Peoria City Council

Peoria City Manager Patrick Urich talks with WCBU about a range of topics, including the planned redevelopment of the PNC Bank Building and the end of the city's quest for a land-based casino.

The proposed changes to the Westlake Special Service Area would extend its duration 15 years through 2055, and increase the area’s supplemental sales tax rate by 0.25% to 1%.

The city council approved the creation of two new TIF Districts on Tuesday, one focused on Northwoods Mall and the surrounding area and the other centered on the downtown Adams-Liberty block anchored by the city-owned PNC Bank Building.

A possible agreement between the City of Peoria and the parent company of the Par-A-Dice Hotel Casino was voted down Monday, leaving the city open to contesting plans for a $160 million overhaul of the existing riverboat gambling venue in East Peoria.

An automatic aid agreement between the Peoria and Peoria Heights fire departments is now in place. Peoria Fire Chief Shawn Sollberger said the intergovernmental agreement will see city fire personnel respond to working structure fires, automobile extrications and cardiac arrest calls within the village.

Peoria Mayor Rita Ali and Police Chief Eric Echevarria spoke strongly Tuesday against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement activity that turned deadly in Minnesota as they sought to assure residents of the city’s commitment to protect the public.

After two previous deferrals, a divided Peoria City Council voted to greenlight the proposal from GRO Community that will turn an empty building on the South Side into a 12-bedroom transitional residence for formerly incarcerated men.

Rare, respected, sincere, dedicated. Just a few of the words used by some friends and colleagues in describing popular community leader and former Peoria City Council member George Jacob, 61, who died Sunday at his home.

The Peoria City Council approved the new collective bargaining agreement during its first regular meeting of the calendar year. Members of Peoria Firefighters Local 50 previously ratified the agreement on Jan. 6.

Customers at stores in Peoria's Glen Hollow Shopping Center will see a slight sales tax increase next year, with the revenue earmarked to redevelop the area.