Pekin council adopts interim rules restricting access to Ludigan property, adds clause protecting existing covenants

The Pekin City Council on Oct. 27 adopted interim rules that will bar public access to the Ludigan property and lake while the city completes surveying and development planning, and added a council‑approved amendment clarifying that existing restrictive land covenants and easements will not be affected.

The action came after multiple residents urged the council to delay a vote and hold direct consultations with lakefront property owners. "Responsible governance includes engaging those most affected before decisions are made," said Amy Hastie, a Ludigan Cove property owner, who asked the council to table the measure until formal dialogue occurs. Hastie warned that the city's plan to restrict access without homeowner outreach would ‘‘negatively impact my property value and the sense of community that’s been built.’’

City staff described the rules as temporary measures driven by liability and development concerns. "Now that the city has taken title of the Ludigan property, we've received inquiries about public access to the land and lake," staff said, explaining that survey work and development negotiations are ongoing and that the city does not intend to change homeowners' deeded rights in the near term. Staff also said the game‑preserve hunting club arrangement will end this year and that the covenants recorded with the subdivision contain specific limitations, including restrictions on motors and swimming.

Council member Nutter proposed an amendment to the resolution to add a new section stating the newly adopted rules "shall not interfere with or adversely affect any restrictive land covenants or easements that may currently exist related to the property." The amendment passed unanimously on roll call. The amended resolution then passed on a 5‑2 vote.

During discussion council members raised several practical points: the city still owns some parcels that reach Sheridan Road, surveyors are working on boundary clarity, and the city will remain responsible for dam safety and right‑of‑way mowing until any sale or transfer occurs. Staff said the city could, in limited situations, charge homeowners for up to a portion of maintenance costs where covenants allow it. The public record shows staff has contacted the Illinois Department of Natural Resources about the dam; the inspector reported there were no immediate concerns.

Council members acknowledged frustrated residents who said they had not received direct notice about the purchase or the proposed rules. "We will keep it status quo — we’re not making changes to homeowners’ covenant rights tonight — and if changes are proposed, they will be brought back to council with notifications and hearings as required," the mayor said.

What changed: the council codified a temporary prohibition on general public access and explicitly preserved existing covenants and easements. What happens next: staff will prepare the final rules language and return to council; any future rezoning, development or sale would trigger separate public hearings and notifications.

Speakers cited in this report are taken from the meeting transcript and include direct comments from Amy Hastie and staff representatives explaining the city's legal and operational rationale.