There's a buzz in East Peoria again over more new economic development. But, one city councilman, says while he's happy about growth, he disagrees with the incentives the city gives incoming business.
Commissioner Chad Joos expressed his views, just before the Council voted 4-1 to approve a development deal which will bring a Target store in as a new downtown anchor. Joos is disturbed by a pattern which he says needs to end. He says most all large development is getting city financial help. Joos also says Cullinan Properties, stands to receive about $1.23 million dollars a year in rebates from the approved deal.
Many on the council acknowledged Joos has a point. They expressed the development agreement is not perfect, but the eventual positives outweigh the public investment. A Costco store is also on East Peoria's radar. Plus, the new Holiday Inn and Suites will also go up. Both of those deals also include incentives.
