MATTOON - The city planning commission on Monday approved a final plat for a project that could lead to a new hotel and convention center in the Interstate-57 East tax increment financing and business districts.

But there are still a number of possible twists and turns to consider on roadway changes for the Coles Centre Hospitality LLC project at Illinois 16 and Lerna Road.

This plat only covers 24 acres, which amounts to a fraction of the total acreage of the I-57 East economic development areas stretching between the interstate and Lerna Road, north to the community bike trail and south well past Thomason Drive, where the Gowin Parc residential center is located.

One question involves installing a roadway outlet with a right-in/right-out turn roadway along Illinois 16. This outlet, situated about 600 feet west of the current lighted intersection, would connect with the access roadways on the property. The main entrance for the Coles Centre development would be at Thomason Drive along Lerna Road.

No Coles Centre representatives were present at Monday's meeting. Chuck Keller of Effingham has represented the firm during past discussions.

Planning commission member Lew Stiff asked if that configuration would produce risky U-turns by drivers wishing to head back west to Mattoon along Illinois 16. City Attorney and Treasurer Preston Owen and Fire Chief Mike Chism said U-turns are illegal except for emergency responders or law enforcement vehicles in Illinois.

Another consideration is the impact that future commercial development will have on Lerna Road and Illinois 16. If the volume increases considerably, the Illinois Department of Transportation would require intersection improvements to ensure safety. The city could use revenue generated by the TIF and business district and a 1 percent addition on sales and hotel-motel taxes within the district.

Owen said the city will not be required to dip into its coffers if the development does not go through.

"If there is no development there, we don't have to improve it. And the developer will be responsible for 100 percent of the access roads and everything else on their property," Owen said after the meeting.

If development does move forward, the city will benefit from increased sales and hotel-motel tax receipts. TIF and business district money also could be used for more commercial development.

The city's responsibilities on the roadways will be defined by a redevelopment agreement expected to go before the city council Nov. 18.

"We're close to getting it done, but we're dependent on IDOT on its report (on the roadways)," said Owen, who attended the meeting with Mattoon Community Development coordinator Kyle Gill.

Planning commission Chairwoman Mary Ann Alt recommended approval of the plat with a request to change some roadway names within the project area. Coles Centre was used as the title on different sections of the access roadways, she said.

The vote, with the recommended roadway name changes, was approved unanimously.

hmeeker@jg-tc.com|238-6869