East Central Reporter

City of Olney Plan Commission met Aug. 5.

Here are the minutes provided by the commission:

AGENDA #1 “CALL TO ORDER” The meeting of the Plan Commission was called to order at 7:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers of the Olney City Hall, 300 S. Whittle Avenue, Olney, Illinois, by City Clerk Kelsie Sterchi.

Because the Chairperson and Vice Chairperson were both absent, the present Commission members would need to select a person to chair this evening’s meeting. Mrs. Sterchi opened the floor to nominations and/or a motion.

Mr. Jones moved to elect Zachary Holder as the Chairperson for this evening’s meeting, seconded by Mr. Brazil. A majority affirmative voice vote was received. Mr. Holder took control of the meeting.

AGENDA #2 “ROLL CALL” The following Plan Commission members were present: Elliot Brazil, Scott Jones, Vic Colwell, Pat Everette, and Zachary Holder. David Abell, Vicki Lobacz, Wesley Tolliver, and Steve Eichhorst were absent. Also present were Code Enforcement Officer Dallas Colwell, and City Clerk Kelsie Sterchi.

Mr. Holder read a listing of some factors to consider in determining a zoning request. He noted that the list only reflected some factors to consider, and that there could be more. Additionally, no one factor was the most significant, and some factors may have little or no relevance to this specific zoning request.

AGENDA #3 “APPROVE MINUTES OF THE PLAN COMMISSION MEETING ON JANUARY 2, 2024” Mr. Colwell moved to approve the minutes of the Plan Commission meeting on January 2, 2024, seconded by Mr. Jones. A majority affirmative voice vote was received.

AGENDA #4 “SWEARING IN” Mr. Holder asked that anyone wishing to testify on behalf of the items being discussed to stand and be sworn in. City Clerk Sterchi asked the individual standing to raise his right hand and “swear to tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth so help me God.” Walter Koertge was sworn in.

AGENDA #5 “PUBLIC HEARING: REZONING OF 630 W. MACK AVENUE FROM R-1 (SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENCE DISTRICT) TO C-2 (COMMERCIAL DISTRICT)” The City Clerk had received a letter of opposition from Isabelle Newlin, and a petition of opposition signed by 42 individuals.

Adam Holdings, LLC., pursuant to the terms of Section 17.12.040 of the City of Olney Municipal Code, had submitted a Petition for Rezoning. The petitioner requested the Commission to consider changes in zoning from R-1 (Single-Family Residence District) to C-2 (Commercial District) at 630 W. Mack Avenue, with Property Index Number 06-27-350-028. If the request for rezoning was granted, the property would be used for future development, to be determined.

Mr. Koertge was representing Adam Holdings, LLC. He told the Commission that he had owned 630 W. Mack Avenue for approximately 22 years. Because this property was at the intersection of Route 130 and Mack Avenue, he felt that it was located in an area being appropriately developed for commercial purposes.

A residential home currently sat on the property. Mr. Koertge was interested in having the property rezoned to C-2 so that there would be an option to do something else there that would not be related to residential purposes. He stated that at this time, he had no idea what would develop if the rezoning request was approved.

Mr. Koertge noted that commercial development was nearby with a manufacturing facility and Wal-Mart Supercenter all within a quarter of a mile from this location. Another lot nearby had a residence on it, but was also zoned commercial. Overall, Mr. Koertge felt that the rezoning request was for the betterment of the community and for future commercial development within the City.

Mr. Brazil asked how Mr. Koertge could possibly know if the rezoning would benefit the community if he did not even know any future plans at all.

Mr. Koertge joked that he could establish another gambling facility at the location. At any rate, he felt that any commercial facility placed on that lot would be an improvement. He added that Adam Holdings, LLC. may not even be the ones to place a commercial facility at the location. They may end up liquidating the property at some point.

Mr. Jones asked Mr. D. Colwell about the nearby commercial lots that currently had residences. Mr. D. Colwell indicated that Roger and Sheryl Charleston did have one lot that had been rezoned several years ago to C-2. At this moment, it was unknown if there was any opposition to that request. The Charleston lot was 4 parcels to the north of 630 W. Mack Avenue.

Mr. Colwell expressed his concern with potential exiting off of Route 130 and into this property. Mr. Colwell was a resident along Route 130 and was aware that traffic moved quickly. He felt that the Commission must consider safety. Additionally, he was aware that Mack Avenue was not able to be widened, so entering or exiting the property off of Mack Avenue would also present a problem.

Mr. Holder did not wish to stifle development, but he did have concerns with spot zoning. He felt that the rezoning request may be more attractive if more property was acquired near this location.

Mr. Everette was aware that a commercial rezoning opened up several options. For example, another Casey’s General Store could be placed. If he lived in the area, he felt that he would not want an establishment like that so close to his home.

Mr. Koertge did not believe that spot zoning concerns were valid since the Charleston property had been rezoned.

An audience member wished to speak. City Clerk Sterchi asked the individual standing to raise her right hand and “swear to tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth so help me God.” Debi Philips was sworn in.

Mrs. Phillips was a resident on Mack Avenue. She noted that many of the audience members present were also neighbors with nice homes. They would hate to see something come in that would change that for them. She also did not feel that entry or exit would be feasible for a business at 630 W. Mack Avenue.

Mrs. Phillips also had concerns that a commercial property would lower residential property values in the area. She also pointed out that Mr. Koertge admitted that he may sell off the property with a wide variety of possibilities for its future. With no actual information on the request, she was concerned that the commercial development could be a gas station, gaming establishment, or something else undesirable.

Another member of the audience wished to speak. City Clerk Sterchi asked the individual standing to raise his right hand and “swear to tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth so help me God.” Chuck Martin was sworn in.

Mr. Martin asked Mr. Koertge if he had any other business partners within Adam Holding, LLC. Mr. Koertge replied that Terry Schrey was also a partner.

AGENDA #6 “REZONING: 630 W. MACK AVENUE FROM R-1 (SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENCE DISTRICT) TO C-2 (COMMERCIAL DISTRICT)” Mr. Holder asked for a motion to approve the rezoning request. No motions were seen to approve the request.

Mr. Holder told those present that the Plan Commission could not recommend approval of the rezoning request as it had not passed the floor.

The City Council would make the final decision on approval or denial of the request at the August 12, 2024, City Council meeting.

AGENDA #7 “PUBLIC COMMENTS/PRESENTATIONS” No one from the public wished to speak.

AGENDA #8 “ADJOURN” Mr. Everette moved to adjourn, seconded by Mr. Colwell. A majority affirmative voice vote was received. The Plan Commission meeting adjourned at 7:46 p.m.

https://cms2.revize.com/revize/olneynew/pc%20Aug%205%202024.pdf