City Addresses Removal Of Renaissance Park Community Garden

Press release from the City of Peoria:

The City of Peoria is aware of several statements that have been made regarding the removal of the Renaissance Park Community Association Community Garden, located near the intersection of West Main and Sheridan.

For several years, the former owner of the M & G One gas station, located at 640 W. Main Street, allowed a portion of his property to be used for a community garden that would be maintained by volunteers. Although the garden area was taken care of for several years, regular maintenance and attention to the area has declined significantly. In addition to lax mowing and planting beds with weeds, the area has been strewn with discarded liquor bottles, food, drug paraphernalia, litter, and garbage. Unfortunately, there have also been incidents of public urination and defecation at the property.

The new owner of the gas station indicated an interest in renovating and expanding the gas station and has been working in partnership with the City to try and keep the area maintained. The removal of the garden was done in preparation for that planning. Working in partnership with the property owner and the City, a contractor removed assets from the garden, including artwork, a picnic bench, stage, benches and other items and placed them in storage for the volunteers until other arrangements are made. The contractor applied grass seed to the area that was cleared.

This press release was produced by the City of Peoria. The views expressed here are the author’s own.