City Council Hears Square Southtown Presentation

During Tuesday night's City Council meeting, many local business owners and interested citizens listened as the 3 backers of the Square Southtown project explained plans for the Village Square Mall. 

Scott Kabbes led off by immediately saying the developers don't own the mall, noting that it was 3 months ago when their group was awarded the bid in the Sheriff's Sale.  Proceedings are on hold due to a formal stay on the sale from the Apellate Court. 

He stated that an interesting question had come up: "What healthcare facilities are located south of Fayette Avenue?", as increased south side development could fulfill a variety of needs.   

Karen Etter explained how the project idea came about, beginning with pickleball discussions and possible use of the former JC Penney section of the mall.  That led to interest in the entire mall, as the group realized the impact that development could have on-site and in the surrounding area.  Their statistics showed 20,000 vehicles passing through Southtown every day, and 2,600 people working within 2 miles.

Etter believes the west side of the mall and parking lot would be the initial priority, with storefronts having a mix of interior and/or exterior access.  The importance of mall walking was noted, with plans for an enhanced walking path which could include historical displays for viewing.  Restrooms would be renovated and a new HVAC system would be in the common area.  She mentioned that discussions with the adjoining theater might even lead to a connecting point between the two areas.  Green Spaces and a Food Truck Area would be incorporated into the parking lot on the west side, as well as exterior pickleball courts.

Mention was even made of coordination with the new Emerald Acres Sports Complex, to serve visitors coming through on their way to Mattoon during high attendance events. 

Michael Brummer distributed packets of Effingham stats and highlights, as well as those of the Square Southtown, compiled with the assistance of Alliance President Courtney Yockey.

All 3 of the developers mentioned the benefits that the project could bring, including sales tax and propery tax receipts, property value increases, and more retail/dining/entertainment options.  While one tenant will most likely have to back out, due to the project being put on hold, 3 tenants are already committed to the in addition to the pickleball area, known as Picklebox.

Council members thanked the presenters for their patience, time, and hard work on this investment so far.   

The council went through the rest of the agenda items in quick order.  Among those was an amendment to the municipal code regarding future preparation of the agenda.  It states that "The Mayor or any commisioner are authorized to place an item on the agenda" following suitable time preparation.  No comments or concerns about the amendment were given, so it will come back for voting approval in the future.

Council members also:

- passed a recommended change in electricity supplier for city-owned buildings.

- heard that the IT Policy booklet will drastically increase in size, with many more subjects being covered.

- heard that another warning siren is being replaced, as planned, with 2 more scheduled next.  

- listened to a brief presentation from Harvest Renewables about a potential solar power project on South Route 45.

- heard that city employee health insurance rates should be known by next week.

- were pleased to hear of the $3,000,000 DCEO grant with no commitments for the road/utility/access development on the south part of town, one of the largest receipts of that type in Effingham.

One item with mixed opinions was of a potential golf-cart crossing of Willow Street, at Grove Avenue, to allow Homewood Subdivision better access.  Concerns of children with vehicle access, and on a state highway, were weighed against other thoughts of the permitting process limiting who could use the crossing.  Council members would like to hear from the public on their thoughts about the crossing, before taking this up for a future vote.