Council Considers Sale of Land Next to Gabby Goat

Effingham city council members Tuesday discussed the sale of the western two lots of the former John Boos and Company property to JGKW Holdings, LLC. The land is just east of Gabby Goat. 

The proposal is to sell the two lots for $317,698  A vote to sell the property should occur soon.

The southwest corner of Fayette and Willow and the lot to the south would remain owned by the City, but are still available for development. 

The Council also discussed an allocation of $61,365.77 in Hotel/Motel funds for improvements to the Effingham Performance Center. The improvements would be to the exterior of the building, including cosmetic changes, new lighting and new signage. If the allocation is finalized, the work would take place this summer.

The Council discussed declaring a structure at 203 West Kreke Street as dangerous and unsafe. If the designation is finalized, the City could take the building down. Building Official Chris Roedl said the City has been corresponding with the building owner since 2020. 

Also Tuesday, the Council authorized a grant of $30,000 in Hotel/Motel funds to the Effingham Park District for help with the costs of a renovated skate park at Hendelmeyer Park; allocated $25,000 to the Effingham City/County Committee on Aging to help with the costs of offering services at the Senior Center; adopted a redevelopment program agreement with Chandra Niemerg and Emerald Room for more than $11,000 in improvements to the property at 109 East Jefferson with the City covering 25% of the project cost; renewed group medical/health insurance plans with the Illinois Public Benefit Cooperative; allocated $20,000 toward the 4th of July fireworks celebration; and approved temporary closing of streets and parking lots to make way for the VW Welcomefest on Friday, June 16.