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Macomb, IL – Macomb wants the Lamoine Hotel listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It's proposal received a boost in the past week.
The Illinois Historic Society Board agreed to support the city's application. Community Development Coordinator Ed Basch said the city would not be able to obtain the national designation without the state's backing.
Basch said he told the state board there are several reasons why the Lamoine deserves recognition.
"Our criteria were based on the architecture. It's a classical revival architecture," said Basch. "Also, as somewhat of a cultural angle, it was a social center of the community in its hey day."
He added it was the first luxury hotel in Macomb.
The building is now owned by Gatehouse Media. The first floor is occupied by the McDonough County Voice. The other floors in the five story building are vacant and have been allowed to deteriorate over the years.
Basch said the city is still working to find a developer to renovate the building.
"Things are happening but it's going to take a little while yet," said Basch. "We've talked to three different developers. We hope at least one of those three will eventually come through. It's looking more positive now than a couple years ago."
Basch says the top four floors could be turned into condos or upper end apartments. The first floor could be used for commercial purposes, such as a store or office.
Basch made his comments after the City Council's meeting on June 7.
Waste Management Contract Extended
During the meeting, aldermen agreed to extend the city's contract with Waste Management for two years. As part of the contract extension, the company will collect recyclables every other week. Currently, those are collected every week.
WM will also push residents to take a 96-gallon recycling container. Right now, residents can choose one of three sizes.
The company's David Schaab told aldermen the changes won't take effect right away.
"I think the most optimistic time frame that we would have would be an August roll out of carts," said Schaab. "Prior to that, we would have a good deal of public education to do in terms of direct mailing to each resident in town."
At a meeting in May, Schaab said truck traffic will be reduced if the recycling service is provided every other week. He said that will reduce carbon emissions in the city.
The contract extension received unanimous approval, though Fourth Ward Alderman Mike Inman expressed some concerns. He said the extension leaves the city without much flexibility in dealing with trash disposal issues.
The contract extension means the agreement between the city and Waste Management will continue through September 30, 2016.
Rezoning Request Denied
Also during the June 7 meeting, aldermen rejected requests to rezone the property at 820 North Albert Street and the property immediately south of it. The proposal was to rezone the properties from R-2 Single Family Residential Zoning District to R-3 Two Family Dwelling Residential Zoning District.
Sixth Ward Alderman Tim Lobdell suggested the Planning Commission take a look at zoning for the entire neighborhood. He said the proposed rezonings did not fit in with the city's comprehensive plan.
The full city council agreed with Lobdell's suggestion.