Plan Commission Acts on Several Rezoning Matters

The Effingham City Plan Commission Tuesday voted to recommend the City Council approve a number of rezoning issues.

The Commission recommended the Council rezone three lots at 202, 204 and 206 North Henrietta Street from limited retail and office district to general commercial district. The lots are along the east side of Henrietta where Henrietta once branched off Keller Drive, just north of Franklin Avenue. 

Also recommended was the rezoning of property south of Sur's Woods Drive and east of North 3rd Street from single-family residential district to general commercial district. Ed Grunloh of E.L. Holdings said the plan is for construction of a 7,000 square foot commercial building, similar to the building he has developed directly south. Access and egress will be off 3rd Street, which is also US Route 45 in that area.

The Commission recommended the Council rezone North Wind Court off North 4th Street south of Rickelman Avenue from general commercial district to multiple dwelling district. Developer Bill Utz said the project will involve construction of four eight-unit apartment buildings. Utz said there could be future development on adjoining property.

Also recommended for approval was the rezoning of a parcel of property sold by the City to Beverly Phelps at 40 North Lakewood Drive in Rollin Hills Subdivision. The tract would be rezoned from non urban to single family residence district. The rezoning would make the parcel compatible with neighboring zoning.

The Commission also recommended the Council vacate 1st Street from just south of Fayette Avenue, south to the CSX Railroad. City Planner Greg Koester said the rezoning should aid in the commercial development of the adjoining property.

Also recommended for approval is text that wouldn't have a negative impact on B-5 or highway commercial development, but could encourage redevelopment of those areas.