Law change lets Willard annex land near airport

The mayors of Willard and Springfield in January signed an agreement that allowed Willard to annex land north and west of the airport and Springfield to annex land to the south and east. However, state law at the time allowed only Springfield to annex land in the airport zone.

House Bill 1888, sponsored by Rep. Shane Schoeller, R-Springfield, allows Greene County municipalities to annex land in an airport zone if the municipalities agree to adopt and enforce the airport zoning ordinances, according to a Blunt news release.

The 2000 census showed Willard’s population grew 47 percent in 10 years, with at least that expected in the 2010 census, according to the release.

“This legislation will give a community such as Willard the opportunity to grow by providing locations for new business, expanding existing businesses or even providing additional housing options,” the release said.[[In-content Ad]]