Plan Commission Recommends Rezoning of 12-Acre Tract for Sarah Bush Lincoln Project

The Effingham City Plan Commission Tuesday voted to recommend the City Council rezone a better than 12-acre tract of land for development by Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center.

Generally, the project would include medical space and a pharmacy. The building would measure 20,000 square feet.

Agracel Incorporated owns the tract. Agracel President and CEO Ryan Witges said there is a condition on the special use permit for the project that the property won't be developed residentially.

Sarah Bush Lincoln Facilities Director Tim Kastl said they are still figuring out what is going to go into the development, but said there will be some specialists offices and there will be some consolidation of existing facilities.

The residents in the area either said there were remaining neutral or oppose the project. Those in opposition said they would rather see residential development.

The vote to recommend the rezoning was 5-3. Those voting in favor were MarkThies, Ken Wohltman, Kyle McHugh, Kevin Gouchenouer and Chairman Brian Hayes. Those voting against the rezoning recommendation were Clint Spruell, Teresa Hillyer and Cindy Vogel. Commissioner David Storm was not present for the meeting.

The final decision on the rezoning rests with the City Council. The measure would take four Yes votes to pass.