Quincy The Plan Commission recommended that Hope residence’s proposal for a Special Permit to utilize 2122 Jefferson Street as a maternity residence for expectant mothers who are at danger of homelessness be denied, and Quincy City Council agreed.
There was hardly any discussion prior to the Council’s vote, even though four residents spoke during Public Comment in support of Hope House. One such speaker was Mia Monroe, who had lived in a similar maternity home.
Thanks to the maternity home I went to, I’m doing great now. According to Monroe, a maternity home can create more important members of society, which will improve our town’s future.
Hope House board member Ray Wheeler stated, “I want to do the right thing.” As a Christian, I feel obligated to be there to catch you.
Neighbors voiced complaints at last week’s sPlan Commission Meeting about increased noise, declining property values, and the turnover rate.
Despite their support for Hope House’s aim, several of the neighbors said they did not want it to be close by.
Alderman Karol Ehmen (R-4th Ward) moved to deny the special permit because the property was located in the 4th Ward. Planning Director Jason Parrott was questioned by Alderman Laura McReynolds (R-5th Ward) about the rationale behind the proposed zoning change that will turn the property into a multi-family residence.
According to Parrott, there is no definition for a maternity home in our code. We most strongly associated it with a boarding house, which is subject to multi-family zoning.
I thought we were going to table this, one alderman asked. Then, Alderman Tony Sassen (R-4th Ward) asked Call to ask the question, indicating that he did not want the subject to be discussed further. Sassen’s motion was seconded by Ehmen.
A member must be recognized by the chair before making a move, which needs to be seconded by another member, in accordance with Robert’s Rules of Order. The proposal must then be approved by a two-thirds majority in order to end the debate.
There should have been a vote on the call of the matter, but Mayor Linda Moore requested the second, which Ehmen supplied.
In order to support the Plan Commission’s recommendation, Moore requested a voice vote. Amidst a scattering of no votes, Moore agreed to the voice vote to concur.
Todd Hastings, president of Hope House, stated that the organization will likely try again at a different location.
“Well,” he replied, “we’re back in the market and we’ll start looking for new homes.” We will return.
The subdivision of 2208 South 12th Street into three lots, the special permit to permit construction at 1002 North 24th St., the subdivision of 1603 Center Avenue into two lots, and the special permit for 906 Lind Street to serve as a supervised visitation center were all approved in other votes pertaining to the Plan Commission.
All resolutions were approved, including the following: upgrading police vehicles, purchasing memberships for police officers to continue being members of the West Central Illinois Criminal Justice Council, contracting with the University of Missouri Columbia Fire and Rescue Training Institute for training, and paying more than $33,000 in membership fees to Two Rivers Regional Land Bank using funds from the 7th Ward.
Purchasing Agent Mary-Ann Ervin gave a presentation outlining the transition to a new purchasing program, BidNet Direct, while 911 Director Jessica Douglas gave a presentation outlining 911’s operations and funding.
John Quincy Adams Day was likewise declared on July 11 by Mayor Moore. Adams was born on July 11 and later served as the inspiration for the names of Quincy and Adams County. On July 19, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., the Quincy Historical Society will host a celebration at 416 Jersey in his honor.
