Beloit City Council approves annexation and appoints new committee members

The Beloit City Council meeting on December 16, 2024, focused on several key issues, including the annexation of properties and updates on residential development projects in the city.

One of the main agenda items was the second reading of Ordinance Number 3858, which involves the annexation of five properties located on South Creek Road and Murphy Woods Road from the town of Turtle to the city of Beloit. The council unanimously approved the motion to annex these properties, signaling a step forward in expanding the city’s boundaries.

The meeting also included appointments to various committees, with all proposed appointments receiving unanimous approval. Notable appointments included Thomas Fleming to the Alcohol Beverage License Control Committee and several reappointments to the Business Improvement District.

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to a presentation by the city manager on residential development. The city has seen a growing demand for housing, and several projects are in various stages of development. Key updates included:

- **Legacy Turtle Creek**: A market-rate housing development approved in May 2023, which has yet to submit its final plan due to economic challenges.
- **Rock River Town Homes**: An affordable housing project with 88 units that plans to reapply for tax credits in early 2025 after not receiving funding in 2024.
- **Oak Park Place**: Another affordable housing initiative that is expected to apply for tax credits in early 2025, with construction anticipated to begin in late 2025 or early 2026.
- **Eagles Ridge Development**: Recently approved for 94 residential units, with construction likely starting in 2025.

The city manager also discussed future residential options, including potential developments on city-owned land and the Hanchette Bartlett Homestead site, which is expected to return to city control soon.

Council members expressed enthusiasm about the diverse housing options being developed across the city, addressing long-standing community concerns about housing availability. The city manager indicated plans to keep the public informed about ongoing and future developments, including potential updates on businesses approved by the council.

Overall, the meeting highlighted the city’s commitment to expanding housing options and engaging with community needs, setting the stage for continued growth and development in Beloit.