2000-64 DESIGNATING CONSERVATION AREA - NEAR NORTH AREA

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y i� � � . , y � , M ti � . • i Decatur City Plan Commission June 1, 2000 Page Seven Mr. Leonard McCrory, Sr. was present to represent the John C. Ellis Masonic Lodge at 234 East Marietta. Mr. McCrory stated that the lodge recently received a grant from the City for a new parking lot. The lodge trains youth groups in the right direction and wants to continue their work at their current location. Mr. Floyd Jenkins was present and stated that he thought the City would have to show cause to possess anyone's property to enforce eminent domain. Mrs. Morthland stated that there are various reasons to petition for eminent domain and this particular designation would allow it. Mr. Jerry Niehaus, Sullivan, Illinois,was present and asked what the time frame was for the project. Mr. Krieger stated that the Near North project and the HOPE VI grant are attempts to revitalize a distressed neighborhood with the replacement of deteriorating units with new residential units, both owner occupied and rental properties. There would be a mix of neighborhoods and commercial developments providing employment opportunities,retail opportunities and educational facilities. The grant was awarded to the Decatur Housing Authority in September of 1999 and work is progressing on the development of a plan. Mr. Dave Carr, Executive Director of the Decatur Housing Authority,was present and stated that the Housing Authority is a partner in this important effort. Mr. Carr stated that the task is complex as it involves multiple public and private entities. He stated that the designation will assist in the facilitation of this plan. The Public Hearing regarding the designation of the Near North Redevelopment Area as a Conservation District was concluded at 4:05 P.M. Mr. Forgey reported on the draft of the Zoning Ordinance stating that the study group had met yesterday and have concluded the job of reviewing the document line by line. One concern noted that the draft originally contained a large number of conditional uses that would require a great deal of time from staff, Plan Commission and City Council. The number of conditional uses has been drastically reduced. Mr. Forgey stated that there will be two or three more study group meetings and then the document will be distributed to Plan Commission, City Council and the Legal Department for review. He suggested that a subcommittee be created to hold regular meetings for the purpose of review of the Zoning Ordinance. Mrs. Morthland cautioned that although the study group did not warrant open meetings under the Open Meetings Act, a subcommittee of the Plan Commission might. Mr. Shampine requested volunteers to contact him or Mr. Forgey. Meeting adjourned at 4:15 P.M.