Plan Commission Approves Plat for Large Residential Subdivision

The Effingham City Plan Commission Tuesday night voted to approve a preliminary and final plat of Hidden Hills Subdivision, a large residential subdivision development on the city's northeast side.

The preliminary plat is for 53 lots, while the final plat is for 33 lots, north off East Evergreen Avenue. A street will be built north of Evergreen to serve much of the subdivision while another roadway will be built to serve the interior lots.

Commissioner Ken Wohltman asked whether the City is looking at improvements to Evergreen because of the large hill that will be just west of the subdivision. Wohltman said he knows many walkers and runners cross Evergreen in that area and the increased number of residents that the subdivision will bring should be considered.

City Engineer Luke Thoele said there isn't funding in the budget for work on Evergreen at this time, but said the City is looking at what could be done in that area.

The development is not currently within the City limits, but City Planner Greg Koester said that will change as the development gets underway.

The Plan Commission voted to recommend the City Council rezone a parcel just east of Gabby Goat on East Fayette for Resin Networks, Incorporated. The plan is for Resin to operate a recycling business on the property, accepting aluminum cans and plastic bottles. The spokesman for the business, Cassandra Rommel, said the plan is for the business to only locate there for the time being, understanding that when that portion of Fayette is redeveloped, the business will have to relocate. The viability of the project is a consideration. Commission member Dave Storm said, "It's a good opportunity to see whether it will work."

There was some discussion, but no vote, on a special use provision that would govern homes that once were single-family but have been converted to multi-family.