Springfield City Council members can give the green light to new business ventures on the city's west side and in center city, but concerned neighbors and tax abatements must first be considered.
At its Nov. 23 meeting, council listened to neighbors of the proposed site of a residential care facility, Maples Healthcare, on West Sunset Street.
Developers have requested the city rezone nearly 11 acres of single-family residential property in the 500-600 blocks of West Sunset Street to a general office and retail district.
Neighbors said they are concerned that the development, between South Campbell and South Grant avenues, would create storm-water runoff problems and decrease property values. The primary issue, though, is increased traffic in the neighborhood from a proposed extension of Market Avenue, a short street off West Greenwood Street. The expansion, recommended by city staff, would connect Greenwood and Sunset.
"The developer would like not to do it, just because of the cost issue," said Jane Earnhart, landscape architect at Scott Consulting Engineers PC.
Council members recommended further study of the street expansion and storm-water concerns. Council will hear a second reading of the bills pertaining to the Maples Healthcare development at its Dec. 14 meeting.
Stray Dog Redevelopment
While Maples Healthcare plans to build a new facility, Stray Dog Redevelopment Corp. seeks to renovate three buildings, at 221 W. Phelps St., 503 Boonville Ave. and 429-431 Boonville Ave. The developers are asking that the city declare the properties blighted, which would qualify the development for Chapter 353 abatement of community improvement taxes.
Under the redevelopment plan, the development's property taxes would not change from its current assessed value for its first 10 years, and during the next 25 years, property taxes would be half of the development's assessed value, said Economic Development Director Mary Lilly Smith.
Stray Dog Redevelopment plans to invest $2.1 million into the properties, creating 16,000 square feet of retail, office and residential space.
Stray Dog Redevelopment attorney Shawn Whitney of Husch Blackwell Sanders LLP said the project's core tenant would be a manufacturing center and boutique for luxury pet products company Unleashed Life LLC.
According to the Missouri Secretary of State's office, Stray Dog Redevelopment is owned by J. Kent Martin, Nathan Taylor and Cindy Brooks. Martin and Taylor also own Unleashed Life.
Council will hear a second reading of Stray Dog's redevelopment plan at its Dec. 14 meeting.
Expansion of Enhanced Enterprise Zones
Council approved a resolution to expand the area of Springfield's Enhanced Enterprise Zone, and officials will determine the new areas in January.
The EEZ, developed to encourage development and job creation, currently covers 68 square miles.
According to Smith, the zone attracts prospective employers by offering local tax incentives and the potential for additional state incentives.
This installment of Springfield Business Journal’s Architects & Engineers Project Report showcases 26 endeavors by area design and engineering professionals.
