Angie Faller
Effingham Daily News
Tue, May 13 2008
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The Effingham Zoning Board of Appeals cleared the first step for a new Baymont Inn and Suites motel to be built in Effingham.
The board approved a variance at Tuesday’s meeting to allow a four-story structure at a height of 46 feet to be built at 1602 W. Fayette Ave.
The property is located in a B-2, general commercial district, which only allows for a maximum of three-story structures at a height of 35 feet.
Kanaiyalal Shah, president of ARPIP Inc., testified on behalf of his company during the public hearing.
“The lot size is not that big, so we need a four-story building,” he said, adding the motel will have 59 units, an indoor pool, exercise room and conference room.
No one testified in opposition to the variance.
Fire Chief Joe Holomy stated in a letter to Building Official Bruce Devall the building will have access on at least three sides, which is acceptable, and the height of the building will not pose any significant problem to the fire department. He also stated all fire codes will be met.
Devall stated the building will be serviced by a sprinkler system and parking will not be an issue. He said the motel, originally meant to be a Budgetel, will look similar to the Holiday Inn Express in Effingham. He also noted the board has already allowed four other hotels or motels to be built at four stories instead of three.
A replat of the property and a site plan for the motel will be reviewed at the next Effingham Plan Commission meeting, set for the second Tuesday in April.
Angie Faller can be reached at 217-347-7151 ext. 131 or angie.faller@
effinghamdailynews.com.
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