Residents raise transparency concerns at Glen Hollow business district public hearing

The Peoria City Council opened a public hearing Sept. 23 on a proposed Business Development District near Glen Hollow Shopping Center and heard two residents urge greater transparency about an additional 1% tax and expressed concern it could drive shoppers to neighboring East Peoria.

Eric Hutchison, who identified himself as a Peoria resident, said he prefers to shop locally but that an additional one‑percent charge at Glen Hollow would likely cause him to shop in East Peoria’s Lowe’s or Target. “An additional 1 percent tax at Glen Hollow, I don't think is a good idea,” he said. Hutchison suggested that if a district tax is adopted the city should itemize “Glen Hollow tax” on receipts so customers can identify the charge.

Rick Blanco, another resident who spoke, echoed calls for transparency and said he worried the tax could harm Peoria retailers and shift business to nearby communities unless the public understands how the funds will be used.

Council members moved to open the public hearing (motion by Council member Allen, seconded by Council member Gordon Young) and later moved to close it after receiving public comment. Both motions passed unanimously. No ordinance or final vote to establish the business district was taken that evening; the hearing record will be part of any future deliberations.

The council provided a public‑comment opportunity during the hearing; staff said the hearing is a step in the public‑process timeline for any business district proposal.