It is a relief that some action is being taken to try to bring Sunnyland back to life.
Sunnyland, which some say does not exist because it is more of an area than an actual town, has been ignored for many years.
City clerk Berta Dinkins said Sunnyland was annexed into East Peoria in the 70s.
During this time, Sunnyland was vibrant with stores, such as Belscot, Miracle Mart, Kroger and Super X at the Plaza.
Along Route 8 businesses such as Don’s Drive-In, Bill Maher’s Drug Store, Keg & Cork Liquor store, Thompson’s grocery store and a Spudnut donut shop lined both sides of the street.
But, over time, things change and they certainly did not change for the better in Sunnyland.
With a Super Wal-Mart locating in Washington, Thompson’s sold their business to Sullivan’s, which did not last long.
Other main businesses lining Route 8 closed one by one. Bill Maher retired and closed his doors. Keg & Cork moved on and a local hardware shop took its place, only to close as well.
Don’s Drive-In burned to the ground and was not rebuilt and Spudnuts sold their last donuts.
While some of the business buildings have managed to survive under new names and new owners, other run-down structures look like they should be set in a ghost town. These vacant eyesores are a good representation of how Sunnyland sat for years — stagnant.
Now, with the East Peoria City Council’s vote to extend the enterprise zone to include 75 acres along Route in Sunnyland, there is hope.
This gives business owners an incentive to locate along the route because they will receive tax abatements for five years.
Another exciting prospect that will likely bring more life to the area is the extension of Summit Drive which will connect Route 24, a main highway, with the town. Motorists will have a straight shot to the plaza.
While the enterprise zone does not include the plaza, since it is in Washington’s city limits, the Summit extension should help immensely.
And the third charm is the Route 8 work currently underway, which will include sidewalks and safer turn lanes for residents, thus improving the quality of life for Sunnylanders.
All of these endeavors may bring a once nearly dead town back to life.
East Peoria, Ill. —
