Chambana Sun

City of Champaign Plan Commission met Dec. 18

Here are the minutes provided by the commission:

Roll Call:

Members Present: Barkstall, Elmore, Sanchez, Reynolds, Wakefield

Staff Present: Horwick, Trotter, VanBuskirk

Approval of the minutes from December 4, 2024 meeting. Barkstall: So Moved. Sanchez: Seconds. Unanimous “yes” vote.

PL 24-0031 Landmark Designation Removal for 212 E. University Avenue (Ahrens-Divan-Wojnar Residence)

VanBuskirk: We have received a request from the applicant requesting to continue the meeting until the February 5, 2025 meeting to keep the house on the market longer. Eric explains the parameters of which an additional continuance could be requested. By the ordinance, a continuation can be no longer than 60 days and a cumulative amount of time no longer than 120 days, so the next available meeting within that parameter is the February 5th meeting. Staff is asking for a motion and approval of a continuation to the February 5th meeting. You need to include the date in your motion. There is an opportunity for a second continuation, but we would have to reconvene on the 5th to do that. The applicant does have a representative here. If they would like to speak, they’re welcome to. And there’s also an opportunity for public comment. We would encourage you to listen to the comments expressed at the meeting as they are part of the public record going forward, including the other future dates, and then, we would also have you hold your commentary, from the dais until there’s a more thorough presentation from staff and there’s a full case at the later date. So that’s my presentation, and if the applicant or representative wants to speak, they can.

Elmore: If we have any specific questions ready now, can we ask staff now or you’d prefer we hold them? If you have a question on the continuation or the technicality of it. Elmore: I don’t. VanBuskirk: Yes, it’s just like a normal hearing you can ask me questions now if you’d like.

Elmore: Any questions for staff? Seeing none. We will move on. The applicant has the opportunity to speak now if you desire. Please identify yourself.

Paul Cole, representative for the applicant comes to the podium. If you saw the Historic Preservation Commission, you have seen the whole story. I’ll simply add here that our purpose for the continuance is to obtain enough opportunity to test the market for this property as it is now subject to the designation that we believe is limiting its economic value until February 5 and then again, a further continuance of another 60 days or so. That is our intent to go out as far as we can to offer the property for a price that might continue to decrease over time as we assume offers won’t come in. And give a fair chance to see whether or not economics should play a role in determining whether the designation whould be rescinded. And that’s really all I have to say. All we want to do is try that for 3 or 4 months. And see what happens.

Elmore: Would anyone in the audience wish to speak to this case?

Susan Appel, representing PACA and our position has been conveyed via a letter sent to the Commission. Elmore: Notes that this correspondence has been received and will be made part of the official record.

Elmore: I move that we continue this public hearing to the February 5, 2025 Plan Commission meeting. Wakefield: So moved. Reynolds: Seconds. Unanimous “yes” vote.

VanBuskirk: At the City Council meeting on November 19, 2024 they approved the Special Use Permit for CU at Home Facility on South Mattis.

There will be no meeting on January 5, 2025 the next meeting will be January 15, 2025.

Adjourned at 4:09 p.m.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1isiaroSGSUJ8Pndm2aBqhe7aHQYGiqio/view