at the mall and south in the past? Make some sense. How do you look at the long range aspect of the past? What does that mean? Do you want to punish the northern stores for the southern stores lost past sales? I do not think this arrangement is helping the mall that much either. There has always been more than one way to get to and from those Mall stores from the main road. Maybe they should seal up the whole northern entrance areas to the mall. Or better yet, fix the intersection.
This decision is inhibiting traffic and business to the stores to the north and you are scolding them for complaining and not providing input for improvement. I think that's the whole problem. They had no opportunity for input and their complaints now are unwelcome. I say again- where is the congestion study, who complained, and what specific hours were the problem each day? That should have been shared with the mall and the stores to the north and input should have been solicited BEFORE this occurred.
Menards sales were a record above projections this last weekend. Maybe because its easier to get there than Home Depot ! But wait according to Harl-o "you can't prove that one has anything to do with the other" Uhh duh
Menards sales were a record above projections this last weekend. Maybe because its easier to get there than Home Depot ! But wait according to Harl-o "you can't prove that one has anything to do with the other" Uhh duh
Thank you aldermen Mayszak and Perez for listening to the people and speaking up for the people. It's too bad you're outnumbered and not a member of the "club" who have the numbers to out vote you. However, citizens are behind you and your kindness and concern will not go unrewarded. Keep up the good work! It's nice to know that there are aldermen who are doing their jobs - representing their constituents.
It's Election time for Harl. I wonder how Alderman Perez and Mayzak stand in his group of favorite aldermen? This press is not good for a campaign strategy for Harl. Is this a way for Perez to bring down the almighty so he doesnt have to raise the funds? Hmmm, if so it may be a great plan. Time will tell to see who pulls petitions. On another note- did I read the news tribune correctly? Were there 3 ordinances that should have been tabled due to no information given to the alderman to review? If so, was it a 6-2 vote not to table and a 8-0 to table when Alderman Ankeiwitcz asked to review? Has anyone else picked up on what the heck is going on here? Passing ordinances without review? Is this correct or am I reading to far into this article? Lois? Kristy? Someone?
"Post hoc ergo propter hoc" or "After this, therefore because of this" is a logical fallacy. Trying to pin over $1,000,000 in lost sales on a traffic pattern shift that is only two weeks old is beyond belief. Lets look at the other factors - It is quite possible we entered back into recession in June. Retail sales have been declining on a national basis since the end of the first quarter. Gasoline prices have gone up dramatically - reducing consumer purchasing power. Business to Business spending is down considerabley - reminiscent of 2008 to 2009. The heat wave has caused people to delay outdoor projects. If you know me and my politics, you know that I am far from being a Harl supporter. However, a change at this intersection was necessary. I would have liked to see traffic lights, but this seems to be working - IF PEOPLE WILL ALLOW IT TO WORK. People are naturally resistant to change and they rebell against it. But over time, they accept it. The City should monitor the intersection until spring and bring it back up for discussion then. I have a feeling by then everyone will say "we shuld have done this years ago." There are other things that can be done to fix the traffic problem - but it makes no sense at all to try something for two weeks and change it again. Lets let this run for awhile.
HARL HAS GOTTEN HIS PICTURE TAKEN AND TALKED TO A FEW "BIG SHOTS" FROM OTHER TOWNS AND NOW THINKS IF HE SAYS SOMETHING THAT'S THE WAY IT SHOULD BE. TOO BAD I REMEMBER HOW HE WAS AND ALL HE PROMISED WHEN HE GOT ELECTED! SHAME ON YOU SCOTT HARL I WILL NOT SUPPORT YOU AGAIN!!! BIG SHOT PERSONALITIES AND "BETTER THAN YOU ATTITUDES" DO NOT WORK IN THIS SMALL AREA. GO PUSH YOUR UNIONS SOMEWHERE ELSE (MAYBE ITALY)---- CHOW!!!
It was the same issue for the neighbors at 28th St. Park and that goofy pickle ball.....they had no input and their complaints are not welcome. Peru politics are affecting everyone from big business to small neighborhood parks. Would someone on that council please step up to the plate and take control! Someone, anyone. The citizens of Peru deserve better.
Anon 4:33 PM and Lois Quit this constant complaining and do something positive. Where and what are your suggestions to enable a better method of traffic flow in the North 38 St. area? All that's been seen from either of you is a sad case of diaper rash because no one consulted with two aldermen or the store managers. Too bad get on with life and do something productive for Peru besides filling the air with baby powder.
5:31 You are absolutely correct. The 2 ordinances that Perez and Mayszak wanted table were passed. The one Ankiewicz wanted tabled, he succeeded. None of the ordinances apparently were given to the aldermen before the meeting or at any time yet they voted to pass 2 of them. Are you starting to see a pattern here? Your representatives are voting to pass ordinances that they haven't even seen.
6:55 And you think the complicated mess created at that intersection was the answer. I would venture to guess that the traffic situation was not nearly as bad as it was when Wal Mart was located in that area. What good is it to ask for input and suggestions to rectify a supposed problem after the fact. Suggestions should have been sought before any changes were implemented. After purchasing all the signs and paying for the new lines drawn do you honestly think the city would accept a better solution now? Not from a citizen!
First to claify I don't think Home Depot was saying they have lost $1.2 million it was a nice "warning" to the City that I am sure went over the council members heads. You don't think Ottawa would LOVE to welcome Home Depot to their TIF zone? Or LaSalle? Wake up Peru a very very bad decision not to consult any of the businesses till they have already lost revenue.
You know one helluva lot. But trust me, the lost sales take into account the regional and recessional dip you are talking about. You will have a plus minus margin but the annualized sales drop is there and increasing. The odds that the dailies would be performing consistently over a 7 plus day period is astronomical. Would it make you more comfortable if they said it was 850 k? You yourself know that this intersection needs smart stoplights, or even your one way flow pattern. But, pardon my baby powder anon 6:55 , the only option this good old boy network give people is to bitch because they don't ask for any input before decisions. I could try to come up with a smart and witty response to your request that I stop complaining. But I think I will stick with something simple. Maybe a catchy new phrase for the citizens for change. Here is my answer.
I DO BELIEVE AND READ IN A CHICAGO YRIBUNE A FEW MONTHS AGO THAT A FEW HOME DEPOTS HAVE "GONE OUT IF BUSINESS". NAMELY ONE IN OSWEGO,ILLUNOIS. Not far from Peru. FIGURE THIS ONE OUT! Real smart Peru in your common sense with this cluster - - - - !!!!!!!!!! of a intersection!
I did visit that intersection last night at a very busy time. Those pylons are awful. Saw very few people go into Dairy Queen which very surprising as it is usually very busy. The only people who do what the city of Peru wants them to do and go west on 38th street are those who would normally do this. To check this out go down to 36th street and watch that they don't turn left at the stop light and return north on 251. There were only 2 people going east from that intersection and one was going to turn north. There were huge numbers of people turning around in the Hobby Lobby lot and many traveling through the lots to get to the other businesses further north. People doing U turns on both ends of the pylons and of course using the bank parking lot. I am just glad that I don't have to be using it on a daily or even frequent basis. This is not a friendly intersection for semis or any delivery type truck going to the businesses in that area let alone the average person.
If the city is serious about soliciting input now, can they please share with the public, perhaps through Foia or Mr Perez, the past studies or an executive summary of them.
What were the days and times of regular congestion? What solutions were proposed by the engineers along with the cost estimates for each? Is the primary problem a back up of eastbound or westbound traffic? Do left turns need to be entirely eliminated, or could implementation of controlled uturn lanes be an option to increase the effective size of the intersection? People say the complainers should shut up and come up with a plan. Those people should be totally behind all citizens now being allowed to see the past recommendations and past traffic studies. If the decision was passed on a bunch of folks just going by their personal bias and some citizen complaints, without any measurements or real studies, that's a problem.
11:07 AM I agree this was very poorly managed by a few people who felt they could make the changes without any input from the public. First of all this means that they do not value what you may have to say and do not think anyone beside themselves can make such an important decision and have the knowledge to do it. I think we just might have other engineers in this city who are just as knowledgeable as those employed by Chamlin and maybe they would have also had suggestions since they reside here. Sometimes plain ordinary people make profound suggestions. Of course I have been subjected to that "no respect" numerous times. And the 2 second ward aldermen are now getting the same treatment.
Being an effective leader is not always knowing everything and having all the answers. More often at the municipal level, it is about knowing the right questions to ask and being damn sure you are asking the people you are serving. When you include them, they are more invested in the success of all your decisions. Mr. Harl is a mayor not a Pope. Nobody expects infallibility. More importantly, nobody accepts it.
42 comments:
Isnt that amazing?! Even the business owners, people who supply jobs to the area, say the change is inferior and the mayor insists he knows better. We desperately need someone new in office.
The managers of the businesses were not at city council meetings before this fiasco and complaining about things. HARL SAYS IT'S BETTER THAN BEFORE---THIS SHOWS HOW DAMN STUPID HE IS! HE SHOULD BE THROWN OUT OF OFFICE! I DON'T CARE HOW BIG HIS WARCHEST IS, I VOTE FOR THE PERSON! COME ON APRIL.
Just read the News tribune.How sad the city of Peru could care less about the impact this stupid intersection change affects local businesses, and could care less about the chaos it causes now at that intersection.The Mayor and council could care less and that is BSh**
Plus he made a point to the press that they say "IDOT approved it " .
pass the buck. Blame it on IDOT!
What a tool Harl is! !
1.2 million dollars in lost revenue from Home Depot was reported by the Newstribune. Are we stretching the truth a little?
Wait till I post the video-basically Harl said to the businesses we dont care you can't prove your business losing money is because of the intersection change. If it wasn't for the businesses who provide those sales tax dollars that Peru prides themselves on Harl would not be able to afford all those road changes and signs he continues to screw up...oops I mean fix.
Kristy
There is no doubt that something should have been done at the 38th street intersection long ago and that what has been done so far is partially unpopular because it is a change. Most people do not appreciate change.
There could not have been a better time to enact this change weather wise, seasonal wise because of the longest daylight of the year, nor traffic wise because it is way before the holidays and giving people ample time to become familiar with new patterns.
I would hope that all further improvements would be offered and considered. I also would like to hear what improvements that the businessman north of 38th st. offered as improvements to the existing set-up. As I have already stated all positive input should be weighted but as the firms effected must realize they are within affected by constant change so must the city government be affected by constant change. This time it happens to be roads, tomorrow it may be electrical, the next day it may be water mains. What it will be you can't count on but you can bet change will happen. Lets all make a effort together that it is for the best and fair to all.
It is a disgrace that the businesses were not consulted once during the change of the intersection and asked for their input. Peru better re-evaluate "business friendly" and start saying what they mean and mean what they say because these tactics are exactly why businesses no longer locate or leave Peru and Illinois.
Kristy
Harls arrogance and smug attitude are sickening. This is why we need meetings recorded for people to watch at home. He treats council members and citizens like crap and has no clue on fairness. He thinks he's the all mighty and we all need to bow down to him.
Disgusting! !
11:13
I was waiting for someone to say Home Depot was stretching the truth. Seems people around here are so used to truth stretching and bending they think everyone has to do it to make a point. The facts are that there has been more than enough sample size for a store like Target and Home Depot to calculate exactly what the impact of this change has been, because they have the tools. Measuring key performance indicators called dailies is SOP with major chains, and they are benchmarked against other regional stores . You can track a significant delta sales to the day , say when a promotion starts or someone clogs up an intersection that is absolutely fine 90 % of the sales day.
If anything , both Target and Home Depot are under valuing this new drop, because the longer it occurs, the more shopping patterns are changed permanently. Getting a consumer to change a trip pattern to shop at another store is very hard ( our marketing departments worked on it day and night) , and is the reason for blanket coupon promotions and store wide sales. The city seems to have done more for competitor sales in a few days than many thousands of dollars marketing can do in a year.
In short this is a REALLY BIG DEAL, and the fact that the major big box retailers were not deeply involved in the planning from the start in so bush league it is beyond comprehension. Stores are closing left and right and the city is relying on Traffic engineers? Excuse me but the best of them do not always have a degree in retail marketing. In fact, of all the things on this city blog, this one may end up being the absolute biggest if any of these big box stores fail.
Point us to the STUDY that showed in detail the congestion problems, who was complaining, and what periods were the horrible issue. I am sure one was done, communicate it! Let the damn alderpersons see it before you act. If the advanced traffic lights are too damn expensive ask the retailers to pitch in. I guarantee you they would do that rather than lose the business they WILL LOSE and ARE losing.
You can ignore a few pickle ball neighbors, but when you ignore and marginalize a retail store manager you cause real problems. Getting defeated in an election is a drop in the damn bucket compared to losing jobs with benefits. We cant all work for the township!
11:45 Change is not always good. If it affects businesses in a negative manner then it also affects the city in a negative manner. These businesses provide us with the 1/2% sales tax increase that we wanted to fix these roads. If they lose, the city losses, and then the tax payers lose.
Has anyone looked at the long range aspect of what sales have been lost at the Peru Mall and south of 38th street overall because nothing has been done previously or are a few stores going to be the influencing factor in determining Peru roads?
If those complaining would direct their time to improving the engineering of Peru roadways with ideas possibly traffic flow could be improved upon. What ideas on improvements did the store managers north of 38th street provide to the city?
A semi could not make that turn on Monday while I was leaving the mall. The semi was attempting to turn right on Venture Dr. I watched him try to back up while cars were behind it also having to back up.
Did someone really record this meeting? And can it be posted on here? Were there really 2 aldermen wanting to table un-seen ordinances for review and the other officials over ruled them? according to the trib alderman Ankeiwitcz asked to table one for review and it was favored by the same officials that wouldn't allow the other to table and review? Was this recorded? I would love to see that and to see how the mayor treated the Peru business owners.
I think if the city approves video recording council meetings and posting their behaviors and crooked mentality the City of Peru would soon wake up.
3:35 PM
I don't think the Mayor was too happy to see them there as he told them they had 3 minutes each for their comments. I don't think there were any plans to meet with them privately at a different time unless he decides later to get their input.
I think they should rename it ADVENTURE DRIVE!
I will now shop at Menards's, McDonalds's, Taco Bell, and Citizens Bank.
Harl sucks and the city council won't fight him pu---!I hope some one will stand up and speak their mind and tell him just what he is !
USELESS ! iTS OUR CITY NOT YOURS !
It's obvious after reading the news tribune today that Rodney and Sherry are the odd people out, and it's a shame because those two are without a doubt the most competent when it comes to fairness and transparency. Its a shame being stuck with the "good ol' boys club", and Radtke and Lukosus have obviously moved to that side as well. It's a shame they can't think for themselves and do what is right. I can't wait to see who is going to be running this year against them.
3:35 Looked at the long range aspect of what sales have been lost at the mall and south in the past? Make some sense. How do you look at the long range aspect of the past? What does that mean? Do you want to punish the northern stores for the southern stores lost past sales? I do not think this arrangement is helping the mall that much either.
There has always been more than one way to get to and from those Mall stores from the main road. Maybe they should seal up the whole northern entrance areas to the mall. Or better yet, fix the intersection.
This decision is inhibiting traffic and business to the stores to the north and you are scolding them for complaining and not providing input for improvement. I think that's the whole problem. They had no opportunity for input and their complaints now are unwelcome. I say again- where is the congestion study, who complained, and what specific hours were the problem each day? That should have been shared with the mall and the stores to the north and input should have been solicited BEFORE this occurred.
4:09
I think we should put that in the Suggestion Box
Menards sales were a record above projections this last weekend. Maybe because its easier to get there than Home Depot !
But wait according to Harl-o "you can't prove that one has anything to do with the other"
Uhh duh
Menards sales were a record above projections this last weekend. Maybe because its easier to get there than Home Depot !
But wait according to Harl-o "you can't prove that one has anything to do with the other"
Uhh duh
Thank you aldermen Mayszak and Perez for listening to the people and speaking up for the people. It's too bad you're outnumbered and not a member of the "club" who have the numbers to out vote you. However, citizens are behind you and your kindness and concern will not go unrewarded. Keep up the good work! It's nice to know that there are aldermen who are doing their jobs - representing their constituents.
It's Election time for Harl. I wonder how Alderman Perez and Mayzak stand in his group of favorite aldermen? This press is not good for a campaign strategy for Harl. Is this a way for Perez to bring down the almighty so he doesnt have to raise the funds? Hmmm, if so it may be a great plan. Time will tell to see who pulls petitions. On another note- did I read the news tribune correctly? Were there 3 ordinances that should have been tabled due to no information given to the alderman to review? If so, was it a 6-2 vote not to table and a 8-0 to table when Alderman Ankeiwitcz asked to review? Has anyone else picked up on what the heck is going on here? Passing ordinances without review? Is this correct or am I reading to far into this article? Lois? Kristy? Someone?
Yes I have the video and I will be posting it on YouTube to post in the blog.
Kristy
"Post hoc ergo propter hoc" or "After this, therefore because of this" is a logical fallacy. Trying to pin over $1,000,000 in lost sales on a traffic pattern shift that is only two weeks old is beyond belief. Lets look at the other factors -
It is quite possible we entered back into recession in June. Retail sales have been declining on a national basis since the end of the first quarter. Gasoline prices have gone up dramatically - reducing consumer purchasing power. Business to Business spending is down considerabley - reminiscent of 2008 to 2009.
The heat wave has caused people to delay outdoor projects.
If you know me and my politics, you know that I am far from being a Harl supporter. However, a change at this intersection was necessary. I would have liked to see traffic lights, but this seems to be working - IF PEOPLE WILL ALLOW IT TO WORK. People are naturally resistant to change and they rebell against it. But over time, they accept it. The City should monitor the intersection until spring and bring it back up for discussion then. I have a feeling by then everyone will say "we shuld have done this years ago." There are other things that can be done to fix the traffic problem - but it makes no sense at all to try something for two weeks and change it again. Lets let this run for awhile.
HARL HAS GOTTEN HIS PICTURE TAKEN AND TALKED TO A FEW "BIG SHOTS" FROM OTHER TOWNS AND NOW THINKS IF HE SAYS SOMETHING THAT'S THE WAY IT SHOULD BE. TOO BAD I REMEMBER HOW HE WAS AND ALL HE PROMISED WHEN HE GOT ELECTED! SHAME ON YOU SCOTT HARL I WILL NOT SUPPORT YOU AGAIN!!! BIG SHOT PERSONALITIES AND "BETTER THAN YOU ATTITUDES" DO NOT WORK IN THIS SMALL AREA. GO PUSH YOUR UNIONS SOMEWHERE ELSE (MAYBE ITALY)---- CHOW!!!
It was the same issue for the neighbors at 28th St. Park and that goofy pickle ball.....they had no input and their complaints are not welcome. Peru politics are affecting everyone from big business to small neighborhood parks. Would someone on that council please step up to the plate and take control! Someone, anyone. The citizens of Peru deserve better.
Anon 4:33 PM and Lois Quit this constant complaining and do something positive. Where and what are your suggestions to enable a better method of traffic flow in the North 38 St. area?
All that's been seen from either of you is a sad case of diaper rash because no one consulted with two aldermen or the store managers. Too bad get on with life and do something productive for Peru besides filling the air with baby powder.
5:31 You are absolutely correct. The 2 ordinances that Perez and Mayszak wanted table were passed. The one Ankiewicz wanted tabled, he succeeded. None of the ordinances apparently were given to the aldermen before the meeting or at any time yet they voted to pass 2 of them. Are you starting to see a pattern here? Your representatives are voting to pass ordinances that they haven't even seen.
6:55 And you think the complicated mess created at that intersection was the answer. I would venture to guess that the traffic situation was not nearly as bad as it was when Wal Mart was located in that area. What good is it to ask for input and suggestions to rectify a supposed problem after the fact. Suggestions should have been sought before any changes were implemented. After purchasing all the signs and paying for the new lines drawn do you honestly think the city would accept a better solution now? Not from a citizen!
First to claify I don't think Home Depot was saying they have lost $1.2 million it was a nice "warning" to the City that I am sure went over the council members heads. You don't think Ottawa would LOVE to welcome Home Depot to their TIF zone? Or LaSalle? Wake up Peru a very very bad decision not to consult any of the businesses till they have already lost revenue.
Kristy
Brian
You know one helluva lot. But trust me, the lost sales take into account the regional and recessional dip you are talking about. You will have a plus minus margin but the annualized sales drop is there and increasing. The odds that the dailies would be performing consistently over a 7 plus day period is astronomical. Would it make you more comfortable if they said it was 850 k?
You yourself know that this intersection needs smart stoplights, or even your one way flow pattern. But, pardon my baby powder anon 6:55 , the only option this good old boy network give people is to bitch because they don't ask for any input before decisions. I could try to come up with a smart and witty response to your request that I stop complaining. But I think I will stick with something simple. Maybe a catchy new phrase for the citizens for change. Here is my answer.
No!
Put it on a bumper sticker.
If Home Depot had wanted to go to Ottawa they would have been there.
Dairy Queen traffic is down to nothing. If they are hurting so are the others.
Why would Home Depot go to Ottawa?
I DO BELIEVE AND READ IN A CHICAGO YRIBUNE A FEW MONTHS AGO THAT A FEW HOME DEPOTS HAVE "GONE OUT IF BUSINESS". NAMELY ONE IN OSWEGO,ILLUNOIS. Not far from Peru. FIGURE THIS ONE OUT! Real smart Peru in your common sense with this cluster - - - - !!!!!!!!!! of a intersection!
I did visit that intersection last night at a very busy time. Those pylons are awful.
Saw very few people go into Dairy Queen which very surprising as it is usually very busy. The only people who do what the city of Peru wants them to do and go west on 38th street are those who would normally do this. To check this out go down to 36th street and watch that they don't turn left at the stop light and return north on 251. There were only 2 people going east from that intersection and one was going to turn north.
There were huge numbers of people turning around in the Hobby Lobby lot and many traveling through the lots to get to the other businesses further north. People doing U turns on both ends of the pylons and of course using the bank parking lot.
I am just glad that I don't have to be using it on a daily or even frequent basis.
This is not a friendly intersection for semis or any delivery type truck going to the businesses in that area let alone the average person.
If the city is serious about soliciting input now, can they please share with the public, perhaps through Foia or Mr Perez, the past studies or an executive summary of them.
What were the days and times of regular congestion?
What solutions were proposed by the engineers along with the cost estimates for each?
Is the primary problem a back up of eastbound or westbound traffic?
Do left turns need to be entirely eliminated, or could implementation of controlled uturn lanes be an option to increase the effective size of the intersection?
People say the complainers should shut up and come up with a plan. Those people should be totally behind all citizens now being allowed to see the past recommendations and past traffic studies. If the decision was passed on a bunch of folks just going by their personal bias and some citizen complaints, without any measurements or real studies, that's a problem.
11:07 AM
I agree this was very poorly managed by a few people who felt they could make the changes without any input from the public. First of all this means that they do not value what you may have to say and do not think anyone beside themselves can make such an important decision and have the knowledge to do it.
I think we just might have other engineers in this city who are just as knowledgeable as those employed by Chamlin and maybe they would have also had suggestions since they reside here. Sometimes plain ordinary people make profound suggestions. Of course I have been subjected to that "no respect" numerous times. And the 2 second ward aldermen are now getting the same treatment.
Lois,
Being an effective leader is not always knowing everything and having all the answers. More often at the municipal level, it is about knowing the right questions to ask and being damn sure you are asking the people you are serving. When you include them, they are more invested in the success of all your decisions.
Mr. Harl is a mayor not a Pope. Nobody expects infallibility.
More importantly, nobody accepts it.
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