As a candidate for city council representing Peoria's Mesquite District, let’s pump the brakes on this fast paced development. I don’t understand what the rush is all about!
The proposed amendment to the 2040 General Plan is the gateway to building an airport, industrial complex and more. In my opinion, the 2040 General Plan Major Amendment needs to go to the voters for approval, not the City Council. Come and just say no at the July 18 planning Commission meeting at 6 p.m. at the Rio Vista Recreation Center, 8866 W Thunderbird Road.
● The 2040 General Plan was on the 2020 general election ballot as Proposition 445. It passed by a yes vote of 67%. Now, only a few years later significant changes are being considered that will change the face of northwest Peoria forever. These are large scale changes. The proposed major amendment changes the land use designation for 8,300 acres.
● Most of these 8,300 acres are currently zoned “Waterways” or “Residential”. The amendment proposes adding a new land use category, “Special Planning District” and changing the land use designation of these 8,300 acres to that classification. This is comparable to giving the City a blank check or for those of you who no longer use checks, giving a cyber hacker your username and password.
● Residents I have spoken with are concerned about this new designation and what ultimately could be built. Mesquite District’s residential neighborhoods offer a unique quality of life, and I want to work on preserving them. Introducing some business development can be a positive step, but only if done thoughtfully. Let's prioritize compatible uses and engage residents in the planning process to minimize disruption and create a win-win scenario for our community's economic growth and residents' well-being.
Airport
I do not support a general aviation airport being built in northwest Peoria. Based on my experience, I have fiscal and environmental concerns.
● Many municipally owned airports across the country do not make enough money to cover their operating expenses. In order to stay in operation, they need to be subsidized. This could result in increases in our taxes or cutting essential services like police and fire.
● The current estimate for the initial investment is $150 million.
● We have many airports already in the Valley. Deer Valley airport is off Interstate 17 and Loop 101.
● Many residents want to have a voice in this decision and currently don’t feel they are being heard. I support more public participation in the decision making process.
● I am concerned about the negative impacts an airport will have on the quality of life that initially brought residents to northwest Peoria.
Water
Water supply and quality are paramount to the survival of the community.
● The 100 year water plans that were enacted many years ago most likely didn’t take into consideration the new industrial operations that are being brought to the desert that use high volumes of water, millions of gallons per day.
● New wells are being drilled not only in Peoria but the surrounding communities. There needs to be careful consideration and monitoring of the aquifers based on these many new demands.
● The EPA just released new standards for measuring “forever chemicals” in municipal water supplies. The EPA has significantly reduced the maximum allowable standard for these chemicals in water from 70 parts per trillion to 4 ppt. New studies are revealing the health hazards of these chemicals in our water supply.
Vote for the candidate for the City of Peoria-Mesquite District who has the experience and knowledge to work on these important issues facing our community. Vote for Laura Page!
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