Planning & Zoning Commission - 8/6/2026

The Planning & Zoning Commission meeting held on August 6, 2026, in Peoria, Illinois, focused primarily on a rezoning and special use request for a vacant parcel formerly occupied by Harrison School. The proposal involves redeveloping the site into 48 affordable, deed-restricted apartments designed as permanent supportive housing for families transitioning out of homelessness, along with a medical clinic operated by OSF HealthCare. The commission reviewed the rezoning from a single-family residential district to a neighborhood commercial district and considered waivers related to building height, fenestration, door requirements, and parking. The Development Review Board recommended approval with conditions, including landscaping, signage, parking minimums, and building permits. Public testimony revealed significant community concerns about the project's location in a high-poverty, high-crime area with inadequate infrastructure and questioned the community engagement process. Despite these concerns, the commission voted to recommend approval of both the rezoning and special use requests, noting their limited scope to zoning criteria. The case will proceed to the City Council for final decision on August 11, 2026. Additionally, a public meeting regarding a proposed amendment to the Northwoods Mall TIF district was announced for August 19, 2026.