21-05-2025
Center Street Crossing project amended by East Peoria City Council
EAST PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD) — Modifications to a project that plans to bring more entertainment options to East Peoria was approved by council members during Tuesday's meeting.
East Peoria City Council approved the third amendment to the Levee District Overlay plan, which includes Center Street Crossing, a mixed-use development that will extend from behind Costco, past CEFCU, ending near City Hall.
Certain businesses won't be allowed at Center Street Crossing. This includes smoke shops, cannabis dispensaries, and auto shops. There are also specific rules for landscaping, down to the trees and plants allowed.
Mayor John Kahl described it as a matter of 'housekeeping' from the city.
'What we're amending is things that we'd like to see in there and more importantly, businesses that the city doesn't really have a desire to see within the overlay district in itself,' he said.
The Levee District Overlay Plan also includes approval of 15-foot sidewalks to accommodate more outdoor dining and even beer gardens at the Levee District.
Council members also approved its lead service line replacement program policy.
The $50,000 grant program will replace lead pipes in homes around the city, and eligible low-income households could qualify for up to $1,000 in financial help. It's so they are in compliance with Illinois Environmental Protection Agency standards.
Grants are available on a first-come, first-served basis. The city is actively looking for federal and state grants to replenish the pot.
Out of about 9,000 homes in the city, Kahl said about 270 have lead service lines.
The Illinois Lead Service Line Replacement and Notification Act mandates the replacement of all lead service lines throughout the state by 2042. East Peoria identified lead service lines through a comprehensive process with resident surveys.
In 1986, Congress amended the Safe Drinking Water Act to ban the use of lead pipes in new installations. Lead is a toxic metal that can damage the brain and nervous system, especially in children, leading to developmental delays, learning disabilities and behavioral problems.
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