Chester Beautification/Tourism discusses Pinky's

<p class="p1">The endangered former Pinky's Sugarland building got a fresh round of discussion on Monday during the July meeting of the Chester Beautification/Tourism Commission.

<p class="p1">The second meeting of the merger of the two groups also saw the 15-member commission approve to send a recommendation to the Chester City Council that vendors be allowed at the riverfront during riverboat visits.

<p class="p1">Before that, a discussion on historic properties in the city turned into a question-and-answer session with city Alderwoman Nancy Crossland (the council's liaison to the commission) over the fate of the 1800s-era Pinky's building.

<p class="p1">"With all the people's' concerns about this building, there was not one bid," Crossland said, referencing the council's recent attempt to sell the building, which included the requirement that it be moved if it was sold.

<p class="p1">Crossland noted that the council has decided that the building, located at 1006 State St. on the corner of the three-way stop, has to be moved and if it can't, it will be demolished.

<p class="p1">An asbestos test by Quality Testing and Engineering was performed on the building last week. The test, for a price of $1,850, was approved at the city council's July 5 meeting.

<p class="p1">"We have buildings that were built in 1850 through mid-century modern," said CBTC Chairwoman Brenda Owen. "Consultants have said that other than Quincy, Chester has the most diverse architecture of a city of its size in Illinois."

<p class="p1">Crossland invited the members of the CBTC to a city council meeting to share their concerns.

<p class="p1">Owen said there is a "Most Endangered" list of historic properties in Illinois and inquired about adding Pinky's.

<p class="p1">Landmarks Illinois announced the 2016 list at an April 13 news conference in Springfield.

<p class="p1">Owen noted that while inclusion on the list does not prevent demolition, it would raise awareness in the hope of generating support for the property's eventual preservation.

<p class="p1">"That should have been done yesterday," said commission member Sandra Starr. "My fear is that it is too far along."

<p class="p1">Crossland was asked several times why Pinky's had to be moved off its city-owned lot and she referenced Mayor Tom Page's previous declaration during the council's June 20 meeting that the building is causing sightline issues for tractor-trailers at the stop signs at the intersection.

<p class="p1">Crossland also mentioned that Pinky's has termite damage in its flooring and noted the difficulty of moving it due to a sandstone foundation.

<p class="p1">During media availability after the June 20 council meeting, Page was asked what would happen to the former doctor's office, dentist's office, beauty shop, barber shop, shoe shop, magic shop and Randolph County Republican Party headquarters.

<p class="p1">"We will probably look at tearing it down," he said at the time.

<p class="p1">Owen noted that in previous discussions with Crossland, Page and Alderman Robert Platt that none had said any development plans for the lot were pending.

<p class="p1">Later Monday, Owen spoke at the Chester City Council meeting about the situation with Pinky's.

<p class="p1">Highlighting the partnership with River City Renewal to get city properties listed on the National Register of Historic Places, she asked Page if there was anything else that can be done to save Pinky's.

<p class="p1">"We have inspected it," Page said. "We are waiting for that report, it should be here within two weeks.

<p class="p1">"Our plans are to demolish that building."

<p class="p1">Roundup

<p class="p1">- Planters Committee Chairwoman Cathy Sauer noted that recent vandalism has stopped thanks to Chester Police Chief Ryan Coffey speaking to the family that was believed to be causing it.

<p class="p1">- Chester Recreation Director Patti Carter spoke on the July 10 visit of the American Queen riverboat (and its 385 passengers) to the area.

<p class="p1">"I think it went fairly well," she said. "We have some glitches to work out."

<p class="p1">- The commission discussed updated the Chester Welcome Center video, which still includes the now-closed Chester Municipal Pool.

<p class="p1">- Solar Eclipse Committee Chairwoman Cynthia Lawder noted plans are in progress regarding programs at Chester Grade School and Chester High School in advance to next year's Solar Eclipse.

<p class="p1">- Alderwoman Nancy Crossland recommended the CBTC send its minutes and agendas to the city council members.

<p class="p1">"I think the aldermen need to know what you're doing and your efforts to make the city better," she said.

<p class="p1">- Commission member Norma Baughman gave an update on Randolph County Tourism, noting that Southern Illinois Tourism wants projects in by Aug. 1.

<p class="p1">- Treasurer Linda Rader's report showed the CBTC had a balance of $17,297.83 in the bank.