A Higher Glyphic

A heated city council meeting left a few local residents wondering what would soon become of their small plot of beloved green space. The meeting had been proceeding with business as usual when it came time to vote on a motion to approve or deny developer John Alleman's request to have 6.77 acres of land he purchased re-zoned as Low Density Residential.

The land lies specifically between E. Park St. and S. Glenbeth Dr. It is currently a sparkly wooded and unoccupied area (maps.google.com/.webloc).
Several members of the surrounding neighborhood voiced their opposition to the re-zoning for the City Council to consider.

The Hanson's, an elderly couple, who have lived near the property in question for over 50 years said, "traffic, is already at its limits." They spoke in front of the council a few years ago asking for speed bumps to be put in just off of E. Campus St.
Angry that their request was denied they and their neighbors who they referred to as "a team, just like our beloved Salukis" are distraught at the idea of a new 23-24 home subdivision going in with only one way in and one way out.

Alleman (www.allemanproperties.com#DF197) began the debate with his argument that the land is being used for absolutely nothing, and there is a need for decent homes in the $100,000 price range. He is aware that people don't like students in their neighborhoods saying "they drink, they're loud, and they drive in my yard." He was adamant that the housing will not be sold or rented for student use.

In the end the Council denied the request. Acknowledging his point that the homes of that nature are needed, this just was not the place to put them. Alleman Responded with a very hasty return to the microphone saying the land would not stay in its current shape.

Council Member Joel Fritzler (www.ci.carbondale.il.us/ #DF174) spoke out against the request for the re-zoning, and said afterwards he wasn't sure what Alleman meant. "He can do what he wants with it, it is his land and his prerogative. It is zoned AG so he can clear it out and sell the space to Green Earth and maybe they can plant it properly." However, Fritzler said, "Mr. Alleman may have just been caught up in the moment".

To conclude the situation, the council offered that to fix the lack of affordable housing, that two birds could be killed with one stone by tearing down unlivable properties elsewhere around town, and building new homes in areas already suited for residential traffic.

Other highlights of the night including the honoring of two devoted City workers. Street Foreman Columbus Aiken was honored for his nearly 35 years of service to the city of Carbondale. Both Aiken, and Cemetery Sexton, Gary L. Hefler were joined for photos and the presentation of a plaque to each in honor of their work.
Mayor Brad Cole stated that he has never had any complaints about Hefler. He also stated that it is because of Mr. Hefler's dedication to his career that the people who are enduring such a hard time are never let down by the city, and have benefited greatly in having a beautiful, serene place to re-visit their loved-ones.

Also on the agenda was an announcement from Police Chief, Bob Ledbetter, who informed the council and all other attendees of the upcoming Crime Stoppers Spaghetti Dinner. The money from ticket sales will all be used as reward money for useful information received on the Crime Stoppers tip line 618-549-COPS.
Other developments for the community can be expected from the Carbondale Fire Department as well. The Council approved the purchase of a new vehicle to be used for transporting firefighters.

The council also heard from the Chief of the Fire Department (www.ci.carbondale.il.us/.webloc) who spoke of its improved system of pre fire planning. He noted that the benefit is not only to the fire fighters but the residents as well. Having his men familiar with the building they are going into via a computer database that can be accessed on site will help save lives by making building searches more efficient, and familiarizing the crews with the structural integrity of the building.

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