Published on March 3, 2026 7:23 pm
Last Updated on March 3, 2026 7:24 pm
Effingham City Council members Tuesday amended the Municipal Code to regulate Recovery Homes and Recovery Residences.
The matter came to light earlier this year when residents along Glenwood Street learned that an Oxford House…a recovery home…began operation along the street.
City Attorney Tracy Willenborg said that City officials were in talks regarding regulation of the houses when they learned that the house was opening. Willenborg explained at Tuesday’s meeting that prospective houses would be allowed as a special use, and must be considered on a case-by-case basis. Any action regarding such a facility must comply with Federal law.
The Council voted to authorize execution of a put option and right of first refusal agreement allowing for the sale of Village Square Mall, once the Appellate Court completes and finalizes the foreclosure proceedings, from Square Southtown to the City of Effingham. Square Southtown still has plans to develop a project at the mall.
There was also a review of the months-long development of a new Comprehensive Plan for the City. The plan adoption recommends a clarification of action to take for housing.
The Council reviewed plans for development of residences along Heritage Avenue from Medical Park Drive to Henrietta Street. 15 to 17 residential properties are to be developed along the street. Also approved was a Community Revitalization Plan in cooperation with the Illinois Housing Development Authority.
Council members approved acceptance of a third addition to Golden Fields Subdivision involving single-family, duplex and apartment properties, and granted permission to close city streets on June 19 for an Outdoor Movie Night downtown.
The Council authorized the acceptance of bids for work on a Regional Fire Training Center, authorized the purchase of Christmas lights for the Wonderland in Lights display at Community Park, and received and filed plats for Dalton Subdivision and the first addition to Butcher Block Subdivision where the new Wright at Home Interiors is being built.
The Council learned that Hampton Inn and Suites and Home2 Suites have changed ownership, so their liquor licenses are eliminated, with the new owners having the option to request their own licenses. Also, City Planner Greg Koester reminded that a public hearing on vacation and short term rental properties will resume at the March 10 City Plan Commission meeting.
City Police Chief Kurt Davis shared that over 420 law enforcement professionals were in town last week for the Southern Illinois Criminal Justice Summit, and that another Citizens Police Academy is to be held later this year.
Tuesday’s meeting was a special one since it was the final one for Economic Development Director Todd Hull. He is retiring Friday after 38 years’ service. Many city officials praised the job done by Hull through the years. It was noted how the City has expanded to the north as well as in the Business Park. City Administrator Steve Miller said that when Hull showed up at meetings across the state, he was greeted by the phrase “Effingham is here!”
Commissioner Larry Micenheimer presided over the meeting in the absence of Mayor Mike Schutzbach.
