Bond County Board approves rezoning of Lakeola parcel over resident objections

The Bond County Board approved a request by Steven Smith of LAKEOLA, LLC to re-zone parcel 060626104001 from A-1 to R-1 in a 4-0 roll call vote on Oct. 7. The motion was made by Jeff Rehkemper and seconded by Wes Pourchot.

During public comment, three residents raised multiple concerns about the proposed subdivision, including loss of wildlife habitat, excessive silt runoff into a lake, insufficient space for laterals and sewer lines, increased traffic, and whether proper public notices and a county-wide plan are in place. Steven Smith responded that a subdivision plat remains required, that "the lots would be large enough to accommodate aeration systems," and that the development would consist of approximately "5 to 8 homes" with covenants established for the subdivision.

Board members did not record any conditions on the rezoning in the meeting minutes. The record shows the Board reviewed Zoning Administrator Brad Criner's September report (permits, inspections, meeting schedules) during the same agenda item before taking the vote. The approval was recorded as: Roll Call Vote: 4 ayes, 0 nays; motion carried.

Next steps listed in the meeting record include completion and filing of the required subdivision plat and any associated permit work; the minutes do not specify a timeline for those filings.