EAST PEORIA (25News Now) – East Peoria Mayor John Kahl is assuring the public that the city is buying 272 acres of farmland for $5.2 million to prevent the property from becoming a data center or commercial solar project.
Kahl is commenting after a 25News report that the city government is the successful bidder of the Keil & Blye Farm between U.S. Route 24 and Centennial Drive at East Peoria’s northwestern boundary.
The city council is being asked to approve buying the three parcels for just over $5.2 million, or $19,100 per acre. The city would have to make a 10% down payment of $525,436.
The ordinance states that the city wants to control development on what’s one of the few remaining sites for potential growth.
In a Facebook post, Kahl said city hall has received a number of phone calls from residents expressing concerns about a data center or solar project.
“When city leaders were made aware that the [land] was being auctioned off, we had similar concerns and decided to take action,” said Kahl.
The mayor said the following:
“Once the acquisition of this property has been approved by the city council, there will be no consideration of any future development that includes a data center or a commercial solar project on this additional city-owned property.”
Tuesday evening’s city council agenda said the proposed land sale will be laid on the table for at least a week for public inspection before the council takes action on the measure.
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