Crystal Thomas
The State Journal-Register
The Springfield City Council voted Wednesday to discuss local developers’ concerns and their suggested amendments to the 2017-2037 comprehensive plan on land use at their Jan. 9 Committee of the Whole meeting.
A vote to approve the plan was postponed to the full council meeting on Jan. 16 after the Development Policy Council — a group of developers, Realtors and engineers organized by the Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce — lobbied aldermen individually to give the group more time to read the document and craft amendments. A steering committee appointed by the mayor with the help of the Springfield-Sangamon Regional Planning Commission worked on the plan for over a year.
“I want to make sure we have an open discussion about (the developers’ proposed amendments) prior to the zoning meeting,” Ward 10 Ald. Ralph Hanauer said.
Developers said they worry the plan could be used to deny projects in outlying wards. The steering committee counters the plan is just an advisory document.
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Ward 7 Ald. Joe McMenamin urged the council to send the plan back to the Planning and Zoning Commission to get their input on the developer’s amendments before adding them to the plan. If the council didn’t do so, he said Mayor Jim Langfelder should veto the plan.
“At least, you will have the benefit of their thoughts of why they disagree,” McMenamin said.
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Joe McMenamin for Ward 7 