City
prepares for disabled parking violation increases
[OCT. 20, 2005]
Home of the schnitzel, the old Mill restaurant
holds a place of softness that has turned to sadness in the hearts
of those who have watched it decline to its present ramshackle
state. As years of abandonment passed, hopes dwindled that someone
would come along and restore the old Route 66 building to its former
charm and maybe even bring back its famous sandwich.
The building was purchased, yet as months went by, nothing appeared
to happen at the site.
Neighbors worry about the critters it might
draw. The building has been abandoned for many years.
Mayor Beth Davis said that this is the site that she hears the
most negative comments about. "People coming into the community see
it," she said. Since it is a gateway into the city it is important
to get it cleaned up.
In August, city building inspector Les Last sent the new owner,
Dennis Koehler, a letter informing him that he had two months to get
the site cleaned up.
Koehler came before the council on Oct. 11 asking for a six-month
extension. He said that he plans to take the building down but needs
more time to do it. He has been cleaning up some things like the
broken glass around the building.
The Illinois EPA will need to grant a permit for demolition first
before the city can issue a permit.
In agreeing to work with Koehler, Les Last that the work needs to
be started within two months or the extension will become null and
void. Koehler has until Nov. 7 to get the city permit.
In an attempt to keep the project on track, the council has asked
Koehler appear for monthly updates on its progress.
"At 738 Washington, you can see the remains of The Mill
restaurant that became famous for its schnitzel shortly after it
started business in 1931. However, today it sits lonely and
abandoned." --
Legends of
America
New signs will be going up soon in an attempt to draw attention
to an increase in fines for violators of disabled-parking spaces. It
is hoped that the new signs will help maintain those spaces for
those that qualify for them, as well as serve as a reminder to those
folks using them to be sure the follow proper procedures in
displaying their placard.
The state mandated that fines be raised. The city of Lincoln
continues to choose the minimum violation fee, changing it from a
$100 fine to $250 fine for a violation.
* * *
The Leathernecks will be sponsoring the Toys for Tots Christmas
gift program again this year. A representative said that there will
be four to five fire departments, banks and stores throughout the
county that will host collection boxes.
Gifts can be for any age and may be wrapped or unwrapped, but a
wrapped package needs a tag saying what it is and the cost. All
gifts go to less-privileged Logan County youngsters.
A list of locations and further details will be published when
locations are finalized and collection begins.
