Residents of Peoria voiced strong opposition during a recent government meeting regarding a proposed development of 179 rental units in their community. Concerns were raised about the project's fit within the existing neighborhood, with multiple speakers questioning the accuracy of demographic projections and the potential impact on local schools, traffic, and property values.

One resident expressed disbelief over the projected number of children expected to inhabit the units, stating, \"I question the calculation when they come up with 36 kids living in 179 units.\" This sentiment was echoed by others who highlighted safety concerns and the strain on local infrastructure, particularly the nearby school, which already experiences significant traffic congestion during drop-off and pick-up times.

Another speaker, a local developer, criticized the project as financially motivated rather than community-focused, stating, \"I know when a project makes sense and when it doesn't make sense.\" He urged city officials to reconsider the planning decisions that led to this proposal, suggesting that the community had not been adequately consulted during the general planning process.

Residents also raised issues regarding the outreach efforts made by the developers, claiming that many community members were unaware of the project until recently. One speaker pointed out discrepancies in the reported support for the project, alleging that signatures collected from local businesses were obtained from employees rather than owners, raising questions about the legitimacy of the support claimed by the developers.

Overall, the meeting highlighted a significant divide between the proposed development and the community's vision for their neighborhood, with residents calling for a pause on the project to reassess its implications for the area.