This blog's title was taken from the Journal Star. Here is the link to the article: http://www.pjstar.com/homepage/x1196575700/AMVETS-building-ruled-a-landmark.
On October 30th the church terminated the contract to buy the post. Yesterday the Historic Presevation Commission deemed the building worthy to be landmarked. The City Council will vote on the matter on Nov. 25th according to the Journal Star article.
I originally did not want to move but after the post voted to do so I was on board to make the best of it. We, as the AMVETS, now must realize there is no contract with the church. We can keep hope alive that the church will buy the building (if the city council votes against historic preservation) forever. How long are we going to let this drag on? How long is it going to take before the owner of the Penguin finds another buyer? If the Penguin does find another buyer the post will have to find another building, have another 2/3 majority vote to move, with advance notice given to the members. Think of the progress we can make to improve our club now.
A major reason for the move is not having an elevator. Ever since I started coming down to the AMVETS I was told that to have functions open to the public we must have an ADA compliant elevator. I even voted to spend $250,000 to put in a new elevator. We do not need a new elevator. I finally took the time to call the city to find out the facts. Currently we are grandfathered in to not have an ADA compliant elevator for public events. However, to maintain our grandfathered status, renovations to the building over a 30 month period cannot exceed $100,000 This fits into a "one floor at a time" approach. This is how a Peoria building inspector interpreted the law. I am currently waiting to hear back from a gentlemen in Springfield that handles this type of issue specifically. Please view the code http://www.ilga.gov/commission/jcar/admincode/071/071004000F05100R.html paragraph B6.
I have taken a plumber and a union carpenter/contractor to look at the third floor. The plumber was impressed with the newer copper water lines and suggested new toilets, bathroom fixtures, and an additional toilet to the men's room. The carpenter suggested laminate flooring and paint for the walls. I did not receive a written quote from either, but the carpenter believed that if we spent over $15,000 on paint and flooring materials we would be wasting out money.
High utilities are another supposed reason to move. So far this year our average CILCO bill has been under $2,000. The roof was cited as another reason to move. I have been on the roof and, although I'm not a roofer its condition looks excellent. The point is that we can easily spend less than $100,000 in order to start renting out the third floor ballroom.
Fixing one floor at a time is not enough by itself. We must hire someone able to maintain and actively promote the building to its fullest potential. I think Liz has taught us that one motivated employee can make a huge difference to the club. I am referring to the dramatic increase in daytime business. Linda currently cannot take on further responsibility required to fill this needed position.
I thank everyone that has put time into the move and I share your frustration caused by recent events. It is now time to move on and not let our fate rest in the hands of others.
Joe Sharpe
Finance Officer
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3 comments:
Whether renting space or selling the building, marketing it as "The Historic" Amvets or Duroc building is a plus. In addition, with a new government taking the helm, maybe we will have grant monies for Historic buildings available in the future. Historic status is not a curse! It is a protection!
Joe, being grandfathered in for the ADA compliance doesn't make it safe to use that elevator for the disabled.Plus in case of an emergency, by law the elevators cannot be used.And why would you give an interview to the PJS about the post without talking to the commander about the facts of the situation? Sounds like you're playing politics.If the CILF gets their way the post will be at their will to do anything they deem neccesary.Maybe the council will give the post a break since they do want re-elected.
If you read the PJS article closely you would have seen that I was not interviewed. It said I could not be reached for comment and no one ever even tried to contact me. Any part of the article that referred to me was taking from this blog.
The blog post was displaying facts that were never known about the elevator. I never claimed the current elevator is acceptable for disabled persons.
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