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Zoning Committee meets
The Zoning Committee for the Village of Riverton met beginning at 6 p.m. Dec. 16 to hear public comments on two agenda items. The first “Proposed Initial Zoning of Annexed
Property on Rt. 36 and Camp Butler Road from R-1 (residential) to C-2 (commercial).” Committee members in attendance were Cecil Funk, Ron Jagodzinski, Jim Mileham,
Earl Prior, Don Sloper and Ralph Willoughby. There were approximately 25 people in the audience.
Several residents on either side of the property in question, and also those across the street, all spoke concerning the request. A petition presented has 13 residents’
signatures against the rezoning request for a variety of reasons: noise, current shape of the road and more damage to the road by the proposed business’ trucks and a
business of this sort having a negative effect on residential property values. Also, its proposed location across from Roselawn Cemetery was voiced as being disrespectful.
Since the petitioners’ request to the Sangamon County Board was not granted, residents who spoke questioned why the Village of Riverton would want to grant annexation.
Other residents said notice of this committee hearing had not been communicated to them; they just happened to hear about it from other neighbors. Some residents consider
this entire area residential and in Springfield’s jurisdiction.
The petitioners, Trader Trucking, have in mind placing two 50x80 foot buildings on the property for purposes of the business. Mr. Willoughby asked residents if the company
used Rt. 36 only, and not Rt. 54, would they be satisfied? No, was the consensus response.
The Zoning Committee moved on to the second agenda item: “Proposed Rezoning of Property on 7th Street from AG (agriculture) to C-2 (commercial).” The planned use of
the property is for Dollar General to build an expanded store, with its front facing south and the back of it facing the residence of Ron and Candace Lamkey. Plans also show a
retention pond area immediately to the proposed DG’s west side. Owners of the property, Don Scott Jr. and Don Scott Sr. (representing a trust), said representatives of Dollar
General approached them about it. Residents in attendance, who had a petition against the rezoning, asked about rumors of another business to be placed on the opposite
side of the proposed Dollar General. Don Scott Jr. said he had hoped an ice cream business would be interested, but there are no firm commitments to that side of the
property at this time. Any business placed on that side, the back of it would face residences of Riviera Subdivision. The front of it would face north, toward the proposed Dollar
General.
People speaking in opposition, Candace Lamkey, and Mark Yoggerst of Riviera Subdivision, are very concerned about the negative effect on their property values, and also
easement, noise, litter, lighting, drainage, dumpster placement, etc. A resident asked Don Scott Jr. about these things, and he admitted that he has no actual control of how the
businesses would operate. If the property is rezoned, any type of business could be put there. Don Scott Sr., who was not at the podium, told those sitting near him, “This is a
million dollar deal; everything’s taken care of.” The Lamkeys told the committee they have put a lot of work and money into their home and they envisioned other people building
homes on the property, not a new Dollar General right next to them. There was no answer on why the property was not developed or requested to be rezoned as residential.
Dollar General wants to build a 9000 square foot store.
The public portion comment of the meeting was closed at 7:15 p.m., the committee took a break, and the zoning decision portion got underway at 7:25 p.m. Ron Jagodzinski
reminded members of some questions they should ask themselves: “Will the proposed change be beneficial for the neighborhood? Would it encourage additional
development without rezoning? Are utilities adequate to support? Will it affect vehicular or pedestrian traffic? Will the proposed change affect the environment?”
On the first item, committee member Ralph Willoughby believes residents on either side of the property should be respected. Jim Mileham motioned not to recommend, and
Ralph seconded. The vote was 6-0 not to recommend annexation.
This will be forwarded as a recommendation to the village board to disallow.
On the second item, Ralph Willoughby asked whether there would be a stoplight? Chuck Stone responded that 7th Street belongs to the county. Earl Prior asked where the
entrance would be? Plans show that as sort of across from the Hawk’s Junction and Dawson Road. Don Sloper motioned to approve, and Earl Prior seconded with the
stipulation of privacy fencing. The final vote count was 4-2, with Ralph Willoughby and Jim Mileham voting “no,” and Cecil Funk, Earl Prior and Don Sloper voting “yes.” Ron
Jagodzinski voted “present”; it was explained to the audience by Chuck Stone, since there was not a quorum that a majority was needed, and a “present” vote would actually
count toward a “yes.”
The Zoning Committee for the Village of Riverton met beginning at 6 p.m. Dec. 16 to hear public comments on two agenda items. The first “Proposed Initial Zoning of Annexed
Property on Rt. 36 and Camp Butler Road from R-1 (residential) to C-2 (commercial).” Committee members in attendance were Cecil Funk, Ron Jagodzinski, Jim Mileham,
Earl Prior, Don Sloper and Ralph Willoughby. There were approximately 25 people in the audience.
Several residents on either side of the property in question, and also those across the street, all spoke concerning the request. A petition presented has 13 residents’
signatures against the rezoning request for a variety of reasons: noise, current shape of the road and more damage to the road by the proposed business’ trucks and a
business of this sort having a negative effect on residential property values. Also, its proposed location across from Roselawn Cemetery was voiced as being disrespectful.
Since the petitioners’ request to the Sangamon County Board was not granted, residents who spoke questioned why the Village of Riverton would want to grant annexation.
Other residents said notice of this committee hearing had not been communicated to them; they just happened to hear about it from other neighbors. Some residents consider
this entire area residential and in Springfield’s jurisdiction.
The petitioners, Trader Trucking, have in mind placing two 50x80 foot buildings on the property for purposes of the business. Mr. Willoughby asked residents if the company
used Rt. 36 only, and not Rt. 54, would they be satisfied? No, was the consensus response.
The Zoning Committee moved on to the second agenda item: “Proposed Rezoning of Property on 7th Street from AG (agriculture) to C-2 (commercial).” The planned use of
the property is for Dollar General to build an expanded store, with its front facing south and the back of it facing the residence of Ron and Candace Lamkey. Plans also show a
retention pond area immediately to the proposed DG’s west side. Owners of the property, Don Scott Jr. and Don Scott Sr. (representing a trust), said representatives of Dollar
General approached them about it. Residents in attendance, who had a petition against the rezoning, asked about rumors of another business to be placed on the opposite
side of the proposed Dollar General. Don Scott Jr. said he had hoped an ice cream business would be interested, but there are no firm commitments to that side of the
property at this time. Any business placed on that side, the back of it would face residences of Riviera Subdivision. The front of it would face north, toward the proposed Dollar
General.
People speaking in opposition, Candace Lamkey, and Mark Yoggerst of Riviera Subdivision, are very concerned about the negative effect on their property values, and also
easement, noise, litter, lighting, drainage, dumpster placement, etc. A resident asked Don Scott Jr. about these things, and he admitted that he has no actual control of how the
businesses would operate. If the property is rezoned, any type of business could be put there. Don Scott Sr., who was not at the podium, told those sitting near him, “This is a
million dollar deal; everything’s taken care of.” The Lamkeys told the committee they have put a lot of work and money into their home and they envisioned other people building
homes on the property, not a new Dollar General right next to them. There was no answer on why the property was not developed or requested to be rezoned as residential.
Dollar General wants to build a 9000 square foot store.
The public portion comment of the meeting was closed at 7:15 p.m., the committee took a break, and the zoning decision portion got underway at 7:25 p.m. Ron Jagodzinski
reminded members of some questions they should ask themselves: “Will the proposed change be beneficial for the neighborhood? Would it encourage additional
development without rezoning? Are utilities adequate to support? Will it affect vehicular or pedestrian traffic? Will the proposed change affect the environment?”
On the first item, committee member Ralph Willoughby believes residents on either side of the property should be respected. Jim Mileham motioned not to recommend, and
Ralph seconded. The vote was 6-0 not to recommend annexation.
This will be forwarded as a recommendation to the village board to disallow.
On the second item, Ralph Willoughby asked whether there would be a stoplight? Chuck Stone responded that 7th Street belongs to the county. Earl Prior asked where the
entrance would be? Plans show that as sort of across from the Hawk’s Junction and Dawson Road. Don Sloper motioned to approve, and Earl Prior seconded with the
stipulation of privacy fencing. The final vote count was 4-2, with Ralph Willoughby and Jim Mileham voting “no,” and Cecil Funk, Earl Prior and Don Sloper voting “yes.” Ron
Jagodzinski voted “present”; it was explained to the audience by Chuck Stone, since there was not a quorum that a majority was needed, and a “present” vote would actually
count toward a “yes.”
Issue Date: Dec. 24, 2009
