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Planners might have been pleased by the turnout, as City Hall
chambers were packed to capacity. A number of individuals elected to
speak, some with questions, some with concerns, some with
suggestions and many to compliment and thank those who put the
document together.
Reviews of both the comprehensive plan and the greenways plan
were provided by representatives of the group from McLean County
that provided technical assistance. Jennifer Sicks explained the
plan contents, objectives and goals.
With the city of Lincoln being the county seat and representing
half the county population, Lincoln dominates growth in the plan.
Particularly important in the Lincoln portion of the plan is land
use. City planners were reminded to look at growth potentials 1.5
miles beyond the current city limits, paying particular attention to
land-use factors and zoning.
Areas that probably will not be developed would be greenways
around Kickapoo Creek Park and Lincoln Lakes.
Interstate 55 interchanges to the south and north are of
particular importance. The south, with its flood plain areas, is
less likely to develop.
Marked for potential commercial development are 228 acres to the
southwest and another 400 acres in other locations. These areas were
identified for their highway and transportation access.
Dolan Dalpoas, president and chief executive officer of Abraham
Lincoln Memorial Hospital, said that the hospital has taken out a
contingency to purchase land across from the Logan County
Fairgrounds. It is not certain that the hospital will act on that
purchase, but they are considering a health care campus for that
area. He asked that as the comprehensive plan unfolds, the future
plans of the hospital be taken into consideration.
One audience member said that he had observed the current rate of
development and had run some numbers on the housing development. He
believes that housing is falling behind by as much as 300 percent a
year.
Patrick Doolin asked who would be assessing and measuring impact
on schools and neighborhoods as growth takes place.
He also suggested that routinely publishing information for the
public to view would be beneficial.
Paul Russell reviewed the greenways plan, which was compiled by
Rick Nolan. Greenways may provide active recreation, improve
aesthetics such as in a scenic break, protect nature by providing
sanctuary or migratory paths, or be used to increase tourism, he
said. There are some areas already set aside in the county for
potential greenway development. Other areas identified for potential
development follow streams and roadways.
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 A Route 66 bike trail plan is under development that connects
Logan County to McLean and Sangamon County trails. The trail loops
through Lincoln, potentially increasing tourism as well as providing
recreation.
Some concern was expressed by citizens that government might
infringe on rights of private property owners if their property were
to be selected as a greenway. Dan Bock wanted to know if owners
might be either forced to sell to the government or maybe prevented
from selling their property if it became a greenway.
Several authorities, including Paul Russell, assured them this
does not happen with greenways.
There are all kinds of greenways. In some, such as for
conservation, private property owners may voluntarily enter an
agreement at their own choice. Landowners are often creating natural
habitats on flood plains.
Lists of observed errors -- mostly mislabeling on the land-use
maps, zoning conflicts and the like -- were submitted to the Lincoln
Planning Commission by city engineer Mark Mathon and by Lincoln and
Logan County Development Partnership director Rob Orr.
When all were heard, the commission determined that it was
necessary to meet again to resolve inaccuracies and conflicting
information, review suggestions, and allow the organizers
opportunity to make changes before accepting the plan and
recommending it to the city council for their approval. The Lincoln
Planning Commission will meet on Aug. 31 at 7 p.m. with the McLean planners, Orr and any
Logan County Regional Planning Commission members who wish to attend.
Draft of
Logan County Comprehensive Plan
Draft of Logan County Greenways Plan
[Jan
Youngquist]
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