Commission Reviews Traffic Impact of Proposed Multifamily Residential Development on Northern Road

Traffic concerns dominated the Planning and Zoning Meeting in Peoria on August 21, 2025, as officials discussed the implications of a proposed multifamily residential development. The project, which includes 72 units, is projected to generate 28 trips during the morning peak hours and 36 trips in the afternoon. This traffic pattern is crucial for residents, particularly those living nearby who already experience heavy congestion during morning drop-off times.

Commissioner Gainer raised significant questions about the potential traffic impact if the site were zoned for commercial use instead. Current zoning allows for convenience commercial development, but the site has remained vacant for over 40 years, indicating a lack of market demand for such use. Officials noted that commercial development could lead to a traffic increase of 5 to 10 times compared to the proposed residential project, raising concerns about the community's ability to handle that volume.

The discussion highlighted the balance between residential and commercial zoning, with officials emphasizing that the residential option would likely be less disruptive to local traffic patterns. As the meeting concluded, the implications of these traffic projections were clear: the choice between residential and commercial development could significantly affect the daily lives of Peoria residents.