PEORIA — The Sheridan Triangle area in Central Peoria could use a bar like the one Victor Taylor is planning, he believes.
But the Peoria Fire Department is requiring a significant overhaul of the potential bar’s vacant building before it can open. And the Peoria Police Department would prefer the bar not open at all.
Whether the building at 2608 N. Sheridan Road will be approved for alcohol sales is up to the City Council. It’s expected to discuss the issue in late April, although the city Liquor Commission is to consider a recommendation Monday.
A welder at the Rivian automotive plant in Normal, Taylor wants to open Exotic Vibez in what was a furniture-repair shop and a hair salon, among other uses. The building is in the business district along Sheridan Road between Loucks and McClure avenues.
Taylor’s original plan was to turn the building into a hookah lounge. But he decided a sports bar that focused on pay-per-view telecasts, including UFC bouts, might be a better fit.
“I want to offer something different for people to do in a bar setting,” Taylor said. “In other spots, they don’t have pay-per-view events.”
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Taylor is leasing the space. For a couple of months last year, he rented it to anybody who wanted to use it for special events. Most of the rentals were for children’s birthday parties, he said.
But in November, the city community-development department declared the building unfit for human habitation. The Fire Department cited the need for a sprinkler system and for electrical repairs, among other violations.
Taylor said he’s prepared to finance the fixes, at least $30,000 worth. But his willingness depends upon whether the bar can open.
“If I’m going to spend all that money to get everything up to code, why wouldn’t I turn it into something I can generate more revenue off of?” Taylor said. “I don’t want to spend the money if I can’t open the establishment that I want.”
The Police Department has recommended against approving booze sales at that location.
Since January 2020, police have documented 112 shootings, including two homicides, within one-quarter mile of the proposed site, according to a letter Chief Eric Echevarria addressed to the Liquor Commission.
“The approval of this site application would only compound these incidents of violent crimes in and around the area, further stress this neighborhood and continue to strain already depleted police resources,” Echevarria wrote.
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The chief also cited two existing taverns located across the street from the proposed new bar. They are Jimmy C’s, 2509 N. Sheridan Road, and Whitey’s Tip Top Inn, 2601 N. Sheridan Road.
Police recommendations don’t always sway the commission.
In recent months, commission members have voted to recommend the City Council approve a number of potential liquor-selling sites that didn’t pass police muster. But the council almost always has sided with the cops.
Among alcohol-sales requests the council rejected after the commission approved were for a Family Dollar outlet in the North Valley and for two South Peoria convenience stores.
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If the council rejects Taylor, he’ll devise another plan, he said. It might include establishing a tavern at a different location.
“I ain’t going to give up on opening up a business for my family,” he said.
