City Council Denies Rezoning Along Hendelmeyer

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Published on March 17 2015 10:04 pm
Last Updated on March 17 2015 10:04 pm
Written by Greg Sapp

Effingham City Council members Tuesday voted to deny the rezoning of six lots along the south side of Hendelmeyer Avenue.

Residents of properties surrounding the area turned out during the past two meetings of the Effingham City Plan Commission to oppose the rezoning, which would have left the lots in multi-family residential status. Developer Keith Hartman has talked about his plans for the properties, but neighbors have expressed concerns over what might be developed on the lots should the rezoning be approved.

The Council approved several agreements related to the development of property along Pike Avenue and Bourgeois Drive for a Beck's Hybrids business. One measure authorizes submittal of a participation agreement per an economic development grant through IDOT for improvements to Pike Avenue, another authorizes an agreement with IDOT under which the State will reimburse 50% of the cost of the work on Pike Avenue, a third approved a South Central Industrial TIF District redevelopment agreement for the Beck's development, and a fourth authorizes a utility extension agreement for the project. There was also discussion of terminating a farm lease with Dan Bourgeois and Mark Bourgeois for property and a building connected to the site of the Beck's development.

Also Tuesday, Council members set the start of the terms of the Council to be elected in April for the first regular meeting of the Council in May; took action on three measures concerning group health insurance for City workers included establishment of health savings accounts and renewal of a health insurance plan that includes a just under 4% premium increase from last year; and contracted for professional services for work on the Airport Road lift station force main.

The Council contracted for professional services on design of sewer relining work along 1st Street and 2nd Street; agreed to temporarily close Washington Avenue along the north side of the old Courthouse and along 4th Street from Washington to Jefferson for the 2015 Effingham Artisan Fair on May 8-9; and agreed to vacate a portion of Silver Lake Avenue in Silver Lake Estates. Council members also voted to urge the governor and the General Assembly to protect full funding of the local government tax fund allocation from the State. If the proposal is enacted in Springfield, the city would lose close to $600,000.