By Audrey Jensen | Phoenix Business Journal
The city of Peoria has approved a new development agreement and is committed to spending up to $1.5 million for public infrastructure improvements for its historic Old Town area in the southern part of the city.
Last year, Peoria posted a request for proposals for redevelopment of several parcels for potential high-quality dining and entertainment options in a pedestrian-friendly environment. The city’s request called for proposals that prioritize top-tier or specialty restaurants, while the secondary use accepted would be specialty retail or multifamily.
Peoria Issues Request for Proposals for Old Town Redevelopment
Primary objectives for submitted projects include creating a high quality dining and entertainment environment that promotes walkability and a pedestrian experience, preserves and enhances the historic character of the Old Town Area and engages the already existing public spaces, historical landmarks, arts and special events. Key emphasis would be for top tier or specialty restaurants. Secondary use would be specialty retail and multifamily.
On (Oct. 25), Peoria’s City Council approved the new development agreement with Zonapart LLC, an entity connected to Phoenix-based Arizona Partners in Real Estate, to create a plan for a proposed retail and dining district with new restaurants, shopping and entertainment options.
The agreement could mark a significant step for Old Town Peoria, which has undergone a number of meetings, plans and developers over the years but struggled to progress. Last year, plans to redevelop portions of Old Town died after Vintage Partners backed out of the project.
Councilmember Denette Dunn motioned to table the agreement for 60 days to allow for more public participation and details but the motion failed. The new development agreement was previously heard in an executive session, which is not open to the public, in September.
Residents concerned over transparency
Multiple longtime residents also spoke in opposition of the agreement with concerns about transparency from the city and lack of public hearings for the new agreement and additional information such as potential economic impacts.
“South Peoria has been neglected for many years, and now you propose a 20-year plan without even considering a 60-day postponement,” one resident said. “It’s been pretty concerning to see how the Council is forcing these unwanted development projects when you have many members of our community, citizens of Peoria here, expressing their opposition to such a development.”
The city and the developer, Bruce Shapiro, said the development agreement is only giving the awarded developer 120 days to produce a development plan. The city will then have 60 days to put the plan out for public comment before voting on it, which will now be required in the agreement.
“All that’s being committed to at this point is 120 days to actually come up with a plan, because there is no plan in place at this point for the city to even comment on,” Shapiro said at the meeting. “If it’s not approved in 60 days, then naturally it’s not approved and you go on.”
If approved, he said they will have to produce a site plan for the five sites, which would also go before a public hearing process. The city said the agreement outlines a schedule of performance for the developer to return to the city with a detailed development plan, which will also incorporate resident feedback provided for this area and other parts of the city in recent years, Peoria said.
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