Plan Commission Wants More Information Before Deciding on Rezoning Request

Billy Genaust owns the land. The 87-year-old Genaust said he'd like to get the matter settled while he can. He noted there have been prospects both industrial and residential who have look at the site, including the Effingham Regional Growth Alliance, who had seen the site as a place where affordable residential development could take place.

City Director of Public Works Jeremy Heuerman, though, said the City's land use plan calls for industrial development there and presented information recommending against residential development near an airport.

However, while some commercial development has occurred along US Route 45 at Airport Road, industrial development has been minimal.

There was information shared by County Board Chairman Jim Niemann regarding an upcoming extension of the east-west runway at the airport, but that would take place on the east end of the runway.

Commissioners decided they wanted more input from the County, which oversees the airport, and from the County Airport Commission, before deciding how to proceed. The issue will be revisited at the Commission's August 13th meeting.

Heuerman will be speaking at Wednesday morning's Airport Commission meeting.

The Plan Commission recommended approval of a preliminary and final plat of Butler Supply Subdivision. The development involves Butler Supply along South Willow Street and their neighbor, LML Enterprises, Ltd, doing business as Church Organ Network and Piano Network of Illinois. The replatting is due to LML's purchase of some of the property it has been leasing from Butler Supply.