PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD) — Despite the objections of citizens and a few Peoria County Board members, Lake of the Woods Plaza in Far North Peoria will soon have a new wine and gambling establishment.
The main concerns are the parlor’s proximity to residential areas where children frequent, the parlor will be located at the southern end of the Lake of the Woods Plaza and close to a bus stop used by students of the Dunlap school district.
The location can come as close as 100 feet to some residential areas, according to county records.
Three board members were sympathetic to the concerns, with Brian Elsasser saying “If my house was 100 feet from this establishment, I would be strongly opposed to it as well.”
The problem is all the proper legal channels have been taken to get the permit approved, according to supporters. The Peoria County Zoning Board of Appeals and the board’s Land Use Committee both signed off on the gambling parlor previously.
Board member Paul Rosenbohm agreed with that sentiment, stating, “I am a property rights advocate, and if you own property and meet all the requirements, then we should give that person the opportunity to have a business.”
Ultimately, the board voted 13-3 in favor of the new gambling parlor Thursday night, with board members Nathan Hoerr, Steve Ricker, and Elsasser voting nay.
