Peoria, Bloomington areas set to see over $1M to confront blighted properties

PEORIA (25News Now) - Over $1 million combined will go to Bloomington, Peoria and Peoria County to support community revitalization efforts.

“Abandoned properties are a detriment to our communities,” said Sen. Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) in an announcement from his office. “When we invest in revitalizing housing, we expand homeownership opportunities.”

“These strong investments will boost local economies and uplift our neighborhoods.”

Bloomington is set to receive $103,000, the City of Peoria $712,000 and Peoria County $239,000.

The Illinois Housing Development Authority has recently approved $19 million to support affordable housing and community development efforts. The Strong Communities Program is designed to help attract investment in communities that may lack resources to sustain itself.

The second round of funding from the program will see Peoria receive a majority of the funding with Peoria County and Bloomington following. This comes in hope of increasing property values, create jobs, help reduce crime, generate additional tax revenue and attract community investment.

“The state has made a commitment to address blighted properties across Illinois,” Koehler said. “Bloomington, Peoria and Peoria County will benefit from this funding as we continue to tackle vacant homes throughout our communities.”

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