The next steps to further develop land in East Peoria’s Levee District have been approved by the city council.
Council memers unanimously passed an ordinance amending the Levee District Overlay Plan for the third time at their regular meeting Tuesday night.
The ordinance opens up a new area for project development, called “Center Street Crossing,” while putting a suite of restrictions on how the land can be used and what businesses can locate there.
The area specified in the agenda item includes close to a dozen parcels of land beside and behind the existing Costco. City staff write in the council packet the development area is intended for “more sidewalk dining and entertainment opportunities.”
The ordinance includes code specifying requirements for setbacks, sidewalk width, awnings and canopies, sidewalk dining, screening and landscaping, parking regulations, bicycle accommodations, electric vehicle charging stations, green spaces, light pole design and liquor licenses, among other topics.
The ordinance amendment also includes an update to several prohibited business types in the Levee District.
No automotive uses will be permitted, with the exception of supply and accessory stores. Smoke and tobacco shops are banned in the area, as well as CBD shops and adult-use cannabis dispensaries. Light industrial uses and warehousing also are not permitted in the Levee District.
The designation of the Center Street Crossing area is one of several ongoing development projects and new additions to the Levee District.
The City of East Peoria began construction on a new police station across the street from the Levee District late last year.
Two new stores are expected in the area later this year and the Blutowne Apartment complex is set to open this summer.
