development

Invited the council to a ribbon-cutting ceremony for a new mural titled 'Celebrating Generations Peoria' painted by Megan Couri on the Gabbert Building.

Urged the city council to actively protect public shoreline and oppose the sale of Detweiler Marina land to O'Brien Steel.

Objected to the project due to local crime, liquor store proliferation, and the feeling that the city dumps unwanted programs onto the South End.

Noted that not everyone on the South End is a criminal, but questioned whether Phoenix CDS has the diverse supportive services and job connection frameworks needed to sustain tenants.

Supported getting people off the street, but emphasized that housing must be paired with broader infrastructure, food security, and community-led building efforts.

Stated that residents were not properly notified about the project, argued it is a poor fit for a neighborhood surrounded by liquor stores, and questioned long-term case management funding.

Expressed sympathy for neighborhood conditions while noting the great need for supportive housing, though suggesting better distribution across areas.

Argued that the South Side bears the brunt of all negative developments in Peoria and urged addressing crime before adding more vulnerable populations.

Director of Southside Community Center who called the project a baseline of humanity and a reset opportunity, while demanding that developers actively collaborate and listen to neighborhood residents.

Park District trustee who supported housing as a social determinant of health but urged the commission to pause and demand proper community engagement and buy-in.

Councilwoman Jackson argued that putting a homeless housing complex in an already economically depressed neighborhood is a recipe for disaster and asked for a deferral until infrastructure and crime issues are addressed.

Expressed concern that dumping another major housing project on the South Side alongside Peoria Housing Authority plans will cause chaos, and suggested the project belongs on the north side.

Criticized policies affecting unhoused populations and emphasized the need for accessible community advocacy.

Described being assaulted while working as a home health professional at a local apartment complex.

Testified about property vandalism, lack of management, and building security failures at Oakwood Apartments.

Shared 12 years of experience at Oakwood Apartments, citing security issues, lack of managers, and safety concerns.

Expressed fear and lack of safety due to absentee landlords at multifamily apartments.

Stressed the humanity of unhoused individuals and called for collaborative solutions rather than punitive policies.

Shared street-level outreach observations regarding the vulnerabilities and barriers faced by unhoused residents.

Addressed economic development concerns, neighborhood safety, and minority business investments.

Shared personal experiences of safety issues and assaults at Schlarman House.

Expressed concerns about neighborhood exclusion, lack of infrastructure, and food desert conditions regarding the proposed housing project at the former Harrison School site.