Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Housing Development topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Neighbors urge MHDC to reject Zimmerman Properties plan for 60-unit Terrace Crossing
Summary
A neighborhood organizer urged the Missouri Housing Development Commission to deny funding for a 60-unit Zimmerman Properties proposal at the former Pitcher School site, citing missing sidewalks, proximity to a busy highway and nearby motels, and lack of school-district endorsement.
Wes Epperson, organizer of the Southwest Independence Community Improvements Committee, used public comment to press concerns about a proposed redeveloment called Terrace Crossing, a Zimmerman Properties project that would build a 60-unit income-adjusted apartment complex at 9701 E. 35th St., the former Pitcher School site.
Epperson said the project is a repeat MHDC funding applicant and that previous applications failed to gain funding. He told council members the site sits close to U.S. 40, lacks sidewalks along 35th Street (creating unsafe routes for children walking to Castle Park Elementary), and has no nearby green space for play. He also said two motels nearby had been ordered closed for cause and that their owners were suing the city to reopen, which raised community safety concerns.
"There is no commitment by the city to provide sidewalks along the busy 35th Street for the children to walk safely to Castle Park Elementary School," Epperson said, urging residents to comment to the Missouri Housing Development Commission. He encouraged public input to the MHDC saying people can state whether they support or oppose the funding application.
The remarks were delivered during public comment; the council did not take formal action on the project at the Nov. 3 meeting. The MHDC will be the deciding body for any potential funding award; neighbors were given instructions on how to submit comments to that commission.
