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Council approves two rezonings for IvyTech parcels after heated neighborhood debate
Summary
After extended public comment about parking, notification and traffic, Peru City Council voted to rezone two IvyTech‑adjacent parcels to allow multi‑family development; council recorded several residents' concerns and asked developer to provide on‑site parking and management commitments.
Peru City Council on June 1 approved two ordinances rezoning property commonly known as 366 West 3rd Street and 425 West Main Street from R1 (single‑family) to R3 (multi‑family), after extended public comment from nearby residents and a developer presentation.
Residents raised multiple concerns at the public hearing, including alleged errors in mailed notices to adjacent property owners, insufficient neighborhood outreach, parking and traffic safety, building scale and privacy impacts. Several speakers asked why more surrounding properties were not notified and questioned whether the parking provided would meet realistic demand. One resident said neighborhood streets are already tight and that adding dozens of units would worsen congestion and parking availability.
Danell Beaverstein, representing Keller Development, said the proposal includes 60 on‑site parking spaces and on‑site property management. "There are 60 on‑site parking and then like half a block down, the rest of the parking will be there," Beaverstein said, describing the project's parking plan and management approach.
Council members debated notification procedures, zoning code compliance, housing demand and site suitability. Councilmembers acknowledged a published notice in the newspaper and the planning commission's favorable recommendation. After debate the council voted to adopt Ordinance 6‑2026 (366 West 3rd) and Ordinance 7‑2026 (425 West Main). Roll calls recorded multiple yes votes and at least two no votes on each ordinance; the measures carried.
Why it matters: the rezonings enable multi‑family development on parcels near downtown Peru, part of a broader conversation about affordable and workforce housing in the city. Neighbors said they fear increased traffic and parking stress; developers and some council members argued additional housing is needed to attract residents and workers.
What comes next: developers indicated final plans are being completed and that state funding applications tied to tax‑credit scoring will determine whether the projects receive subsidy. Council action rezoned the parcels; site development, building plans, funding awards and permits remain future steps.
