Neosho council postpones transfer of downtown properties to Restoration Life Center after public objections

The City of Neosho council voted unanimously to postpone consideration of Bill 2026-21 — an ordinance that would declare three downtown tracts surplus and authorize a memorandum of understanding with Neosho Crosslines Ministry Inc. (Restoration Life Center) — until the council’s next meeting on April 21.

The postponement followed an extensive public comment period in which residents raised sharply divergent views about locating a shelter/rehabilitation center in the downtown square. "This decision, one that was not transparently shared with the public, is not in the best interest of the city," said Reagan Jones, a nearby homeowner who said the proposed site backs up to her property and expressed worry about children and small businesses. Jackie Danner said the city appeared to be trading roughly "17,000 square feet and 1.5 acres for 4,300 square feet and 0.53 acres" and argued the swap could create "a gap of at least $1,000,000 in favor of RLC," urging that appraisals and public bidding be completed first.

Restoration Life Center leaders and clients offered a contrasting account. Karen Sprinkle, who described RLC’s multi-decade history, told the council the shelter rarely reaches capacity and cited research — noting that, in her view, "well managed shelters improve public safety." Tyzola, speaking for the RLC board, said the board is "unanimously on board with this project" and offered to pause for two weeks so the community can provide additional input and the council can gather more data.

Council members debated procedure and facts. Hank Johnson and others asked whether surveys and independent appraisals had been completed and questioned the use of quitclaim deeds; several speakers said the city ordinance (code 1-20-235) allows waiver of bidding requirements only in narrow circumstances. The city attorney told the council the charter does not itself require an appraisal and that the council’s ordinance allows waivers when listing or bidding is impractical — noting the properties will remain in city use for about two years and that, in the attorney’s view, that timing makes an immediate public sale impractical.

Council member [mover: speaker 7] moved to postpone the bill to the April 21 meeting; the motion was seconded (recorded as "Cheryl, second") and approved on a 7-0 vote. The postponement keeps the ordinance as unfinished business and gives staff time to collect appraisals, crime statistics and other materials requested by council members.

The council scheduled fuller discussion at the next meeting and said staff will provide requested documentation. Restoration Life Center representatives reiterated willingness to pause and engage with neighbors; members of the public who raised transparency concerns said they will continue to press for independent valuation and clearer public notice.

The council adjourned the item without approving the property transfer; the matter remains unresolved and will return as unfinished business at the April 21 meeting.