PEORIA, Ill. – When the weather warms up, people visiting Peoria’s downtown and riverfront areas will be able to enjoy the sun with their meals.
City council approved a pilot program on Tuesday night that would install temporary fencing on city-owned sidewalks and right-of-ways to create sidewalk cafes for restaurants.
The program starts in the spring, and four businesses are initially taking part in it; Ardor Breads and Provisions, Ulrich’s Rebellion Room, Neon Bison, and Kickback on Fulton.
The temporary fencing would be owned by the city and be installed on public sidewalks and right-of-ways to create the sidewalk cafes.
“I think it will elevate our downtown and support our small businesses, in conjunction to that,” said Assistant City Manager Kim Richardson.
The sidewalk cafes would be in place in the warmer months, with the fencing to be put away in the colder months, in order to open up the sidewalks and avoid vandalism. Modstreet, a vendor based in Colorado, will be responsible for installing the fences.
“It could be a real catalyst for really changing the ambiance of our downtown and making it more attractive to more people,” said At-Large Councilman John Kelly.
The cost of the project is $175,000 and will use American Rescue Plan Act funds. In addition to the fencing, it will also fund a pedestrian walkway with two planter boxes on the 600-block of Main Street.
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