West Campus Deal in the Works

From a press release from the city of Pekin this afternoon:

            The City is pleased to announce that ongoing negotiations between the City and West Campus Development Corporation have resulted in a tentative agreement, whereby West Campus Development Corporation shall continue the ongoing cleanup process with its hired contractor.  Assurances have been given that the non-concrete debris pile shall be removed within seven days.

            The costs for such cleanup shall be borne by West Campus Development Corporation, and not the City.  Additionally, the City has been contacted by a development group interested in redeveloping the West Campus site.

            The City is discussing an agreement with that group, at this time, to facilitate the transfer of the site to it, after donation to the City.  The development group, it is anticipated, will assume all responsibilities for further cleanup.  These current actions, as well as planned and future actions, will alleviate the need for further City involvement in measures which were ready to be undertaken, in order to enforce an administrative order placed against the property.

            In plain language, the owners and potential owners will be responsible for the cleanup, not the taxpayers of the City of Pekin.

            City officials are hopeful and initially confident that the discussions now under way will allow for a prompt and orderly cleanup, clearing the way for future site redevelopment.