Springfield Business Journal_2020-09-28

SINCE YOU CAN’T TAKE IT WITH YOU ... Where exactly should it go? The estate planning group of CECB will guide you through the process of answering this, and other questions to help you establish your legacy. You can always count on our accessibility, superior personal attention and unrivaled responsiveness to your needs. It is part of our strong commitment to excellence that is uniquely CECB. For practical and reliable assistance regarding your unique planning needs, contact the professional estate planning attorneys at Carnahan, Evans, Cantwell & Brown, P.C. John M. Carnahan, III Thomas D. Peebles, Jr Douglas D. Lee Courtney L. Fletcher Andrew T. Peebles David K. Olive Douglas R. Nickell The choice of a lawyer is an important decision and should not be based solely on advertisements. parking garage also is being removed, which reduces grading and still exceeds the re- quired parking for the development, accord- ing to city staff. Residents in opposition to the develop- ment have noted the size and aesthetics of the project, as well as stormwater issues and increased traffic on and around Lone Pine Avenue. Those in support believe Treadway would bolster economic development in the Galloway Village area.  Councilperson Richard Ollis pointed to the fact that developer Mitch Jenkins’ plan was approved 7-1 in July by the Planning & Zoning Commission and city staff recom- mended council approval. Ollis said the city also is investing over $11 million in public infrastructure improvements in Galloway over the next few years, including widening Galloway Road, rehabilitating sewers, and making intersection improvements at Lone Pine and Galloway, as well as Lone Pine and Battlefield Road.  Project supporters have said Jenkins has made revisions and concessions to the proj- ect multiple times to address opponents’ concerns. “The only other reason I can think of to not approve this project is frankly for a sub- jective reason, that I don’t like this project,” Ollis said. “I don’t think that’s council’s role. I believe council’s role is determining if the proper process is followed.” Mayor Ken McClure said the process has been followed. “If we deny this project, the message be- ing sent to those who would develop in our community is that opportunity and process do not matter,” McClure said. “I do not think we wish to go there as a community.” Amy Haymes, who owns property direct- ly south of the project, said Jenkins is “try- ing to fit a square peg into a round hole.” “As members of council, it’s your role to represent people. You are our voice. It’s your job to listen to all of us and make tough decisions,” said Haymes. Prior to casting his vote against the re- zoning request, Councilperson Hosmer said he’s heard a lot of opposition to the project over the past couple of years, not- ing the vast majority of the neighborhood is against it.  “I don’t think it’s a good location and I don’t think it’s a good development in front of Sequiota Park,” he said. Council previously extended the pub- lic hearing from its Sept. 8 meeting on an amendment to the project’s rezoning bill due to the number of residents wishing to speak on the issue. The Sept. 21 meeting served as a final opportunity for people to have a say before the rezoning vote.  Jenkins’ plans include keeping the four existing, vacant structures on the site. Among them is the former Sequiota Bike Shop, which closed in 2018 but will reopen as part of the new development, according to past Springfield Business Journal report- ing. H Design Group LLC is architect for the project, with civil engineering firm Olsson Inc. also on board. Jenkins previously said this summer he intends to revitalize the existing build- ings without making too many structural changes. The project costs and a timeline have not been determined. He did not re- turn messages seeking additional comment before press time. Treadway is named after the family who owned the Sequiota Store/Treadway’s General Store & Gas Station, built on the property in 1929. Police body-worn cameras Police Chief Paul Williams is request- ing to enter into a contract with Motorola Solutions Inc. (NYSE: MSI) for body-worn cameras and hardware to implement the program for the Springfield Police Depart- ment.  The total first-year cost to fully imple- ment the program and purchase 240 body-worn cameras for all patrol officers is roughly $612,000, Williams said. If ap- proved, program funds would come from the quarter-cent capital improvements sales tax. The current balance in the sales tax fund account covers the first year of funding and leaves a balance of around $193,000, he said. Upon signing the contract, Williams said the program would be operational within 90-120 days. Ongoing annual costs are esti- mated at $125,000. Council is scheduled to vote on the issue Oct. 5. 48 · SBJ.NET SEPT. 28-OCT. 4, 2020 FROM THE COVER Council: Airport investment to result in retained jobs Continued from page 1