Beck's / Wedgewood Pool Update

From: The Idyllbrook HOA Board

Over the past few weeks, Idyllbrook HOA board members have met with the neighboring sub-divisions - all within direct proximity of Rt 150 and Montello. Presumably, many know that the property was recently purchased by the same group that put up the Beck's Fuel Station/Car Wash on Rt 150 in Peoria Heights. Since then, there has been significant concern expressed by the neighboring subdivisions.

Meeting #1 – Idyllbrook HOA Board contacted by neighboring HOA to solicit Idyllbrook's interest in participating with the other HOAs as part of a joint cooperative to oppose the stand-up of another Beck's establishment, specifically in direct proximity to our respective sub-divisions. Subsequently, we all met informally as a "meet and greet" and to start the discussion. From this point, a second meeting was scheduled, and to include our councilman, Andre Allen. From this point, a number of emails back and forth, where we all looked at associated municipal code, and the draft petition was developed and circulated among the multiple HOAs.

Meeting #2 - This was a formal meeting and included councilman Andre Allen. The idea was to discuss the collective concerns, which Andre subsequently committed to taking those to the city - hence the attached draft of what the concerns are. There was an option to have the other city factions in this meeting, but the decision was made to meet initially only with Andre - this action afforded the HOA to understand what to prepare for (getting our own ducks in a row), and what to be prepared for (what to expect). Andre then took our concerns forward, so that the city participants knew our concerns and knew what to be prepared to address. The 'Representative Concerns' document includes both 'sides' - with the city responses reflected in red font.

Meeting #3 - This meeting included all of the representative HOAs, our councilmen, and the city (city planner and zoning representation). The group walked through each of the points along with the city responses. A significant amount of disappointment was obvious, given the conclusion that not much could be done (most were hoping the 'special use' clause might prevent a repeat of what currently exists in Peoria Heights) to prevent the proposed development.

NEXT STEPS:

• Our councilman, Andre Allen, drafts a letter speaking to the concerns of the residents directly impacted

• Each representative HOA drafts a letter of concern

• Get as many petitions signed as possible

• Come together with all of this information at the next meeting, scheduled for first week of June

• A subsequent meeting that would include the buyers of the property - this is not yet scheduled

IMPORTANT FACTS:

• Though Beck's has purchased the property, no formal plans have been submitted to the city as yet. Nothing much happens until then!

• A number of activities ensue once the plan is submitted, which could include:

  - Department of Transportation involvement (the state)

  - Zoning requirements / review

  - Liquor licensing

  - Gambling licensing

• Depending on what occurs going forward, the Peoria City Council may have to be involved via a hearing

• This group has submitted a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request, meaning, theoretically, we will have access to all formal discussions on this subject

• A number of Idyllbrook HOA residents have approached board members seeking information

For the full Representative Concerns document with city responses, please see the link below.