The proposal to put storage facilities in the former Vandalia Kroger building is not settled yet.
At multiple Vandalia City Council meetings earlier this year, the matter of allowing storage units to be put into the former Kroger building was a topic of discussion. After some starts and stops, it was eventually decided at the February 20th meeting, developers Chase Alcorn and Bobby Berenneisen of Centralia were directed to take the matter to the Planning Commission so that a storage facility could be allowed for a downtown commercial property. The Planning Commission met on March 19th to approve the measure. At last night’s meeting, before the City Council voted to approve the changing of the ordinance, Alderman Andy Lester asked Alcorn if he had a contingent contract in place with the property owner. Alcorn said that he did not, as they were directed to get approval of the zoning first. But, Lester and Alderman Kenny Lewey both stated they were not comfortable with that.
Alcorn said he was acting under advice of counsel to wait until all was approved before getting a contract in place with the current property owner. City Attorney Ryan Connor wanted to make it clear he did not provide Alcorn with advice.
The council then voted 5-to-2 against allowing the change with Lester, Lewey, Ken Hubler, Bob Bowen and Russ Stunkel voting No and Bret Brosman and Steve Barker voting Yes. So, that would mean the storage facility could not be located in the former Kroger building. No further course of action was discussed after the vote. A representative with Alcorn did state during last night’s meeting they were very close to having a contract with the current property owner. The Kroger building has remained vacant since 2005.
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