Land use committee approves preliminary plan for Mishka subdivision near Downs

McLean County's Land Use and Transportation Committee approved a preliminary plan for the Ken Mishka subdivision on Sept. 2, 2025, clearing the way for a final plat to be prepared and recorded if it matches the approved plan. The subdivision is located in Old Town Township, immediately northeast of U.S. Route 150 and about one-fifth of a mile southeast of Towanda Barnes Road, within 1.5 miles of the village of Downs.

The committee's director of building and zoning described the application as "for preliminary plan that includes 3 lots and 1 out lot." That review noted the village of Downs, the county highway and health departments, and the Old Town Township road commissioner had reviewed the plan and recommended approval. Applicant Ken Mishka told the committee, "it would be the best use for that property," and described the proposal as two 1-acre lots and one 3-acre lot created from acreage formerly combined under a prior owner.

The committee debated no substantive changes and voted to approve the preliminary plan. Member Reeves moved to approve the plan; Member Abel seconded the motion. The committee then voted "aye" and the motion passed unanimously. The approval is for the preliminary plan only; county staff told the committee that a final plat consistent with the preliminary plan could be administratively approved and then recorded, but the final plat itself would be a separate filing step.

The plan will proceed through the administrative final-plat process if the applicant prepares a final plat consistent with the approved preliminary plan. No conditions, continuances, or additional findings were recorded in the committee motion.

The committee took the vote during its regular meeting; there were no public objections recorded during the hearing. The applicant and staff did not request further action from the committee at the meeting.