Published on June 9, 2026 9:19 pm
Last Updated on June 9, 2026 9:19 pm
Members of the Effingham City Plan Commission Tuesday voted to again continue a public hearing on a special use permit for Oxford House Volta.
The Oxford House is located at 1004 West Virginia and houses individuals dealing with substance use classed as a disability.
There was information shared on whether there are enough sleeping spaces and large enough rooms. The attorney for Oxford House, Sarah Jane Hunt, mentioned more than once that the City could move ahead with its concerns and she would move ahead with those of Oxford House and the matter could move before the City Council, but also mentioned Federal Court as a possible destination. City officials, for their part, noted that the Oxford House facility does not comply with space dimensions.
The matter is expected to be further discussed at a future Plan Commission meeting.
The Commission also recommended the City Council grant a special-use permit for Edward and Maria Emmerich at 1104 South 4th Street for a vacation or short-term rental property. No more than six people will be allowed to stay there at one time.
Commission members recommended the Council approve a plat of OBW Commercial Subdivision involving two lots being developed along the west side of Outer Belt West, and also recommended the Council approve a plat of Niebrugge Crossing Subdivision involving four lots between Willow Street and 1st Street and between St. Louis Avenue and Market Avenue.
The Commission approved a site plan for property at Community Park that will house a restroom and storage building. The storage building will house the Wonderland in Lights Christmas lights. The project is a joint venture between the City and the Effingham Park District. Also approved was a site plan of North Mor Storage at 14271 North 1600th Avenue involving storage facilities.
The Commission also recommended the Council approve a site plan for Accent Design Concept at 302 and 304 North 1st Street.
