Brief description of the status of the project:
- Special Use Permit Application - not on the ZBA agenda yet.
- PUD - has been passed by the Plan Commission but not on City Council agenda.
- Developer's plans - still preparing documents.
- There is nothing on the Plan Commission agenda in regard to this Heading Ave issue.
- Initially we were moving this project on a fast track to accommodate the developer's construction time schedule. The completion date has now been pushed back to 2010 which provides us additional time to resolve issues.
- I plan to visit other Oxbow projects to see for my self.
Section 8 housing - full occupancy:
- Based on the findings of an in-depth feasibility study commissioned by the developer, they are confident that all the available beds will be leased to Bradley students.
- The developer will not lease any beds to individuals in the Section 8 program.
- In addition, the developer is NOT required to lease to individuals in the Section 8 program and will agree to add this language to the PUD.
- THIS WILL NOT BE A SECTION 8 HOUSING PROJECT.
Traffic on Heading Ave:
- In 2002 according to the Illinois Department of Transportation the traffic count on Heading Ave was 3350 per day - (at that time St Joseph's employed 140 people).
- We will have a current traffic count soon.
- According to Bradley 44% of their students have cars - 250 residents x 44% = 110 cars. In addition, 3rd party studies indicate a national trend - 40% to 60% of students have cars. Most students will NOT drive to campus.
As your Mayor I have always looked-out for the "best interest" of West Peoria. This project will have tremendous economic benefits for our city:
- The "land use plan" for West Peoria provides clear direction for most of the property in the city. The property in question has great development potential. However, the structure at 2223 Heading Ave contains a substantial amount of asbestos. This property will require a special type of redevelopment plan.
- The property currently does not generate any real estate taxes
- Real estate taxes - (approximately $300,000 per year - this will provide funds for police and maintenance department equipment, and much needed street repairs, etc.)
- Tax sharing from the State of Illinois & the Federal government.
- Sales taxes.
- New businesses for the city.
- New jobs for the city.
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