JERSEYVILLE: Commercial solar project referred back to zoning

JERSEYVILLE — A petition to amend zoning along Illinois Route 16 for commercial purposes was considered during the Jerseyville City Council meeting on February 17.

The zoning petition involves rezoning a section of the highway for the development of a commercial solar energy system.

The petition was on the January 20 meeting agenda to deny the request. However, it was tabled following the receipt of additional information before the meeting.

“Under the advice of counsel, we’re going to table that until we have proper time to review that new information,” Mayor Kevin Stork said at that meeting.

After careful review of the additional information, Stork recommended that the petition go back to the Planning and Zoning Board.

“It’s going to go back to them based on that new information,” Mayor Stork said. “There are some new state laws and stuff to consider.”

The Planning and Zoning Board will meet on Thursday, March 19, before the petition returns to the city council.

Jersey CHS theater department receives a contribution

The Jerseyville City Council would approve two contributions during last week’s meeting.

The first was for $100 to the theatre department at Jersey Community High School.

Stork said the contribution is an annual item to help with the spring musical. This spring’s musical is The Little Mermaid.

UCAN contribution receives approval

The larger of the two contributions was for $5,000 to the Unified Child Advocacy Network (UCAN). The contribution will help the organization with its ongoing work to advocate for victims of abuse.

Police Chief Danny Green said UCAN helps with forensic child interviews for victims of abuse and sets up counseling.

“Having them here in town is huge for us at the department,” Chief Green said. “Before, they would have to go to Edwardsville.”

Chief Green said UCAN assists victims in the surrounding communities. Being in town helps alleviate the added stress of travel.

“It’s a good resource for us to have here,” Green said. “We’re glad we have it.”