Carthage passes zoning for former college campus

The Carthage city council approved a recommendation from the Plan Commission to create a Planned 1 zoning district for use by Prairieland Investment Group at the former Carthage College property.

The Planned 1 district, or P-1, is a new zoning designation that allows greater flexibility within an area. Prairieland Investment Group is wanting to move forward with plans for the 23-acre property.

“I think it's a win-win for them and the city,” said Carthage Mayor Jim Nightingale.

Steve Freiburg of Poepping, Stone, Bach & Associates said it is used for situations like this one where a developer is moving forward on smaller parts of a larger area.

“This is a common district for communities to have on the books just for things like this,” said Freiburg.

Prairieland Investment Group has to apply for the area to be rezoned P-1. Prairieland also has to submit a written plan, called a master or concept plan, for the entire campus. This plan is approved by the Plan Commission and city council. A public hearing is also held for the plan.

The zoning is set up to be flexible and allow smaller areas to be developed while giving residents an idea of what is planned for the area in the future.

“They have definite plans on what they want to do,” said Nightingale.

The council adjusted its budget after removing the projected $40,000 cost for a down chute project at the former landfill. The move means the budget for the post-closure of the landfill is only over budget in the area of engineering.

The project is moved to next year's budget. Money for the down chute is reimbursable from TIF district funds in the future.

The city is working with Blanche Shoup from Work Force Investment to set up an office in Carthage as her office continues working with Methode Electronics management and workers after its announced lay-offs.

Bids for the remaining jobs at the Carthage location are expected to begin this week. Once those jobs are assigned, workers begin receiving two-month termination notices.

The next roundtable meeting about the situation is tentatively set for March 6.

“Things are changing fast,” said Nightingale.

U.S. Rep. Phil Hare met with city officials before the Chamber of Commerce dinner and said he would provide money for the Memorial Hospital project near the Rt. 336 interchange.

State Rep. Rich Myers (R-Colchester) told Nightingale that his member initiative of $170,000 was approved. The money is expected to arrive by the end of the week. A no interest loan for about $1.2 million to pay for water and sewer lines to the interchange is progressing. Nightingale said he was told their application scored well.

“It looks promising,” he said.

Engineer Terry Knoke estimated $280,000 for the water project to run water pipes to the interchange for the hospital. Bids on this project are opened March 4.

Alderman Gary Smith said a plan is being finalized for testing the tornado siren once a month. The day is likely to remain the first Tuesday of the month, but the time might shift to 7 p.m. Smith is looking into purchasing another tornado siren to place near the interchange in anticipation of more businesses there in the future.

Police officer Mike Kost has taught half the scheduled D.A.R.E. classes at Carthage schools. The police force is attending driver's education classes at Illini West High School to update students on rules changes made by the state, including a graduated driver's license law.

Alderman Randy Fleming said street crews are going to work on potholes as soon as material is available.

Nightingale reminded committee chairman that budget requests are due March 14.

In other news, the council:

€ Passed a bed and breakfast ordinance.

€ Accepted the low bid of $3,480 from Kevin Cook for a storm sewer at Kibbe Museum.

€ Approved adding Martin Luther King's birthday to the list of city employee holidays.