City Council Approves Annexations for Ford Avenue Extension (ADDL)

Effingham City Council members Tuesday approved the annexation of the property that will allow an easterly extension of Ford Avenue to North 4th Street.

The Council also voted to propose creation of a Business District Plan to foster development of the affected area. The Interstate North Business District would involve 12 parcels totaling 128 acres of land. A public hearing on creation of the Business District was set for 4pm Tuesday, July 21 at City Hall.

A roadway through the area has been long-discussed, but the project is dependent upon receipt of a grant request submitted earlier this year.

The Council also granted permission for Effingham High School to hold a 2020 EHS Homecoming Parade on Wednesday, October 7. The procession will resume the usual parade route after last year's Jefferson Avenue reconstruction project. The procession will stage behind Effingham Public Library and will head west (the wrong way) on Jefferson Avenue to Cherry Street, south on Cherry to Grove Avenue, and west on Grove to the high school.

The Council also voted to vacate an undeveloped alley at 308 East Eiche Avenue; vacated the portion of Luther Street north past the gates into Lutheran Church Cemetery; increased burial charges at Oakridge Cemetery by $25 each year for the coming four years; discussed renewing a contract with Outfront Media for billboards promoting Effingham; discussed amending the lease agreement with Arts Connection of Central Illinois regarding lease payments for the Effingham Performance Center; and discussed an increase in the clothing allowance for certain appointed personnel equal to the increase granted union employees.