The Pantagraph from Bloomington, Illinois • Page 5

Pantagraph A-5 Bfoomfngton- noimai, in, i wan. tin Commercial zoning approved gj should be approved. The engineering department said there will not be any traffic problems, so we will go with that." Upon questioning by commissioners, Dirks said his office had earlier recommended that if the land is rezoned it should be restricted to apartments, offices or non-retail type businesses. Before unanimously recommending commercial zoning, several members of the commission expressed hope that gasoline stations would not pop up on all constructed on the new section of Towanda Avenue from Vernon Avenue south about 200 feet. "The median will be designed as a barrier median as far along the property as possible, but not necessarily far enough to preclude entrance into driveways," Ballinger and Ferguson said in a joint report.

The proposed design, which met with acceptance by Chester Thomson, a stockholder and officer of the development corporation, includes two 12-foot lanes in each direction and 11-foot left-turn lanes on both Towanda and Vernon. In conclusion, the engineering report said, "the design capacity of the intersection of Vernon Avenue with Towanda Avenue will be sufficient to preclude any concern for the use of lot 50 (the tract in question) up to and including gas stations, food stores and drive-in restaurants." Asked for his comments during the meeting, Dirks just saying that if the plans meet the specifications of the engineering department they water "has submitted a report to you stating that the commercial use of the land will not adversely affect traffic movement in this area." Dirks' big objection has been that cross traffic between the triangular shaped tract and a small shopping center west of the tract would cause problems along the new section of Towanda Avenue, which will divide the two properties. "I was told I didn't have anything to do with traffic planning," Dirks told a reporter following Wednesday's hearing, "so I washed my hands of it." The rezoning question came up at the commission's Dec. 20 meeting, but was tabled because of conflicts in recommendations from Dirks and Donald Ferguson, Bloomington's director of engineering and water. said that there would be no immediate problem and that any future problem with cross traffic could be remedied with a median to prevent crossing.

Again Wednesday, City Engineer Dale Ballinger told the commission that Ferguson said he had "no objections (to commercial zoning) at the present time." Ballinger, had with him a new plat of the property giving the city the right-of-way it had requested for the new stretch of Towanda and for the improvement of Vernon Avenue east of Towanda. Ballinger and Ferguson also recommended that the existing stretch of Towanda Avenue be retained with the south end of the existing street being redesigned to intersect with the new portion at a 90-degree angle and that the north end be closed to through traffic. Median possible The existing stretch would then be used as a frontage road for the Prairie Travler Motel property and Eastview Christian Church. Ballinger said a median would be By Bill Wills Planners yielded to engineers and within 30 minutes Wednesday the Bloomington Planning and Zoning Commission recommended rezoning of a controversial triangular-shaped tract of land southwest of the present Vernon Avenue-Towanda Avenue intersection. The commission recommended rezoning the land for commercial use.

The recommendation will go to the city council for the final decision Monday night. Developers had tried to obtain a commercial classification for the land when it was annexed to the city earlier this year, but both the commission and city council opposed the commercial zoning. Consequently, the land was annexed and with the annexation came an automatic zoning designation for single-family home use. Herman Dirks, executive director of the McLean County Regional Planning Commission and adviser to the city commission, has opposed commercial zoning for the land from the outset. 'Washed hands' Wednesday, Dirks said his.

staff was withdrawing its objections because the city department of engineering and Few openings in ballet classes There are still a few openings in a 3 to 4 p.m. ballet class opening Saturday at Normal's Parks Recreation Department office, 905 N. Main. The 12-week program will be offered in the recreation meeting room at Fairview Sanatorium. Registrations are now being accepted at the department's office.

A small fee will be charged. Classes at 1 and 2 p.m. on Saturdays already are filled, but if enough interest is shown prior to Saturday an additional class may be started, officials said. Regional 25 years from now Area's future debated plan body adopt: New fleet chief Adm. Maurice Weisner, vice chief of naval operations, has been named commander-in-chief of the U.S.

Pacific Fleet. (AP Wirephoto) designed for planned industrial parks. "I can see an industrial park developing in the area," said commissioner James Gardner. "If we grant an industrial use for this property then neighbors could come in for the same zoning. I would rather see it come in as a nonconforming use." By coming into the city as a nonconforming use, the firm would be allowed to continue its operation, but any other types of industrial use would not be permitted on the property in the future.

Commissioner Ernest Geschke said the city's comprehensive plan showed the area the firm is locaed in which as a commercial area. He suggested that the electronics firm be annexed as a nonconforming use and that the entire area be zoned later for the use that is being made of the area. "We would have more freedom in the future if we don't pin down a specific use now," said Gardner. Foundry maybe? "I'm thinking of restricting them when they in so people around them will have protection," said Jones. "I believe the best thing would be to rezone this land M-1A.

If it comes in as a nonconforming use the firm will have a broader opportunity to do things in the future." "How would you feel about a foundry out there?" Gardner asked of Jones. "The land is already developed with a building on it," Jones replied. "We're not talking about vacant land that is undeveloped. We have got to face reality. We have to take tilings as they are." "They have a building with a lifespan of about 35 years," Gardner shot back.

"It seems to me that this is the lime to stop industrial' development where we don't want it. We won't have another shot at it." Jones made a motion to amend the request and to allow M-1A zoning, but received support only from Ross Vinson, sitting in on his second meeting. Then came Gardner's successful motion to recommend annexation with single-family zoning. He was supported by Getsehke, acting chairman S. S.

"Joe" Schneider, Eldon Kcttwich, Robert Webber and Vinson. Jones said he opposed Gardner's motion "because it doesn't sufficiently protect the surrounding area or the city of Bloomington as a whole." county water, sewer Do you give local industry what it wants and essentially has? Or do you consider what the consequences of your action might be in 25 years and say "no" to the industry? In essence, those were the questions Bloomington Planning and Zoning Commission members were asking each other during a public hearing Wednesday. The hearing was on International Tapetronics Corporation's request to annex to the City of Bloomington with the stipulation that its property at 2425 S. Main be zoned for light manufacturing. plan Approved a $3,642 contract with the Illinois Department of Transportation for the regional staff to prepare a 1974 transportation-need study for McLean County.

Amended a "701" contract to receive a $20,306 grant for the regional planners to provide technical and advisory service to all' units of local government in McLean County from March 1 to July 1. The amendment was necessary to carry over funding from the expiration of the existing "701" contract until the beginning of the state's 1973-74 fiscal year when funding will be available again. Accepted a low bid of Lang Chevrolet in Chenoa for a 1973 automobile for the regional planning staff. The low bid was $2,700 plus trade-in. Fire rums craft barn, 4 vehicles SAYBROOK Fire believed to have been started by an exploding oil heater destroyed a barn and two outbuildings at the Maple Grove Farm Co.

20 miles east of Bloomington on Illinois 9 at 3:30 a.m. Thursday. Loss, estimated at $20,000 by Rodney DuBois, president of the company, included three cars and a truck inside the barn. The barn housed candle and ceramics facilities for the company which only started in business in July. The firm operates a retail store at 31014 N.

Main, Bloomington. DuBois said the store would be closed Thursday and Friday because of the fire. DuBois and James A. Turley, vice-president of the company, discovered the fire. Both live on the farm.

Five pump trucks and four tank trucks from fire departments from Arrowsmith, Saybrook and the Octavia Fire District answered the alarm. Women's group to award four ISU scholarships The University Women's Club of Illinois State University has announced four scholarships to be awarded to women students at ISU on the basis of applications begin accepted through Thursday, Jan. 25, in the office of Student Financial Aids, where forms are also available for application. Mrs. Ralph Dunbar, chairman of the scholarship committee, has announced a new stipend to be granted this year to a woman making application whose husband is currently a student at ISU, and who never, herself, has taken a college course.

It is the intent of the scholarship committee that the stipend of $125 will pay for one three-hour course at 'he university, according to Mrs. Dunbar. In addition, three scholarships of $75 each will be awarded to sophomore, junior or senior women applicants currently enrolled in the university. In addition to Mrs. Dunbar, scholarship committee mmbers are Mrs.

James Clack, Mrs. Dorothy King and Mrs. Elmer Lempke. This committee will review applications immediately after Jan. 25 to determine recipients before enrollment for second semester.

Washer, stove causes of fires Washer and stove fires were responsible for two Wednesday afternoon runs for Normal firemen. An electrical malfunction in the motor of a washer at the home of Mrs. Martin Wilcox, 813 Bryan, resulted in a 3:14 p.m. run. Firemen said the blaze was out on their arrival.

Damage was estimated at $20. At 4:35 p.m., firemen were summoned to the Donald Klund home, 105 Ambrose Way, where fire had broken out in the stove broiler. Firemen used an extinguisher to douse the fire. Damage was estimated at $10. Two radios stolen A window was broken to gain entry in a burglary of Miller Son Cleaners Fur Storage, 929 Grove, Wednesday night or early Thursday morning.

Stolen were two radios with a total value of $35. Mayor Rcitan said Thursday that she had felt "unthinkable not to fly flags at half-staff during the mourning period" and had thought flags were being flown at half-staff prior to Wednesday. She said an order was not necessary as she viewed the situation. To observe the mourning period, she explained, is only proper flag etiquette. "It's something we do to honor the of- fice of the presidency, not just the man," she said.

Charges dismissed Charges of unlawful use of weapons, filed Nov. 21 against William S. Primmer, 21, Wapella, were dismissed Wednesday in associate division of circuit court for insufficient evidence. He was charged with carrying a hunting knife, a hunting dagger and another large knife in his car. STOREWIDE corners of the new Vernon-Towanda tersection.

Burglar shoots lock off door A burglar used a shotgun to blast the locks off a door of a home near Gridley Tuesday or Wednesday, according to sheriff's police. Taken from the house, which is owned by Richard Nielson, 1312 N. Mason, were two power saws valued at $20 each, a $30 Commissioners voted six to one to recommend to the city council that the property be annexed as a single-family district but that the firm retain a nonconforming use status. The firm, which employs 45 persons using hand tools to make equipment for broadcasting companies, is now in the county and has the county's manufacturing classification for its property. Several months ago the firm petitioned for city water.

To obtain the water, the firm had to agree to annex to the city when it became contiguous with land in the city limits. Such is now the case. Plan or not? Herman Dirks, executive director of the McLean County Regional Planning Commission and adviser to the city planning body, recommended that only commercial zoning be approved for the electronics firm. Dirks said it is a question of whether the city wants to encourage industrial growth at any location or plan areas for industrial use on the basis of such things as highway and railroad locations. Commissioner James Jones suggested changing the- zoning to M-1A, which Dirks opposed, saying M-1A zoning was Z-z-z-z-z TAMPA, Fla.

(UPI) A Yellow Cab driver, reported missing early today after apparently picking up a fare at Tampa International Airport, was found asleep In his taxi a short time later, police said. Officials had begun a search for Ray Oliver 40, after the company reported not having heard from him after he was dispatched to the airport about 2:20 a.m. the city's new zoning ordinance is adopted. The McLean County Regional Planning Commission staff has worked for about one year revising the city's zoning ordinance. A preliminary draft of part of the new ordinance is being reviewed by City Manager Richard Blodgett.

Blodgett told the city council earlier that it probably will be February before the first part of the draft is ready for presentation to the council. Geschke said people don't understand zoning. He said about the only' thing most residents know about rezoning is that they don't want a bar or service station next to them and will fight against rezoning if the classification requested would allow such things. Geschke said the city is also experiencing problems within Wf miles of the corporate limits where the county is allowing rezoning that the city would not approve. Eventually those areas are the subject of annexation petitions and pose problems for city officials in trying to correct what they felt was improper zoning by the county.

Geschke's suggestions were not in the form of a motion. However, his comments were recorded in the plannning commission minutes and will be relayed to the city council. i of Farnsworth Wylie to assist the regional staff in preparation of the report. The regional planning group also: Approved a $13,200 contract with Bloomington's urban renewal department for the regional planning staff to provide services to the city for urban renewal work in downtown Bloomington, in Forty Acres and in southwest Bloomington. Vaughan upped by State Farm Raymond W.

"Brick" Vaughan, 1407 E. Grove, has been named executive assistant in the agency executive office, by State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company, the firm announced Thursday. After joininglhe company as an agent in Fairfield in 1952, Vaughan became an assistant manager, agency manager and agency supervisor before being promoted to agency director, his most recent post, in the Illinois office in 1962. He has been on special loan to the general agency department at the home office creating training and development programs for agency managers the past year. A native of Burnt Prairie, Vaughan is a graduate of the St.

Louis School of Aeronautics and the Oklahoma School of Accounting, Law and Finance. Urges moratorium on city rezoning A countywide water and sewer plan was adopted Wednesday night by the McLean County Regional Planning Commission. Adoption of the report followed about three months of discussion and inclusion in the report of the concept of a water system mat would supply, treat and distribute water throughout the county. The plan, drafted by consulting engineers from Indianapolis, will be used in the regional commission's review of grant applications to the Farmers Home Administration. Grant applications will have to conform to the countywide water and sewer plan before they will be approved by the regional commission, which serves as the, local reviewing agency for applications for federal funding.

Herman Dirks, executive director of the regional commission, said information in the comprehensive study also will Be used in preparation of an interim water quality management plan for the county. At Wednesday night's meeting, the commission approved a $14,688 grant from the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency for the commission's staff to begin work on the water quality management study. The commission also authorized a $2,600 contract with the engineering firm Gl cleared -in camp at time of incident A charge of criminal damage to property against Charles Albert Bischoff, 20, of 920 S. Fell, Normal, was dismissed Tuesday in associate division of circuit court because testimony showed that Bischoff was serving with the Army at Ft. Polk, on the day the alleged crime was committed.

Bischoff was arrested Tuesday morning, while he was on home on leave, and appeared in court later the same day. He was charged with an incident that occurred Oct. 13 in Bloomington. Testimony showed the soldier was at Ft. Polk at that time.

Normal mayor orders flags at half-staff Officer not in court, youth's case dismissed Ernest Geschke, a member of the Bloomington Planning and Zoning Commission, Wednesday urged a moratorium on all rezoning within the city. Geschke, 1231 Rutledge Road, said the moratorium should remain in effect until the delinquency of a minor. Russell R. Shepherd, 18, of rural Heyworth was arrested Nov. 12.

He and Dewey L. Kessinger, 18, of rural Shirley were charged with keeping two 16-year-old girls out past curfew time. Shepherd's case was dismissed Wednesday with leave granted to reinstate the case within 30 days if good cause could be shown. Kessinger is scheduled to appear Jan. 22.

Brooks said he misunderstood the state's attorney and that he thought he was to appear for both cases on Jan. 22. Normal Mayor Carol Rcitan Thursday ordered the U.S. flag to be flown at half-staff on all municipal buildings throughout the remainder of the 30-day mourning period for former President Harry S. Truman.

The mayor's instructions followed a Pantagraph story Wednesday concerning the apparent confusion in the Twin Cities over the flying of half-staffed flags during the national mourning period. Orders to lower the flags on Normal's municipal buildings were given Dec. 26 by Acting City Manager Ronald Gram-ley. Flags were flown at half-staff on municipal buildings through Thursday, Dec. 26, the day of the Truman funeral.

The city hall flag remained at half-staff last Friday after employes there found it impossible to raise the flag to full staff, the Pantagraph learned Thursday. Driver denies charges in pedestrian accident Failure of Heyworth Marshal Norman Brooks to appear in- associate division of circuit court Wednesday resulted in dismissal of a charge of contributing to cense plate and not having a valid registration on his car. Police charged Washington was southbound on Main Street, Normal when the struck Linda M. Meyers, 21, of Godfrey as she crossed Main at Dry Grove. Miss Meyers was transferred Dec.

28 from Brokaw Hospital to Barnes Hospital, St. Louis, Mo. Employes and physicians at the Normal hospital call the ISU student's recovery excellant She had undergone extensive surgery for severe facial injuries there. CHURCH 1719 E. Grove.

Jimmy L. Washington, 23, Peoria, who faces six charges after he allegedly dragged an Illinois State University coed five blocks under his car Dec. 5, was arraigned Wednesday in associate division of circuit court. He pleaded innocent to all six charges and asked for a jury trial. A pre-trial hearing was set for Feb.

14. Washington is charged with drunken driving, leaving the scene of an accident, failure to yield to a pedestrian in a crosswalk, reckless driving, fictitious li- WOMEN'S SEMINARS WINTER SERIES Offering Woimnt 'our Personal Blueprint for Successful Living" JANUARY CLEARANCE am I 1 COMING JANUARY 8 YES EVEN EVERY LOVELY VELVET CHAIR IS REDUCED Many styles, real decorator colors, exquisite tailoring VELVET CHAIRS ft SALE PRICED FROM 1311 West Hovey, Normal. Consecutive Mondays--0: 15 a.m.--Nurseries Provided KEY '73 Prayer Service Open daily till Jan. 7 for noon prayer 1 JilO 1 Ji30 Intr nd Uv at yowr convenience Phone Marilyn Barnes 452-3961 CENTENNIAL CHRISTIAN.