Plan Commission Gives Conditional Recommendation to El Shaddai Pregnancy Facility

The Effingham City Plan Commission Tuesday granted a conditional recommendation that the City Council grant a special-use permit for El Shaddai Homes. The permit would be for a pregnancy support and resource facility for expectant moms.

The facility would be housed in a former Brookstone facility at 505 West Temple Avenue. After considerable testimony and questions regarding the parking for the facility, several conditions were added to the permit. One is that the population in the facility would be limited to 10 people, or 12 if more parking is added; that if the facility doesn't work under that use, the special-use permit could not be transferred; that the facility could be used solely as a pregnancy center; and that the use of the facility would be subject to review on an annual basis.

Individuals spoke in support of the project; those who spoke against it had concerns over the level of traffic and parking at the facility.

Commission members recommended the Council review the request at their next February meeting, then vote on the request at one of their March meetings.

The Plan Commission also voted to approve a site plan for an expansion at Christ's Church.

The project will include 5,600 square feet of additional classroom space north of the existing building and 1,400 square feet for a cafeteria. The additions are related to the church's Discovery Christian School. A playground and a basketball court are also part of the project.