Ward 4 alderpersons describe downtown priorities; former police station site draws heavy public interest

Ward 4 Alderpersons Bryan Worball and David Petrella used an Inside City Hall podcast segment to describe the ward’s character, their community ties and a large resident response over the future use of the former police station site.

Worball, in office since 2021, and Petrella, first elected in 2019, outlined the ward’s mix of downtown businesses, parks and historic institutions such as the Arcada Theater, Hotel Baker and the St. Charles Public Library. Worball emphasized the river, trails and the downtown First Street Plaza as central assets.

On the topic generating the most constituent feedback, both alderpersons said residents have been particularly interested in the reuse of the former police station. "The survey came back with 6-700 people responding to it," Worball said, and he added that the council appears to be "narrowing it down to public use of some sort." Petrella said he has heard mostly positive suggestions and confirmed the site ranks high among constituent concerns.

Worball described his civic involvement (Rotary, museum liaison, volunteer work) and said he often connects directly with neighbors to understand local needs. Petrella cited his service on the Liquor Control Commission and Tri-City Ambulance Board and said constituent contact is a priority: both alderpersons encouraged residents to use the city's website, phone, text or email to reach them and to attend council meetings (now held first and third Mondays).

Both men urged residents to support downtown businesses and said they value the ward’s historic character. They closed by describing their guiding principles as service-oriented: listening to constituents and staying engaged with neighborhood concerns.

This item is a profile-style update, summarizing remarks from elected Ward 4 representatives during a city-produced podcast episode and does not report any formal council action on the former police station site.