The Peoria City Council approved an annexation agreement for 18-acres north of the city. Peoria Public Radio’s Alex Rusciano reports:
The deal clears the way for the city to eventually annex the property formerly known as Apple Blossom Farm off of Route 91. Beth Akeson was the only city councilperson to vote against the agreement. She says taking in new properties can create more costs for the city:
“The obligation of running water and sewer and police and fire. And it’s clear we haven’t really been able to manage the street network and sidewalk network that we currently have,” Akeson says.
The property falls within one of the city’s future growth cells. Mayor Jim Ardis says annexing new properties pays off:
“The property taxes that are being paid in the growth cells are allowing us to maintain the high service needs that we have in the core of the city,” Ardis says.
The City aims to eventually use the property for low-density residential development. The parcel won’t officially join city boundaries until Peoria’s growth touches the property. In other business, the council approved a redevelopment agreement with Running Central to re-locate in the downtown