Carl Junction approves annexation, rezoning of 33-acre Highway 171 parcel for commercial development

The Carl Junction Board of Aldermen voted 6-0 (two absent) to annex and rezone roughly 33 acres at the intersection of Highway 171 and Gump Road for commercial development, the board said Sept. 16. The ordinance was advanced through first, second and final readings and passed by an electronic roll call.

The measure clears city ownership of a tract described in the ordinance as “a tract of land containing 33 acres more or less” and reclassifies it for commercial use. City officials said the intent is to expand sales-tax revenue by recruiting retail and business tenants to the site. City staff said the city has contracted with a private firm, Retail Strategies, to assist with business recruitment.

Why it matters: The annexation and rezoning open a major parcel to commercial development in a growth corridor and set in motion city-led recruitment efforts intended to increase sales-tax receipts.

Board members discussed the ordinance during the meeting before voting to move it through readings. The first motion to put the ordinance on first reading was made by Alderman Walter Hayes and seconded by Alderman Roger Spencer. A subsequent motion to advance the measure to final passage was made by Alderman Roger Spencer and seconded by Alderman Hayes. The board voted 6 in favor with 2 members absent; the clerk announced the ordinance number as 2534 at passage.

City Administrator Steve Lawber said the city completed the purchase of the property and that staff had not yet completed engineering or parceling of the site for multiple businesses; those steps will follow. Lawber said the city is working with Retail Strategies on targeted outreach to recruit businesses. The city did not present a finalized site plan or firm tenant commitments at the meeting.

Resident Michael Moore asked whether the city had completed the purchase and whether development plans would be shared with the public; city staff said the purchase is complete and that the city will share information “as much as we can,” but that confidential negotiations with prospective businesses may limit what can be released immediately.

Clarifying details: The ordinance text describes the tract as approximately 33 acres located at Highway 171 and Gump Road, in Section 15, Township 28, Range 33, Jasper County. A resident stated the purchase price was about $1,000,000; city staff did not confirm that figure at the meeting.

What’s next: Staff said engineering, parceling and pricing work will follow; the city will continue recruitment through Retail Strategies and present more detailed plans when available.