Community Vision Workshops
Session 1
• www.IIRA.org
www.IIRA.org
2016
Illinois Institute for Rural Affairs
Making a Difference in Rural Illinois
www.IIRA.org
The Communtiy Vision
Workshops are sponsored by:
StudioK
The Milk Moustache
Juniper and Mae
Beck Oil Company
Kramers Kitchen
The Kompany
Program Facilitated By:
Illinois Institute for Rural Affairs
Gisele Hamm, Program Manager
Linda Lee Blaine, Outreach Specialist
Tel: 309-298-4019 or 800-526-9943
Supported by Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity
Data Summary
Table of Contents
Data Summary...............................................................................................3
The Princeton Timeline ...................................................................................4-5
Challenges....................................................................................................6-7
Assets .........................................................................................................8-11
High Priority Goals ........................................................................................12-14
Participants
Mark Austin
Jennifer Forristall
Carol McGee
Brenda Streit
Andy Austin
Ginger Freeburg
Kelly Morris
Carolyn Stull
Bill Beneke
Kim Frey
Colton Pate
Mike Stutzke
Adri Blanford
Mindy Fritz
Joel Quiram
Sue Stutzke
Steve Bouslog
Brian Gift
Lori Rumbold
Robin Swift
Rick Brooks
Tim Goodrum
Don Saletzki
Randy Swift
Hope Browning
Kim Hanke
Todd Salsman
Elise Swinford
Gary Bruce
Pete Heiden
Drew Schlumpf
Brian Taylor
Todd Burrows
David Hornbaker
Ben Schmidt
Joshua Taylor
Carolyn Campbell
Shannon Hoschtatter
Annette Schnabel
Esther Tracy
Tori Clark
Ryan Keutzer
Jay Schneider
Mary VanKeulen
Emily Cook
Mary Kramer
Kim Scott
Mike Vaughn
Nathan Cook
Tim Kunkel
Colleen Sissel
Randy Warren
Stephanie Coomer
Pam Lange
Jeff Sitterly
Terry Weiss
Ann Crosby
Ken M (??)
Rachel Skaggs
Cheryle Williams
Kay Cushman
Dan Martinkus
Jim Smith
Sallee Zearing
Jeff Dean
Laura Massey
Sue Spratt
Terri Zearing
Jan Esme
Matt May
John Standley
Michael Zearing
Steve Esme
Janelle McCarter
Beth Standley
Ben Fisher
Patrick McCauley
Melissa Steele
What’s Next for Princeton?
SESSION 2 - Today
3Identify high priority goals and build consensus for a desired future vision
3Brainstorm strategies
SESSION 3 -- November 3, 2016
3Prioritize strategies
3Brainstorm projects
2
Population:
• Growing population increased from 7,501 in 2000 to 7,660 in 2010
• Household income of $42,148, lower than both the US ($53,482) or state ($57,166) median household
incomes
• 16.3% of the population is in poverty (U.S. rate is 15.6%)
• 23.2% of households have an income less than $25,000
Worker Inflow/Outflow:
• 1,336 live and work in Princeton
• 3,719 people drive into the city to work
• 2,117 people drive out of Princeton to work
Retail Firms:
• Princeton gained a net 11 retail businesses from 2002 to 2015
• Net 6 retail businesses were gained in Bureau County from 2002 to 2015
• In 2014, 27.8% of sales were in ‘General Merchandise’, but in 2015, the number was not released because
the sector had less than 4 businesses.
• ‘Automotive and Filling Stations’ is a very large sector as well, making up 30.6% of all sales in 2015
• Weakest sector in 2014 was ‘Apparel’ with only .5% of sales and .58 pull factor, but in 2015, the ‘Apparel’
sector was not reported due to a lack of sufficient businesses
Pull Factors:
• Princeton overall pull factor was 1.82 in 2001, but decreased slightly to 1.81 in 2015
• Pull factor for ‘General Merchandise’ was 3.57 in 2014—a significant increase from 2.23 pull factor in 2001
• ‘Automotive and Filling Stations’ had a pull factor of 2.17 in 2001 and increased to a pull factor of 2.28 in
2015
• ‘Manufacturers’ increased significantly from a pull factor of .56 in 2001 to a pull factor of 2.3 in 2014 (but
only 2.9% of sales)
‘Real’ Retail Sales:
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Princeton sales decreased 3.4% from 2001 to 2015, while downstate decreased 1.1%
From 2002 to 2014, Princeton had large percentage gains in ‘General Merchandise’ (25.3%)
The manufacturing sector had an increase of 267.7% from 2001 to 2015, but was only 2.9% of sales
Two sectors that declined notably were ‘Food’ (-53.6%) and ‘Furniture Household and Radio’ (-69.4%)
Walmart sales are generally not included in ‘food’ because they are counted under general merchandise
Surplus/Leakage
• In 2001, Princeton had a 70.8% surplus and by 2015, the surplus had declined to 61.5%
• The highest surplus for the period was in 2005 with a 92.8% surplus
• The lowest surplus was in 2013 with a 51.9% surplus
• Bureau County had a leakage of between $80 and $191 million during the 2001 to 2015 period
3
The Princeton Timeline
The Princeton Timeline
• All Elms die
1970s
Negative
• American House fire
1980s
• Lost NAPA Store
• Closing of Harper Wymen
• South Main fire
• Eagle’s closed
• Hornsby’s closed
• Skate-A-Rama
• American House torn down
• Pioneer leaves, retail takes hit
Negative
• Bogo’s closing
1990s
• Bureau County Fair began
• Apollo opens
• I-80
• Homestead Festival started
• LCN opens
• LTV Steel opens
• PHS
• Railroad
Positive
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Princeton Farmtime closed
Old Matson Library abandoned
Harper Wyman closes
Green River Books closed
Oak Room closed
9-11
Street trees cut down
Furniture stores have closed
Habanero’s
Positive
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• Closet opens
• Homestead Festival
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Negative
• Walmart opened
• LTV
• Spurgeon’s closed
• Cheddar House closed
• Dying of elms
• Walmart expanded
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Positive
2000s
Negative
Negative
Negative
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Positive
• Sophisticuts
• 1989 2nd in state PHS football
• Hornbaker’s
• J & J Drive Through
Positive
• Ace Hardware
• Walmart comes to Princeton
• Opened Paper Horse North Main
• Amtrak
• Ace DC opened
• 4 Seasons apparel opens
• PHS auditorium renovation
• Tiskilwa – Princeton High School integration
• Bulls champs (Jostens makes rings)
• Beetz Me
• Homestead
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2010s
1960s & Before
Positive and Negative Significant Events
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Citizens Bank failed
Loss of local banks
Too many banks
Sherwood Antique Mall closed
Perry Memorial no longer delivering
children
Raised red historic building next to Subway
Habanero’s burned down
Tore up brick street on S. Church
Lamp Post closes
Zearing Park renovation
The Makery opens
Industrial Park built on NE side of town
Bureau County Genealogy Society opened
Change of ownership – Apollo Theatre
New Library opened
Festival 56
Walmart moves
Guys n’ Gals Salon
Captain Swift bridge
Open Prairie United Church of Christ was established 1st open
and affirming church in Princeton
Flags of Freedom installed
North End rebirth
Central Bank
Sidewalk improvement on W. Side of N. Main
Bead Buzz
Stock car races ended
Kramer’s Kitchen
Downstate Operator Assistance Program passed returns retail
tax dollars spent in county to support public transportation –
currently exceeds $900,000 annually
AmericInn
The Closet opened
Positive
• Z tour
• St. Jude fund raiser - $27,000 in one evening
• Flour House opens
• 4+20 restaurant opened
• Hornbaker’s opens
• Farmers market
• Progressive mayor elected (Mayor Quiram)
• Main street concerts
• Food pantry Main Street
• The Barn
• New Ace opens
• Spoons
• Knox Hotel renovation
• Kompany opens
• Milk Mustache
• Rick Brooks moves to town
• Beach Boys sold out at Bureau County Fair
• Tearing down Darius Miller Building
• Juniper & Mae open
• Moving Farmer’s Market S. Main
• Outdoor dining
• Music on Main
• BC Tech Moves to North Main St.
• Rodeo Taco opens
• Niel & Shorty’s opens
• Darius Miller Park re-imagined
• Downtown block and music festivals
• Dr. Godbole returned
• Painted columns on City Hall
• Oktoberfest
• St. Marg Clinic
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Challenges
Challenges
Community Engagement/Attitude (13)
Business and community involvement
Encourage other business owners to support other Main
Street businesses
Lack of volunteers
People fearing change
Discontentment (citizens)
Unifying organization
Locals stay local
Not kid/family friendly
Levels of commitment varies
Lack of support for local businesses
Resistance to change
Lack of common direction and vision
Signage (11)
Attractive signage on I-80 for visitors
Permanent signs
Wayfinding signs
Outside advertising
Signage (standard)
Outdated sign ordinances
Lack of signage and wayfinding
Signage
Business signs
Lack of signage to lead people downtown
Signage (more and improved)
Marketing and Promotion (8)
Bringing I-80 visitors to Main Street
Continuity of the aesthetics—lighting, building color
Informing visitors
Drawing in people from I-80
Marketing
Encourages shoppers to all of the Main Street businesses
How to draw from the I-80 to Main Street (resources are
there)
Advertising
Shopping Hours (5)
Inconsistent shopping hours
Inconsistent merchant hours of operations
Business hours
Consistent shop hours
Shopping hours/days
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Two Main Streets(4)
Cohesiveness between the two town centers
Two districts with residential separation (competition,
lack of unity)
Continuity between Main Street districts
Two separate Main Streets
Jobs/Businesses/Economic Development (20)
Putting small businesses as a priority and investing in
them
Employment opportunities
Opportunities for millennials
How to increase disposable dollars to tourism or for
residents
A good martini
Lack of grocery store
Incentives for local producers
More variety (businesses)
Something other than shopping
Year round farmers market
Need variety of restaurants (include sit down places)
Lack of microbrewery
Lack of fine dining/entertainment
Jobs
Lodging
Underutilizing artisans
Lack of variety
The fact that this has been a long term issue that was not
resolved with the interstate
Lack of accessibility (ADA)
Transportation/Traffic/Walkability (11)
Transportation
Lack of transportation from railroad station
Transportation (taxis)
Traffic crossings
Traffic management if plan works
Need to be “bike friendly”
Traffic patterns during events
Not bike/pedestrian friendly (rocks, paths, etc.)
More pedestrian friendly
Bicycle friendliness/racks
Snow removal
Infrastructure/Streetscaping/Aesthetics (32)
Deteriorating infrastructure
Street infrastructure issues as step away from Main
Street
Infrastructure and sidewalks
Parking lots (improvement)
Additional parking
Parking availability
Parking (3)
Signage for parking
Deteriorating and safety of sidewalks, curbs, and gutters
Infrastructure disrepair
Darius Miller Park, train depot—parking lot and roads
Utility wires and poles
Overhead power lines
Benches, not inviting garbage receptacles
Lighting
Christmas lights all year long
I-80 interchange is ugly
Parking lots unattractive
Unkempt and smelly service areas
Unkempt alleys
City entrances more appealing
Room for landscaping
Lacks green
Lack of greenery
Greenery/plantings
Landscaping
Uniformity between north and south and all in between
(streetscape)
Porta-potties
Depot—surrounding area
Upper floors unattractive—add new coverings
Funding/Investment (6)
Funding
Money (2)
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Community Engagement/Attitude (13)
Signage (9)
Marketing/Promotion(12)
Shopping Hours (5)
Two Main Streets(4)
Jobs/Businesses/Employment (20)
Funds/investing
Resources
Lack of private funding
Empty and/or deteriorating buildings/lots (24)
Underutilized space (lots)
Resistant owners
Stubborn building owners
Building maintenance
Absentee building owners
Lots of empty storefronts
Managing older properties
Motivating reluctant owners
Building disrepair
Void where Habeneros used to be
Rundown buildings
Empty storefronts
Deteriorating buildings
Awnings
Storage storefronts
Facades—unmaintained
Empty buildings (4)
Unoccupied buildings
Empty business spaces
Empty spaces by where fire was
Building usage (underutilized or misused—TACKY!!)
Miscellaneous (6)
Lack of “millennial” magnets
Affordability
Lack of activities for kids
Activities for younger people
Hotels
Places to stay
Themes
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Infrastructure/Streetscaping/Aesthetics(32)
Lack of Funding/Investment (6)
Empty and/or deteriorating buildings/lots (24)
Miscellaneous (6)
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Transportation and Location (30)
Assets
Assets
City services
Festivals/Events/Activities/Attractions (46)
I-80 (2)
Good City services
Events
Family friendly
I-80 interchange
Electric department can generate own electricity
Events (Homestead, etc.)
Forming neighborhood communities
Interstate access
City-owned power
Supporting tours
Dedicated affluent resident base
Location (I-80)
Police/fire
Chamber events
Housing for the seniors—assisted living
Routes I-80, 34, 6, and 26
Police and fire protection
Festival 56 (8)
Growing number of young families
Routes 34, 6, 26
Public service is excellent
Theater—Festival 56
Millennials coming back
Routes I-80, 6, 34
Vibrant well-run library
Street concerts
Boomerang people (2)
Busiest interstate in nation
Functional library (good programs)
Homestead Festival
Young people back
Illinois River Road
Library (3)
Homestead (3)
Investors—successful projects
Generally roadways are good (compared to others)
Media
Lovejoy Homestead
Community spirit
Proximity to Chicago/Peoria/Rockford/Quad Cities
Options for meetings
Z Tour (2)
Highways
Little Free Libraries
Parade
Schools (4)
Crossroads—lots of highways
Free parking
More on 34
Schools
Location (2)
Off-street parking
BC Fair
Good schools
County fair
Public schools
School system
Easy to find
Passion for Princeton
Large populations nearby
Historic Infrastructure (29)
Fair
Train depot
Landmarks
Cultural events
Train station
Historical buildings
Festivals on Main
Organizations/Churches/Charitable (13)
Amtrak (4)
Architecture (2)
Live music
Churches (2)
Train
Historic homes
Concerts
Volunteer organizations
Amtrak/Depot
Victorian houses
50/50
Strong community organizations
Depot
Beautiful homes
Shadows the blue and grey
Active service clubs and volunteers
Amtrak—Depot building
Nicely maintained historical homes
Soldiers and Sailors (3)
Clubs
Airport options
Progressive history
Flags of Freedom (3)
Awesome chamber
Trolley
Historical landmarks
Civil War monuments
Chamber is doing an awesome job!
Historic infrastructure
Community music
Strong chamber
Arts (8)
Historic buildings (2)
Nightlife
Active chamber
Artistic talent
Historic landmark museums
Farmers market (2)
Community Partners Against Substance Abuse (CPASA)
Arts (2)
History (4)
Courthouse square (2)
Gateway Services
Promotion of music/art
Historic high school and other buildings on Main
Beautiful city hall
Hunting/sportsman clubs
Theatre (2)
Historical museum
Theater group
Genealogical society
Good/Caring People/Community (17)
Community band
Unique architecture
Friendly faces
Architecture
Pride
Brick streets (4)
Intergenerational cooperation
Infrastructure/Public Services (19)
Community resources
Nice post office
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Covered bridges
Bridges
People
Friendliness
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Parks and Recreation/Geography (14)
Assets
Assets
New businesses
Safety (5)
Canal—state park
Opportunities for new businesses
Low crime rate
Signage—when utilized
Number of parks
Storefronts filling
City parks
Improving occupancy
Safety
Building improvements
Parks (2)
Ample space—opportunities
Relative safety
Refurbished facades
Great parks
Potential of empty space
Safe community
Chamber—Building Improvement Grant
Zearing Park—lots of parks
Outdoor dining
Family safety
Inexpensive/affordable
Number of parks
Outdoor dining additions
Vacation areas (ie: Lake Thunderbird)
Industrial parks (underutilized!!)
Medical (6)
Ray Mabry
Exercise places
Knowledgeable staff
Two clinics—hospital, medical care
Kim Frey
Fitness options
Business support local services and organizations
Gyms
New businesses
New Perry Clinic
Motivated mayor
Youth sports
Motivated youth (business owners/committed)
Perry Memorial Hospital
Increased awareness of what is going on at the north end
Fairgrounds
Hoffmans
Accessible healthcare
Unique places—not all the same
Hospital
Character
AmericInn
Miscellaneous (16)
Compact enough to walk
Aesthetics (5)
Main Street restaurants
City-owned hospital
Amenities
Flower pots
Dairy Queen
Hospital
Silo
Lots of mature trees
Great hardware store
New trees
Antiques
Green spaces
Movie theater
Landscaping expertise
Functioning movie theater
Apollo Theater (2)
Large residential lots
County Seat (5)
Second story
County seat (3)
Courthouse (being the county seat)
Being the county seat
Business and Industry (57)
Restaurants
Manufacturing
Lots of pizza!
Farming
New dining
Agriculture
Increased dining options
Agricultural economy brings money to town
Number of places to eat for size
Destination businesses
Ace
Two unique business districts
Ace offers variety to keep in town
• Transportation and Location (30)
• Festivals/Events/Activities/Attractions (46)
Two business districts
Ace Distribution—largest in the world!
Two downtown areas that are viable
Lumberyard
• County Seat (5)
• Schools (4)
Can find unique gifts
Metro Center (2)
• Medical (6)
• Good/Caring People/Community (17)
Shops
Hornbakers Gardens (2)
• Safety (5)
• Historic Infrastructure (29)
Unique shops
Patterns of Past (businesses that draw)
Friendly shop owners
Newspaper and radio station
• Business and Industry (57)
• Infrastructure/Public Services (19)
Can spend a day here shopping
Nice hotels
• Aesthetics (5)
• Transportation and Location (30)
Friendly businesses
Nice daycare
• Parks and Recreation/Geography (14)
• Arts (8)
Supportive/dedicated business owners
Vet clinics
• Organizations (13)
• Miscellaneous (16)
Longstanding/generational businesses
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Themes
11
Brainstormed Goals
Beautification and Infrastructure
1. Princeton’s Main Street is known for its well-preserved historic architecture, beautiful squares and streetscapes,
and well-maintained infrastructure. Programs and incentives have assisted building owners in renovating their
building facades, and attractive kiosks and wayfinding signs, landscaping, sidewalk furniture, and other design
elements make the Main Street Historic District(s) inviting and easy to navigate.
Possible strategies or projects:
• Add trees to streetscaping plan
• Add more greenspace and landscaping
• Develop pocket parks
• Add lights over streets to create a positive ambiance
• Plant a variety of trees to create arboretum
• Inventory current trees
• Add planters to Elm/Main parking lot
• Add benches and garbage cans along South Main Street
• Develop a sponsorship program for benches/trees, etc.
• Develop a row of trees along west end of depot lot
• Investigate adding murals
• Install lighting at community entrance signs
• Develop Mary Utoff memorial pocket park south of the pharmacy on south Main
Retail, Dining & Entertainment
2. Princeton’s Main Street is a vibrant retail and dining destination. Unique shops, a variety of restaurants from
haute cuisine to comfort foods, and a variety of entertainment including live music, draw customers from near
and far. A variety of lodging options allows visitors to stay in Princeton and enjoy all the city has to offer.
Possible strategies or projects:
• Encourage the development of establishments such as Air B&B, VRBO, etc.
• Attract a bed and breakfast
• Develop a shop local campaign
• Coordinate a cash mob program
• Develop a cohesive ‘look’ for marketing materials and signage
• Develop maps, guides and promotional materials
• Encourage the development of outdoor dining
• Add outdoor music (concerts, piped in music, etc.)
• Attract a microbrewery/distillery
• Market Princeton as a destination for couples or ladies day trips or weekend getaways
• Develop a year round farmers market
• Attract a wine store
• Encourage the development of bed and breakfasts between the two retail shopping areas
• Attract more fine dining opportunities
• Work with building owners on improved accessibility
• Develop anchor businesses that attract visitors
• Encourage cross promotion of businesses and attractions
• Investigate adding a TIF district or Business Development District
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Brainstormed Goals
Historic Preservation
3. Princeton’s Main Street Historic District(s) are listed on the National Register of Historic Places and building
owners and investors have taken advantage of tax credits to rehabilitate their buildings, while preserving the
historic integrity. Visitors and residents alike enjoy the interpretive signage and walking tours.
Possible strategies or projects:
• Educate building owners on the National Register designation and accompanying tax credits
• Codes and maintenance standards are enforced
• Restore brick streets to define business districts
Festivals and Events
4. Throughout the year, Princeton’s Main Street is home to a number of innovative, engaging events and festivals
that draw people downtown and highlight the local businesses. The annual Homestead Festival, Z-Tour and
Concerts on Main have been complemented with an Annual Art Show and a year-round Farmer’s Market
Possible strategies or projects:
• Expand and improve current events
• Organize wine tasting events
• Develop festivals for each season
• Develop a calendar with all the community events
Entrepreneurship
5. Princeton is known as an entrepreneurial hub for the region. A variety of programs and incentives attract
innovative entrepreneurs with good growth potential to set up shop along Princeton’s Main Street.
Mixed Use
6. Downtown Princeton thrives as a mixed-use area with apartments and lodging opportunities on the upper
floors of the businesses in the Historic Main Street District(s). These hip loft-like living spaces attract more young
professionals to live and work in Princeton.
Walkable/rideable
7. Princeton is a bustling community where people can, and do, walk and bike to their favorite shops, restaurants
and entertainment venues, taking advantage of the green spaces, sidewalks and side streets for walking, running,
bike riding, and relaxing.
Possible strategies or projects:
• Develop a bike rental program
• Install bike racks along Main Street
• Organize a bike share program
• Add bike lanes to major community streets
• Become designated as a bike friendly community
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Theme
Brainstormed Goals
Session 1 Photos
8. Founded by the descendants of English Puritans, Princeton is known near and far as “Little New England.” The
community has embraced the theme by restoring the village squares to their historic dimensions and appearance,
while making the sidewalks feel greener and more human-scaled. Historic facades have been restored with
awnings, projecting signs, painted and stenciled lettering on the windows, and a variety of other carefully-guided
improvements that make Princeton resemble the quaint small towns and villages of New England. This has
resulted in increased tourism revenue and a greater sense of pride among the community.
Transportation
9. Princeton is known for its advanced transportation system. Visitors and residents alike benefit from a variety of
transportation options from Uber and Taxis to buses and trolleys.
Possible strategies or projects:
• Create a trolley system
• Encourage the development of Uber in Princeton
• Attract a taxi company
• Restore interurban street car system
Workforce
10.Princeton has a workforce that meets the needs of local employers and attracts new business to the area. Local
schools, colleges, universities and trade schools work closely with area businesses to develop course work that is
relevant to finding employment in the Princeton area.
Possible strategies or projects:
• Develop specialty schools
• Coordinate continuing education courses through community colleges
• Develop trade courses
• Offer educational opportunities through local library
Recreation
11. Princeton is a family- friendly recreation getaway. Main Street caters to recreation tourism with equipment
rentals, hunting and fishing outfitters, tour companies and other businesses catering to outdoor recreation.
Possible strategies or projects:
• Develop a pool/waterpark or splash pad
• Attract equipment rental businesses
• Maintain Z-tour routes year round
• Promote Kayaking of the Hennepin Canal
• Offer kayaking rentals and tours
• Promote fishing the Hennepin Canal
Correlated non-Main Street goal:
12.Princeton has successfully marketed itself as a great place to raise a family. The population has steadily increased
supporting the great school system, boosting businesses and creating a sustainable community. Families enjoy a
variety of activities for all ages.
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Gisele Hamm
Program Manager
MAPPING the Future of Your Community
Illinois Institute for Rural Affairs
524 Stipes Hall
Western Illinois University
1 University Circle
Macomb, IL 61455
Phone: 309.298.4019
Fax: 309.298.2142
Email: [email protected]
www.iira.org
Linda Lee Blaine
Community and Economic Development Specialist
MAPPING the Future of Your Community
Illinois Institute for Rural Affairs
525 Stipes Hall
Western Illinois University
1 University Circle
Macomb, IL 61455
Phone: 309-298-2647
Fax: 309-298-2142
Email: [email protected]
www.iira.org
Western Illinois University complies fully with all applicable federal and state nondiscrimination laws, orders, and
regulations. The University is an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity institution and affirms its dedication
to nondiscrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation, marital status, national
origin, disability, or veteran status in employment, programs and services.