Top 10 stories for 2007

Well, the end of the year has come again and since I no longer have a paper to write for, my entries have trickled down to near nothing. But that hasn’t stopped the news cycle, so here are my top ten local stories for 2007

10. Sarah Bush’s 30th Anniversary starts this year’s list. And even though they have taken a public relations beating over the last year, they will be around another thirty.
9. Lake Island tract debacle caused a stir in Charleston at the start of the year when the City decided not to renew the leases for the homes on City ground at Lake Charleston when they expire in 2009. Previous councils had put off the decision, but the hard decision was finally made.
8. No smoking rules and laws put in place in the City of Mattoon and across the State. A campaign was led to ban smoking near playground areas in the City parks causing a debate between smokers and non-smokers rights. Meanwhile the State passed a statewide smoking ban in public places that takes effect the first of 2008.
7. Resignation of Dr. Bill Thallemer makes the list. After only one year, Lake Land College Board of Trustees forced the resignation of their new president. Details on the reasoning behind the move were mostly kept private.
6. Opening of the new I-57 interchange. This project is a double-edged sword. The new route will suck traffic and business away from Route 16 interchange, but its construction helped Mattoon win the FutureGen bid. If the plant is built and brings new industry with it, this new route will become the industrial corridor it was designed for.
5. AmerenCIPS electric rates have been a thorn in the side of citizens’ state wide all year. The situation led to partial rebate from the company but no real relief in site. The story may very well make the list next year as it has yet to leave the minds of their customers.
4. Boiler Slag makes a mess of Mattoon. This engineering disaster led to the emergency repaving of midtown Mattoon. The black slag is a byproduct of coal and will be plentiful with FutureGen. However, the fine aggregate didn’t bind well with the emulsified asphalt and left a sticky mess that tracked all over town.
3. The City of Mattoon took great strides towards economic development over the past year. With the creation of 4 TIF districts and 2 business districts, the groundwork had been laid for funding of private and public improvements throughout town. The city will reap the benefits from these moves for years to come.
2. Passing of Mayor Charlie White. A lifetime of service to the City of Mattoon comes to an end. Rest in peace Mayor White.
1. FutureGen makes the top story two years in a row. Congratulations Mattoon. What can I say that hasn’t already been said? If the predictions come true “Save Mattoon” may declare mission accomplished.

So there’s my list for top stories of 2007. Posted here where no one reads. What will 2008 bring? Will FutureGen top the list three years in a row? Will Street Level even be in existence in 2008? And if so, will there be enough content to create a list of 10.

Time for a new Comprehensive Plan

The Journal Gazette editorial board recently called for the City of Mattoon to adopt a strategic plan. This editorial was pretty much spot on what needs to occur, with the possible exception of the request to hire an outside firm to draft the plan.

The current Comprehensive Plan was adopted in the 1960’s. That is before the mall existed; before there was any industry on the north and west side of town; and when there was still three major railroads crossing in Mattoon. Those involved in the writing of that plan have long retired and gone on their ways. It is so outdated; it had to be amended twice this year alone to allow for proposed TIF and business districts.

The City has many irons in the fire, and no obvious plan stating their goals and how to achieve them. This council alone has seen the replacement of the leaders of three major departments. The tourism department, the police department and the fire department all have new leaders within the last three years. Without a strategic or comprehensive plan, these leaders are basically starting from scratch.

The Public Works Department has seen the most changes in recent years. None of which is likely included in any official plan. The creation of the department itself is the biggest change. Beyond that, it has been restructured at least once in recent years.

The City is tackling economic development at many different levels. They have created TIF and business districts, passed a midtown redevelopment plan, worked to attract retail business, and study development opportunities along the new interchange corridor.

They have also spent millions in infrastructure over the last decade. A new water plant, major upgrades to the sewer plant, and the Home Depot stand pipe come to mind. As well as road and utility upgrades near the north side industries. Projects in the near future include the massive south side storm water management project.

Cooperation with Charleston is at an all time high. Utility agreements, emergency response agreements and equipment sharing are all common now. Joint meetings between the councils are an annual event.

Mattoon is currently planning on updating their zoning and subdivision ordinances. This would be an excellent opportunity to update their Comprehensive Plan as well. A plan to be in place to assure infrastructure improvements match development plans. A plan to be in place to assure department goals stay focused from one leader to the next, and from one council to the next.

Charleston passed a new Comprehensive Plan and Unified Development Code with the last few years. The county also recently passed their Comprehensive Plan. Mattoon needs to get on the same page before they drag the rest of the county behind.