SRC, Meek's seek rezoning near PIC

Business development plans are on the horizon at the edge of Partnership Industrial Center, though it is still unclear just what might be coming.

At last night’s Springfield City Council meeting, applicants SRC Holdings Corp. and Meek’s Lumber Co. introduced two rezoning proposals for neighboring properties, and the city moved to annex the 57 acres owned by Meek’s.

Both properties are on the south side of East Kearney Street, with SRC owning 59 acres just west of Mulroy Road. The Meek’s property is on the other side of Mulroy, aka Farm Road 199. Both applicants are seeking heavy manufacturing designations, with SRC proposing a move from a planned development and the lumber retailer asking to change its agricultural land in the county to heavy manufacturing in the city.

Spencer Fane Britt & Browne LLP attorney Shawn Whitney represents developer Jones Development Co. LLC with regard to the Meek’s property. JDC specializes in developing industrial real estate, particularly build-to-suit facilities. He said no set plans for the property were in place with specific manufacturing tenants.

“Right now, there are just general discussions. All of those discussions are contingent upon approval,” Whitney said, declining to comment further after the meeting.

SRC Holdings Corp. President and CEO Jack Stack did not respond to a request for comment by deadline.

During last night’s meeting, Lathrop & Gage LLP attorney Jim Meadows - who is not connected to the projects - said he supported the proposals, which could add to Springfield’s manufacturing base.

“These pieces of property are primed for development,” Meadows said, pointing to their proximity to the rail line, PIC and Interstate 44 as being advantageous sites for manufacturers. “It is a no-brainer that this should be developed industrially.”

One nearby property owner, Janet Dixon, spoke against the plans, saying she heard FedEx was a potential tenant and the added lights, noise and traffic would be disruptive to those living in the area.

Ryan Mooney, Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce senior vice president of economic development, said companies seeking to grow operations in the area appreciate having sites ready to build.

“As we work with these companies, they are always looking to beat their competition to the market with a new product or a new service. The vast majority of the time, they need an existing building or a development-ready site, a shovel-ready site,” Mooney said. “Our community is lacking in both buildings and sites, and this costs us opportunities to create jobs.”

The bills are scheduled to receive a second reading and vote at the July 13 council meeting.[[In-content Ad]]