The Washington City Council has moved forward with two significant development proposals: the installation of a digital billboard at Washington Plaza and the conversion of a building on North Cummings Lane into a new church. Both projects cleared initial readings this week, with final votes scheduled for July 20.
Key takeaways
- A 7-by-21-foot digital billboard is proposed for the Washington Plaza shopping center sign.
- A new church is planned for 640 N. Cummings Lane, currently zoned for light industrial use.
- Final council votes on both developments are set for July 20.
- The city has hired an independent firm to analyze the long-contested Farm Creek sewer project.
Billboard and church developments
The city council held first readings this week regarding two major land-use requests. Civic Digital Displays has proposed a 7-by-21-foot digital billboard for the Washington Plaza sign along Washington Road. The project, which would replace 10 individual tenant panels and expand the sign’s footprint, aims to display business information and community announcements. While the Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval with a 4-3 vote, some commissioners expressed a desire to finalize city-wide billboard regulations before proceeding.
Simultaneously, a proposal to convert a building at 640 N. Cummings Lane into a church received unanimous support from the planning commission. The property, once home to Washington Landscaping, is currently zoned for light industrial use. The request was filed by Two or Three Are Gathered LLC, and if approved, it would mark a new chapter for the site after years of vacancy and limited use.
Farm Creek sewer project analysis
Addressing a long-standing infrastructure challenge, the city council has hired a Rosemont-based engineering firm to perform an independent, third-party analysis of the Farm Creek sewer interceptor project. Christopher B. Burke Engineering will conduct the study for a cost not to exceed $25,000 over the next 120 days. City Administrator Jeff Fiegenschuh noted that the firm was selected specifically for its lack of prior local involvement to ensure complete neutrality. This move is intended to restore public trust and finalize a project that has been a point of contention since 2013.
City business and community updates
The council meeting also featured several other updates for the Washington community. A $50,000 business improvement grant was approved for the new Ben Franklin store on Washington Road to assist with exterior renovations. Additionally, organizers of the upcoming Food Truck Frenzy and Custom Car and Bike Show received a $1,000 tourism grant. Finally, the city acknowledged a new state law effective July 1 that removes municipal authority to regulate off-premise alcohol delivery, placing local retailers on equal footing with outside vendors.
