By Taylor Goldenstein, Contributing Writer
The Urbana City Council approved five ordinances and chose to postpone one ordinance until next week at its weekly Monday meeting. The postponed ordinance involves a historical landmark that sits on the property of Canaan Baptist Church, 404 W. Main St., in Urbana.
Canaan Baptist Church is interested in building a parking lot in the area where the house now stands. The proposal has faced resistance from local residents as well as local history preservationists, such as Brian Dolinar, president of the Downtown Neighborhood Association in Urbana.
“In this particular case, we have time for careful, deliberate investigation of the issue,” said Urbana Planning Manager Robert Myers. “I don’t think that the structure is under imminent demolition threat so we have … time to look at it carefully.”
While several residents offered their opinions in front of the council, further discussion will wait. Ward 1 Council Member Charlie Smyth plans to send the ordinance to committee for the Sept. 27 meeting.
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Other ordinances passed included a couple regarding the purchases of certain real estates: 1205 W. Beslin St. and 909 Harvey St.
It is the staff’s intent to make the space on West Beslin Street available for housing after clearing out the area. It would sell for $3,590, plus a tax of $2,800. The Harvey Street property is a vacant lot that is immediately available.
Another ordinance regarding the amendment of a zoning map to the city passed, with support from the city staff, who voted 6-0 to recommend the ordinance for the council’s approval.
Two other ordinances were also passed that entailed major variances of two different properties. Of the 902 E. Illinois St. area, Ward 5 Council Member Dennis Roberts said it was a pleasure to see those houses that were abandoned finally purchased and renovated.
In the last order of new business, David Seyler, Urbana resident of 50 years and building contractor, was appointed to serve for both the Historic Preservation Committee and Property Maintenance Code Board of Appeals until 2011 and 2013 respectively.
In addition, time was made for Roberts to speak about the trip he made at the end of this August with a group to Malawi, the sister city of Urbana in Africa.
