Questions about land use dominated the first public hearing on McDonough County’s proposed new comprehensive plan.
About 25 people attended the hearing along with county board members, county government employees, and representatives of the Western Illinois Regional Council, which facilitated the process for replacing the county’s 40 year old comprehensive plan.
Some of those in attendance claimed the plan would lead to zoning. But the WIRC’s Shannon Duncan said that is not the intention, and she pointed out the only changes to the land use maps are near the proposed Macomb Bypass and Route 336.
“This map does not in any way suggest the change from agriculture to commercial is encouraged. It’s just saying to be aware of the possibility,” Duncan said.
She pointed to the Dollar General store near Route 336 south of Colchester as an example of business being drawn to a location near the highway.
The comprehensive plan and maps can be viewed here.
Written comments on the plan will be accepted until November 26. Another public hearing is scheduled for November 28.
After that the county board’s comprehensive plan committee will decide whether to recommend the document to the full county board.
