Pittsburg commission approves 10-year extension for Silverback Landing RHID; ordinance delayed until developer transfer

The Pittsburg City Commission voted 4–1 on Aug. 12 to approve Ordinance No. 1111, amending the Silverback Landing reinvestment housing incentive district to extend its term by 10 years and to allow a successor developer to assume the project.

At a public hearing, Garth Herman, bond counsel with Gilmore and Bell, explained the statutory process for a RHID substantial change and told commissioners the ordinance’s effective date will be delayed until the assignment document between the existing developer and the proposed successor developer is executed. "It is anticipated that the city commission would consider the adoption of the ordinance, number 1111," Herman said while outlining the steps and the 30‑day nullification window for the county and school board.

Residents living in Silverback Landing urged caution. Keith Kloster, a nearby resident, said he raised concerns when the project started seven years ago about what would happen if the developer sold the project. "I remember sitting up here and asking ... what's gonna happen in 7 or 8 years when he tries to sell out to another company," Kloster said, urging the commission to verify the new developer’s commitments.

Jamie Lynn Bloom, who identified herself as a Silverback resident, described maintenance and safety problems she attributes to the current developer, P and L Development. "He has not been honest or transparent with residents," Bloom said, citing overgrown lots, debris and utility‑placement issues that she said have affected yards and created hazards for children.

Commissioners and staff discussed earlier choices to replace asphalt with concrete in parts of the development and whether the $120,000 premium had been handled appropriately. City staff answered questions about how those costs were paid and whether funds were held back from reimbursements. Herman noted that Crawford County and the local board of education have up to 30 days from the hearing date to adopt a resolution to nullify the substantial change; otherwise the extension stands once the assignment is completed.

The ordinance authorizes the amended and restated development plan for Silverback Landing Phase 1; the commission recorded the vote as 4 in favor and 1 opposed. The ordinance will not take effect until the parties finalize and sign the assignment and transfer of the development agreement.

Next steps: the 30‑day period for county or school‑board action runs from the date of the public hearing; if neither body acts to nullify the change, the extension will take effect after the developer assignment is signed.