Proposal for Apartment Complex Withdrawn

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Published on December 13 2017 10:53 am
Last Updated on December 14 2017 7:22 am
Written by Greg Sapp

Effingham Medical Park LLC has withdrawn their proposal for three-story apartment buildings to be developed along Maple Street and Pelican Street.

The proposal would have also included rezoning the affected property from single-family residential to multi-family residential.

Several neighbors in the vicinity of the proposed development voiced objection to the project when it was presented to the Effingham City Plan Commission Tuesday night.

After a lengthy discussion of the proposal, developer Dean Bingham apologized to the neighbors and withdrew the proposed project. He said the developers will consider single-family residential development on the property or further medical property development as already exists on some of the tract.

Those who opposed the proposal voiced concerns that it did not conform with the City's Comprehensive Land-Use Plan and that it would result in higher traffic volume and increased lighting. The multi-story nature of the development was also a concern for some of those present.

A plat of the property recommended earlier in the meeting for approval will also be withdrawn, according to City Engineer Jeremy Heuerman.

The Plan Commission recommended addition of a special-use permit to the Zoning Ordinance that would permit residential living on the ground floor in a B-3 zone. The idea was presented at an earlier meeting by Midland States Bank as they attempt to utilize the former bank building at Jefferson and 5th. The objective is to create short-term residential living in the building when individuals are in town on short-term projects.

Also recommended for approval was an overhaul of sign regulations for the city. City officials said it's an effort to make clear what's permitted and where.

The meeting was the final one for long-time Plan Commission Chairman Greg Kemper, who is retiring from the body after almost 30 years' service. A successor will be selected for Kemper's spot on the Commission. Brian Hayes, who has been serving as vice-chairman was chosen as chairman and member Dave Storm was chosen as vice-chairman.