It better work out
I hope it works out my way
cause its getting kind of quiet in my citys head
Takes a teen age riot to get me out of bed right now
- Teenage Riot, a 1988 single by Sonic Youth
Well, the City Council decided to block a teen dance club as it was too close to the neighbors. Maybe so but now what are they going to say this summer when kids are running around with “nothing to do.” Is that the mantra of all teenagers? I know it was mine. Hell, it still is. 
There is little to do in Peoria and don’t give me that stuff about the wonderful Riverfront. Others like this guy want to tout the riverfront. I say it sucks compared to any other city. There’s nothing to do except walk up and down. Yes, the festivals are fun but that’s it. Come winter and there’s nothing. Pick a day when there isn’t a festival and there’s nothing. Peoria’s a great city but we need to give people something to do. PeoriaIllinoisian is right in the sense that people have a massive chip on their shoulders but I think that’s in part to the fact that they don’t take pride in what they have, or allow themselves to get caught up in petty stuff. Face it, the city’s average which isn’t bad. We could be Bloomington which is just boring.
Is a dance club the answer? Of course not and to be honest, the neighbors are probably right but something should have been done, I think, to help the business owner remain in the city (she’s threatening a move to East Peoria which is almost a guarantee these days). That said, if she can’t find a good place, then shame on her. I wish I was a better pundit and had the answers. Unfortunately, I don’t. I just know that every time someone wants to do something that kids are going to dig, the adults shoot it down. Imagine if they wanted to build a rockin’ skate park in this city? Wow, that wouldn’t fly.
But you know, I suppose that it’s normal. Adults and teens are always going to butt heads. Just kinda interesting given all the teeth gnashing over juvenile crime, school issues and what not. Again, is a dance club the savior. Of course, not. It’s just interesting.
3 Comments
April 23, 2008 at 9:10 am
I grew up in the Stage 2 era. It was awesome-kept us out of trouble and drew people from all over central Illinois. And a skate park? They already have one in East Peoria…
April 23, 2008 at 10:58 am
But why can’t Peoria get its own skate park. Something in the warehouse district would be rockin’
April 23, 2008 at 5:24 pm
Subway, you have really good ideas. I sincerely hope you decide to become involved in the community (if you have not already). There are so many organizations trying to make Peoria a better place. I urge you to check it out. From what I have read, I bet you would be a great infusion of enthusiasm and ideas. You would be surprised how much of a difference one person can make to a stalled project.