The East Peoria City Council has officially approved the $5.25 million purchase of the 272-acre Keil & Blye Farm property. This strategic acquisition, located near the Quail Meadows Golf Course, aims to prevent unwanted commercial development while providing much-needed space for potential residential expansion in the landlocked community.
Key takeaways
- The city finalized the purchase of 272 acres at a cost of $5.25 million.
- The acquisition is intended to prioritize residential growth over commercial projects like data centers.
- New city ordinances now require door-to-door solicitors to hold city-issued registration certificates.
Strategic land acquisition
City officials unanimously voted to purchase the Keil & Blye Farm property, which sits between Centennial Drive, Grange Road, and U.S. 24. By acquiring the land, the city gains full oversight of how the property is developed. Commissioner Mark Hill noted that controlling the site is in the best interest of residents, as it allows the city to steer development toward residential needs rather than industrial projects. Leaders expressed concerns that the city is effectively landlocked, and this purchase represents a rare opportunity to expand their residential base.
Stricter solicitor regulations
In addition to the land acquisition, the council approved tighter restrictions on door-to-door solicitors, a move championed by the East Peoria Police Department. Under the new amendment, all solicitors must obtain a registration certificate from the city, which is valid for six months. Furthermore, no single business may hold more than six certificates simultaneously.
City attorney Scott Brunton explained that the previous regulations were outdated and required modernization to better manage the influx of solicitors. Mayor John Kahl supported the change, noting that residents have faced an overwhelming number of door-to-door visits in recent months. The city hopes these measures will provide residents with more peace and ensure that commercial solicitation remains organized and professional.
