Plan Commission Approves South Central FS Project

The Effingham City Plan Commission Tuesday approved a site plan for a feed mill and grain elevator for South Central FS. 

The development will be located along the west side of US Route 45, south of J & R Collision Center and north of the new John Boos plant. 

Plans for the 14.09 acre tract include a 13,400 square foot feed mill and a 7,200 square foot structure housing retail space and warehouse area.

The Plan Commission also recommended the City Council rezone the tract from non-urban to light industrial district. South Central FS CFO Joe Meinhart said a portion of the company's current operation at 410 South Willow Street will be relocated to the new site. The Commission also recommended the Council approve a subdivision of the land, what is to be known as SCFS Subdivision.

Commission members also recommended the City Council rezone 911 West Edgar Avenue from single family residential to two-family dwelling. Jason Vahling has acquired the parcel and the adjoining property with plans to build a duplex on each lot. The land is south across Edgar Avenue from West Side School.

Commissioners recommended the Council approve a subdivision of one lot into two lots along the west side of US Route 45. The tract currently includes the ice sales business along Route 45. The tract will be known as BHR Subdivision.

The Plan Commission also recommended the City Council rezone land at 406 South 3rd Street from light industrial district to multiple dwelling district. Developer Jacob Doedtman said he plans to build a two-story apartment complex on the now-vacant lot. The property is on the west side of 3rd Street between Fayette Avenue and the CSX Railroad.

Commissioners were also asked by City Engineer Jeremy Heuerman and City Building Official Michelle Wilkins how to deal with non-conforming and illegal use properties. The properties identified are 501 South Street, 301 and 303 High Avenue, 401 and 405 National Avenue, and 707 South Park Street and are all in the area of the Banker Street overpass.

The consensus of the Commission was "rules are rules" and to enforce city guidelines. The recommendation will be taken to the City Council, which is sworn to make sure city guidelines are followed.

Commission members  Brian Hayes, Bob McGee and Mark Thies did not attend the meeting.