Plan Commission Recommends Rejection of Rezoning Request

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Published on August 13 2013 11:15 pm
Last Updated on August 13 2013 11:15 pm
Written by Greg Sapp

The Effingham City Plan Commission Tuesday voted to recommend rejection of a rezoning request for property at 1110 Ford Avenue.

John Kirby is seeking the rezoning for the proposed purchaser of the property, who is planning a residential development.  The concern of residents north of the subject property is that the developer wants the property zoned multiple dwelling district.  The parcel is along the north side of Ford Avenue between New Hope Church and some billboards.

The residents of Northwood Estates say they'd rather the property stays general commercial, saying they'd prefer a gas station or similar development to a large number of residential units on the parcel.

Jack Thompson of Heritage Builders appeared on Kirby's behalf due to a family illness.  Thompson said the prospective purchasers haven't said what they plan to develop on the parcel, but said the purchaser appears to be a reputable developer.

Commission members noted that the proposed rezoning does not conform with the City's Comprehensive Plan and agreed with the surrounding residents that the information on the development was too vague to recommend the rezoning to the City Council, which has the final say on the request.

Plan Commission did recommend a special use permit for a property at 305 Miracle Avenue as a site for mini-warehouses.  Lisa Schmitt and her husband are purchasing the land from Gene Mayhood and plan to develop the mini-warehouses.

Commission members also approved a site plan for a 5,000 square foot medical office to be built on the site of Schafer Realty at 406 Keller Drive.  The existing structure is to be torn down to make room for the medical office.  The office will be on the back of the property with the parking out front.