Republic, Brookline eye consolidation

With the 2002 completion of the final stretch of James River Freeway and Route 260, which circles through Springfield to the southwest and meanders between U.S. 65 and Interstate 44, the Republic and Brookline Station region is poised for growth.

As a result, discussion has begun on the idea of consolidating Brookline with Republic. The concept has gained the support of Greene County as well as the city of Republic and the township of Brookline.

“Brookline is a great location for economic development,” said Dean Thompson, Republic’s City Administrator. Yet the village of Brookline faces obstacles in planning for its growth.

On Nov. 1, the Brookline Board of Trustees unanimously passed a consolidation resolution, which opens the door to exploring the possibility.

“Brookline has been looking for ways to provide sewer service and we looked at that from the (Republic) perspective. It was difficult to justify the investment versus return in the near future. There is a lot of potential for Brookline. Everybody expects it to grow and develop,” Thompson said.

Republic didn’t feel in the near future that it was feasible to provide sewer service to Brookline. There also was a concern, even if Republic was able to provide it, that it would limit the capacity of existing infrastructure. “It’s a touchy situation on building permits due to the capacity,” Thompson added. “It creates potential problems. We had to explore what to do from a financial and process standpoint, and we brought up the idea of consolidation.”

Consolidation is different than annexation, Thompson said. “We cannot annex a municipality. Instead what we can do is consolidate it into the city of Republic.” That would allow Brookline to retain its identity, as well as its ZIP code and post office, while reaping the benefits of Republic’s staff of over 100 employees to help plan for its future. “The city as a whole can benefit economically and pay for future needs,” he said. “From a financial standpoint, incorporating Brookline into the city will make it easier to get financing to do a project.”

As the process continues, planners will discuss the details between now and the end of January. Some of those details will include Brookline’s representation on the board and planning and zoning commission as well as outlining land use.

“It’s a win-win for everyone,” said Thompson. “Brookline will have staff support, help with growth issues, city services and wastewater treatment and will have a say so in how it develops. They will not be relying on other people, but will make their own decisions.”

In the future, growth will likely include an area for a business park at the edge of Brookline or just outside the village. There would be one government entity, said Thompson, while striving to maintain the integrity of Brookline as its own village in the city. “Everybody wins, because what one entity lacks the other has, and everybody has an equal say in how it develops,” he said.

Voter approval

If the consolidation agreement passes with the board of aldermen in Republic and the board of trustees in Brookline, the issue will be put on the ballot for citizen input.

The voters will likely decide in an April election. If approved, it will require 51 percent of voters in both areas.

“If it’s approved by the voters, we will use the consolidation agreement on how the transition will occur. Things that might get overlooked, we can come back and look at that later,” he added. “A lot of details need to be worked out. We’ll move cautiously and face and address the challenges, positive or negative. We’ve laid out our timeline and we need to know soon.”

If consolidation gains voter approval, the process will begin in late 2005.

Dennis Robbins, chairman of Brookline’s board of trustees, is cautiously optimistic. “It’s quite a process and there are a lot of things to work on,” he said.

Republic and Brookline have a lot in common. Republic Schools serves both communities and both have growth and environmental issues, he said.

“The advantages at this point outweigh the disadvantages. It would be our gateway for the west side of Springfield and the east side of Republic and we want it to be attractive. It will be a beautiful area if it’s done right,” Robbins said. “We’ve had the support of Greene County. They’ve bent over backwards to help us avoid any problems and mistakes that have hurt other communities in the past.”

Greene County Commissioner David Coonrod says he’s encouraged with the dialogue between the two communities.

“We think it’s a smart move,” he said. “The dialogue is so friendly and both entities recognize the advantages. Brookline will retain its identity and that is a good thing, and the city of Republic understands that. They want to do it right.” Coonrod feels that Greene County also will benefit from the consolidation due to the well managed growth. “It will be the county’s gateway from the west,” he said. “There’s also an economic development opportunity and it makes sense to do it right up front.”

Coonrod emphasized that the county is not trying to dictate how cities should be run, but is eager to offer its support to prevent any mistakes from the past. “We recognize we all work for the same thing,” he said. The county will be able to offer technical assistance, staffing and mapping assistance with the plan.

Electrical service providers to Brookline include City Utilities and Empire District Electric.

“There are details to work out on how that develops in the future,” Thompson said. Ernest DeCamp, spokesman for City Utilities, said that the company provides some electrical and gas service to Brookline. It’s too early to tell how the company will be involved, DeCamp said.

Landowners and commerce

Drury University is one of Brookline’s largest landowners, with 575 acres of pasture inside the village and an additional 120 acres adjacent. The land was donated to the university, which will consider its options after decisions are made, Thompson said. Several businesses lie within the boundaries of Brookline, including Vermeer of the Ozarks, U-Haul Co., Brookline Arena and Stables, JLA Enterprises Inc., Delta Roofing Inc., and Ernie’s Heating and Air Conditioning. A new location for Carnahan White Fence Company also is within Brookline.

Brookline is the site of the Battle of Wilson’s Creek. The original town was founded in 1871, when the railroad was constructed through the town. The name Brookline is said to have been suggested by a railroad worker from Brooklyn, N.Y. The pronunciation evolved in the Ozarks from “lyn” to “line.” The town became officially incorporated Nov. 22, 1968.

The consolidation is another historical event for both Brookline and Republic, Thompson said.

“In my 10 years here, this is the most significant event the two municipalities have pursued,” he said. “It’s a big turning point for southwest Greene County, not just Republic and Brookline.”

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