Published: May 14, 2008 12:41 pm            

Plan board OKs sports complex

Effingham city officials reviewed the site plan to a much anticipated and debated Effingham Community Sports and Recreation Center before a crowded room and a flurry of comments Tuesday evening.

Also up for review by the Effingham Plan Commission was a special use permit for the sports complex, which is required for a government building to be housed in an R-1, single family residential district.

Economic Development Consultant Hank Stephens testified in support of the sports complex and stated the five-acre tract of land will house a 85,628-square-foot building with a recreation and eight-lane competitive pool, ice rink and multi-use sports area.

Building Official Bruce Devall said the facility will have 355 parking spaces with 13 handicap-accessible spaces and 17 bus spaces.

The site plan shows four soccer fields will lie to the west of the property, and a detention basin, proposed sign and fifth soccer field will border the interstate on the north side of the property.

The most concerned opponents of the sports complex were residents of Katrina Estates Subdivision, which borders the complex to the south.

City Engineer Steve Miller testified the city is planning a 6-foot white vinyl fence as a buffer between the sports complex property and neighboring residences.

“The structure you’re considering is a rather large structure (27 feet high). I think a 6-foot vinyl fence would be rather small. I haven’t seen a fence that can withstand the wind,” said Katrina resident Bill McDevitt, who suggested the city install a vegetative buffer with a double row of alternating plants.

“I think a vegetative buffer can be worked out,” Miller said and agreed to work with neighbors to find a suitable buffer.

Jeff Clausius, who would literally have the sports center in his back yard, also was concerned about the safety of his children.

“This is what I deem as protecting the interest of my family and property value. I have three small children. When they start holding tournaments, I have concerns about strangers coming in,” Clausius said.

“We are building an absolute first-class facility, and we are interested in attracting families and quality people. I don’t think it’s going to diminish property value,” Stephens said.

Resident Nancy Esker asked the board if it wouldn’t make more sense to move the sports complex north, closer to the interstate.

Miller said the building is as far north as it can be. Stephens explained the northern property is under the jurisdiction of an Open Land Grant. If the city tried to put a building there, they would lose the $560,000 grant.

Katrina residents also were concerned with an influx of traffic the sports complex would bring and insisted upon the completion of an extension from Holly Street to Maple Street.

“Holly Street will need to be developed. We will give it (the sports complex) the okay, but we want Holly Street finished,” McDevitt said.

However, the Plan Commission does not have the authority to extend a street.

“The city has a contract to design Maple Street, and Holly Street was not included. That’s something the city council needs to be approached about and requested along with Maple Street,” Miller said.

Plan Commission Chairman Doug Pike suggested the board send a letter to the council suggesting it complete the extension.

After hearing from the public, the plan board approved the site plan on the condition the city engineering staff work with neighboring residents to develop a suitable buffer. The board also will recommend the council approve a special use permit, but will include a letter suggesting further research into the possibility of extending Holly Street.

The next step on the city’s timeline for the sports complex is the submittal of final design drawings to the Illinois Department of Public Health Thursday. The city is scheduled to accept bids for the complex on June 5.

Angie Faller can be reached at 217-347-7151 ext. 131 or angie.faller@

effinghamdailynews.com.