Busy Night for Plan Commission

Effingham City Plan Commission members Tuesday voted to recommend the City Council rezone property for a drive-thru facility that would sell soft drinks and breakfast sandwiches.

The site is on the southeast corner of Fayette Avenue and Walnut Street on the west end of the Fayette Avenue underpass. The developers of the project, Brad and Casey Walk, would like the property rezoned to general commercial. There would be no seating at the establishment, strictly drive-thru business, and is to be known as Ginger Ales.

A neighbor, Dana Scott, had some questions as to how the project might affect his home at 402 West Edgar. Scott's chief concerns seemed to be increased traffic from the business and how drainage would be controlled. He was told that the Walks and their engineer are still researching how best to address drainage on the property. Plan Commission member Doug Wohltman abstained from the discussion and the vote on this item. 

The Plan Commission also voted to approve a site plan for J&R Collision Centers at 3241 South Banker. J&R owners Jake and Roger Buhnerkempe are planning a 6,400 square foot expansion on the west side of their present 11,400 square foot facility.

Commissioners recommended the Council approve a plat of McAllaster Subdivision, involving two residential lots along Newcomb Drive and Steger Drive in Historic Hills Subdivision, and recommended Council approval of North-Mor Storage Subdivision along the south side of Rickelman Avenue. The Commission also approved a site plan of the North-Mor project that involves three additional buildings for the storage business operated there.

Also approved was a site for a fourth addition to Park Ridge Subdivision at Veterans Drive and Blohm Avenue. Two lots will each house a duplex, with the third lot to be developed later.

The Commission agreed to recommend the Council amend the city code regulating off-street parking for trailers, and amend the code regarding utility stations. The stations are used to amplify fiber optic signals. The amplifier proposed along East Route 40 would serve the area east as far as Marshall.