Residents of Peoria voiced strong opposition during a recent city commission meeting regarding a proposed development of 179 rental units in their neighborhood. Concerns were raised about the lack of transparency in the petition process, with some residents questioning whether those who signed in support fully understood what they were endorsing. One resident noted that many signatures were collected door-to-door, suggesting that the canvasser may not have accurately represented the project.

Longtime Peoria resident Betty Osborne expressed her disapproval, highlighting potential traffic issues that could arise from the development, particularly concerning access to Jomax Road, which she described as already problematic. She warned that increased traffic could lead to accidents, emphasizing that the project does not fit the character of the area.

Travis Slater, a law enforcement officer, echoed these sentiments, arguing that the density of the proposed units could lead to increased crime and strain on public safety resources. He pointed out that the local schools are already at capacity and cannot accommodate the influx of new residents that the development would bring.

Other residents, including Tammy O'Neil and Brad Nally, also expressed their opposition, with Nally humorously comparing the proposal to an inappropriate outfit for a formal event, underscoring the sentiment that the development does not belong in the area.

The meeting concluded with a call for the city commission to consider the community's concerns seriously, as residents fear that the proposed rental units could disrupt the character and safety of their neighborhood. The commission is expected to deliberate on the matter further, taking into account the strong community feedback.