Community Meeting #2 (November): Resident Survey Results + Visioning

We had an exciting Community Meeting #2 in collaboration with the Bicentennial Bluffs Neighborhood Association held at St. Peter's Lutheran School Gym (310 N Broadway St) on Thursday, November 20th, from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m.

Approximately 40 participants attended, including residents from the Bicentennial Bluffs neighborhood and Heritage Place Apartments, as well as the Choice Neighborhood planning team with members from the the City of Joliet and the Housing Authority of Joliet.

Participants shared their ideas to improve housing, neighborhood places, and overall community well-being. This meeting included reviewing the neighborhood and resident surveys in addition to participating in activities to start shaping a collective vision for the future of the Bicentennial Bluffs.

Candace Johnson (Co-Presidents of the BBNA) giving opening remarks.

The goals of this meeting focused on:

• Sharing and discussing the findings of the Residents Need Assessment and Community Surveys.

• Reflection and ideation activities, including conversations about the future of the community.

• Collecting input about ideas for Early Action Activities. 

• Providing input and direction on a unifying vision for the neighborhood while defining design principles.

The meeting format featured open engagement activities, using stations displaying materials and prompts for resident input. It also featured a group activity inspired by the game Family Feud, where residents tested their knowledge of community preferences using results from the resident needs and community survey. This activity further allowed for additional reflection and insights from participants.

Survey Gallery: Residents were provided with a summary overview of the data collected from the Resident needs assessment survey and the Community survey.

Vision Wall: Residents were asked to input their ideas for a community vision using images and adding notes explaining what it meant to them and how it related to the Bicentennial Bluffs. 

Community Voices: Through past, present and future prompts, the residents were encouraged to share their memories and hopes for the community.

Interactive Map: Residents were asked to input ideas regarding transportation + mobility, open spaces, art + culture, and amenities + services and to locate them throughout the planning area.

Early Action Voting: Residents participated in an interactive activities and a voting process to select a prospective location and desirable elements the Early Action Activity should prioritize.   

1. Transportation and Mobility

Residents highlighted the need for reliable and accessible transportation, including more frequent buses, extended service hours, and better access for seniors and people without cars. Street and bridge improvements were emphasized, including widened roads, safer parking, permanent bridge solutions, and repairs on key streets like Hickory Street. Handicap accessibility, safer bus stops and shelters, and senior safety initiatives were also identified as critical priorities.

2. Open Spaces and Recreation

There is strong demand for parks, playgrounds, and outdoor community areas, including basketball courts, bike racks, and rehabilitated spaces for children. Residents support community gardens, fresh food access, and improved greenway connections. Outdoor spaces are seen as central to neighborhood life, encouraging healthy activity, youth engagement, and family-friendly recreation.

3. Arts and Culture

Residents want to celebrate neighborhood identity and cultural heritage through murals, community art projects, and programming that reflects diverse cultures. Additional cultural and educational activities, such as cooking classes, local performances, and expanded access to entertainment beyond casinos, were suggested to enhance community engagement and pride.

4. Amenities and Services

Residents emphasized the need for affordable and well-maintained housing, improved medical services, supportive programs like free credit repair, and retail options including grocery stores and clothing shops. Community programs for youth, seniors, and families covering education, job training, and block club events, were highlighted as key to fostering a safe, connected, and supportive neighborhood.