Keller Drive Properties Rezoned, Discussion of Easterly Extension of Heritage Avenue

(CITY TOURISM DEPARTMENT STAFF MEMBER ALYSSA ROBINSON WAS RECOGNIZED AS EMPLOYEE OF THE QUARTER)

Effingham city council members Tuesday voted to rezone four lots along the west side of Keller Drive from single family residential to neighborhood shopping district.

The properties are now owned by Mary Kathleen Bonutti and John Poterucha, Daniel and Julie Wortman, Rick and Leslie Endebrock and Amy Mathis and are located at 809, 807, 805 and 801 Keller.

The rezoning follows the City's Comprehensive Land Use Plan, and the neighbors to the west were told their concerns over buffering and drainage would be addressed when any projects for the rezoned properties reach the site plan stage. One of the petitioners, Julie Wortman, testified that they tried for a year to sell their house as a residence and got zero showings.

The Council also discussed plans to extend Heritage Avenue east from Henrietta Street to Medical Park Drive. City officials are hopeful the properties along the extension would be developed residentially.

Council members heard that the cost of an economic impact study had increased to $34,000, a $4,000 increase. The Council and the Alliance will split the cost. The study is to review the merits of a sports center proposed for east of the Workman Sports and Wellness Complex.

City Administrator Steve Miller recognized City Tourism staffer Alyssa Robinson as City Employee of the Quarter, and the Council voted to re-declare property at 1606 South 4th as dangerous and unsafe. City Attorney Tracy Willenborg said some improvements were made when the City first declared the site dangerous and unsafe, but no more work has been done. The dangerous and unsafe declaration would allow the City to clear the property if no progress can be made.