City Council Approves Various Economic Development Efforts

The Effingham City Council acted Tuesday on items related to economic development.

The Council approved a redevelopment program agreement with Schultheis Garage and Classics, with the business and the City splitting the cost of some improvements to their home just west of the Fayette Avenue underpass. The business has located in the former Probst Heating and Air Conditioning site. Probst's has relocated to the former Ludwig Lumber building.

The Council also approved reimbursement of allowing business district project costs for development of the Outer Belt West Business District. The project is an effort to commercially develop the area around the intersection of Outer Belt West, Keller Drive and Ford Avenue.

Council members also last night authorized a liquor license for Joe's Liquor Cabinet, to operate as a package liquor store in the former Formaggio's Pizza location on South Banker Street. Formaggio's has relocated to a site on North Keller Drive. Also approved was a plat of an area to serve as a site for a warehouse for Bahrns Equipment, east of their current location. The platting of the property involved a swap of properties owned by Bahrns and by Mid-Illinois Concrete and the vacation of a small portion of South Park Street. The Council also approved a vacation of an undeveloped street between 2nd and 3rd Streets along the north side of the Catholic Schools track at St. Anthony High School. Developer E.L. Holdings will construct a driveway to provide access to the McCain and Martelli properties in that area, as E.L. Holdings is redeveloping the area.

The Council authorized execution of a release settlement between the City and Ameren Illinois, and appointed Dacia Albin to fill a vacancy on the City's Tourism Advisory Board. The Council also approved an additional street light at 308 West Eiche Avenue.