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Sherwood officials tout economic boost as bill would wet annexed dry township; opponents say bill removes local votes
Summary
Senate Bill 201, introduced by Sen. Jane English with Sherwood officials present, would treat portions of a defunct township inside Sherwood as wet to enable grocery‑store development; proponents call it an economic development fix for a food desert, while business and retail associations and attorney Charles Singleton argued it removes residents’ right to a local vote under existing laws.
Sen. Jane English brought Senate Bill 201 to the City, County & Local Affairs Committee with Sherwood Mayor Mary Jo Hay and economic development director Josh Alexander at the table, saying the measure is vital for the city’s economic future and equity.
"I cannot express how important this is for Sherwood's future," Mayor Mary Jo Hay said, asking the committee for support on behalf of "33 plus thousand residents." Josh Alexander told senators the bill is aimed at opening a large annexed area to "anchor retailers" — principally a grocery store — that have not located there because the defunct Gray Township territory remains dry. "This is 100% about getting an anchor into that area that will then get light retail, other…
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