Peoria officials are still considering changes aimed at addressing chronic nuisance properties and security concerns at large apartment complexes. A proposed staffing and surveillance mandate failed to advance, while the City Council delayed action on broader amendments to the existing nuisance ordinance. The meeting also included public feedback on a proposed West Main Street tax increment financing district.
Key takeaways
- A proposal requiring large apartment complexes to maintain round-the-clock staffing did not advance.
- Proposed nuisance ordinance changes would allow action after three qualifying criminal violations within 12 months.
- The council delayed a vote on the ordinance amendments for 30 days.
- Residents and a school board member raised questions about the proposed West Main Street TIF district.
The council’s discussion centered on how best to respond to properties that repeatedly attract criminal activity. City Attorney Patrick Hayes and Council Member Denise Jackson agreed on the goal of preventing rental properties—particularly large, congregate housing developments—from being used for criminal purposes.
They differed, however, on which approach would be enforceable and defensible if challenged in court. Hayes recommended strengthening the city’s existing nuisance property ordinance rather than creating a separate set of requirements for larger apartment complexes.
Proposed changes to nuisance enforcement
Under Hayes’ approach, a property could be designated a nuisance after three qualifying criminal violations occur within a 12-month period. The violations could take place anywhere on the property and could involve trespassers, tenants or property owners.
The proposed revisions would also treat a large multi-unit property as a whole, rather than focusing enforcement on individual apartments. City officials said that change could give the city greater flexibility when criminal activity is concentrated across a broader complex.
Jackson’s proposal would have applied to residential properties with more than 50 units. It called for two employees to be present at all times, including an on-site manager during the work week and one or two security guards. The proposal also included video surveillance for entrances, exits, parking areas and interior common spaces.
Jackson said public safety concerns warranted stronger action. Her request to defer both proposals was not seconded, and her motion to approve her ordinance likewise failed to advance. The council ultimately voted to postpone consideration of the existing ordinance amendments for 30 days.
West Main TIF draws public feedback
The council also held a public hearing on a proposed tax increment financing district along West Main Street. The area would stretch from Liberty Street to Harrison Street and include commercial and residential properties described as underutilized.
The city hopes the TIF district will encourage redevelopment along the corridor. Sarah Howard, a Peoria Board of Education member, asked city leaders to consider the effect on local taxing bodies, particularly District 150. She said other communities have used revenue-sharing agreements or carve-outs to address the potential impact on school districts.
Residents also urged a measured approach. Moss-Bradley neighborhood resident Katie Eckert supported improvement while asking that development preserve the area’s character. Community advocate Per Ellingson said TIF funding should be reserved for projects that genuinely require public assistance rather than developments that could proceed through other means.
The council is expected to vote on final approval of the West Main TIF at its Aug. 25 meeting.
