West Central Reporter

City of Macomb Zoning Board of Appeals met May 1.

Here are the minutes provided by the board:

The Macomb Zoning Board of Appeals held a meeting on Wednesday, May 01, 2024 at 5:15pm in the City Council Chambers of the Macomb City Hall, 232 E. Jackson St; Macomb, Illinois.

Members present: Chairperson Sally Egler, Mr. Ron Runser, Ms. Suzan Nash, Mr. Carl Ervin, Ms. Kate Cobb, and Mr. Nathan Wallen. Not present: Ms. Tina Belz

Others present: Applicant Janiece “Jace” Galloway, Contractor Dan Glenn, City Attorney Lisa Scalf, Community Development Director John Bannon, Incoming Community Development Director Miranda Lambert and Administrative Assistant Tiffany Villwock

Chairperson Egler called the meeting to order at 5:15pm. Roll call was taken and quorum was declared.

Chairperson Egler asked for any corrections or suggestions for change to the minutes from the October 18, 2023 meeting. Motion was made by Ms. Nash and seconded by Mr. Ervin. Voice call: unanimous ‘aye’ was recorded.

Public Hearing:

Chairperson Egler presented the Public Hearing. Ms. Janiece “Jace” Galloway of 942 S Garfield came forward to speak on behalf of her application. She stated that she will be modifying her single car garage on her home into living space for her mother.

Chairperson Egler asked about the need for a variance since the applicant already uses her driveway to park. CDD John Bannon presented the Municipal Code which states that front yard parking is not allowed and by modifying the garage to living space converts the driveway to front yard. Mr. Bannon also stated that he is in favor of the variance approval.

Ms. Nash asked for clarification on the intended use of the garage and the driveway. Mr. Runser explained that when she turns her garage into living space then she loses her easement to utilize the driveway as parking per the code and that the variance allows her to continue to use the driveway for parking.

Dan Glenn, contractor for the applicant, spoke stating that due to setbacks and the width of the road, Ms. Galloway will have no other options for parking if the variance is denied.

Ms. Galloway stated that she is unable to utilize the back of the house due to Patton Park being adjacent to her yard.

Public Comment:

None was heard

New Business:

Chairperson Egler advised the Commission members to browse thru the Finding of Facts and bring forth any questions.

Ms. Cobb motioned to approve the variance to allow front yard parking due to the proposed modification of the garage into living space. Motion was seconded by Ms. Nash. Roll call vote in favor: Ms. Egler, Mr. Runser, Ms. Nash, Mr. Ervin, Ms. Cobb, and Mr. Wallen. Unanimous ‘aye’.

CDD Bannon stated the procedure for Ms. Galloway to receive her zoning order outlining the variance and obtaining a permit for her project.

Old Business:

Chairperson Egler gave her farewell address to CDD John Bannon and welcomed new Community Development Director Miranda Lambert.

The Board discussed John’s transition to WIU and their support.

CDD John Bannon brought to the attention of the Commission a variance request on the docket for The Lamoine with a fence variance and McDonough District Hospital with a sign variance.

Adjournment:

Ms. Nash made a motion to adjourn. Seconded by Ms. Cobb. Voice call: unanimous ‘aye’.

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