Council OKs more housing

Wednesday, April 21, 2004

SIKESTON - Sikeston will see even more housing on its south end.

During the special Sikeston City Council meeting Monday, Council members authorized city staff to begin the process of amending the redevelopment agreement for RPA-1 of the 60/61 Redevelopment Area, located roughly east of Lowe's.

The amendment will clear the way for developer Scott Matthews to redesignate land originally marked for commercial development under the agreement for residential development.

He explained he has sold 200 residential lots over the past four years immediately north of the land while no commercial leads for the land have materialized.

Matthews said he intends to continue to provide lots for middle class housing as with the adjacent residential area. With three homes per acre, the change will provide land for about 150 house lots.

The change does not include any request for tax increment financing and will be made at no cost to the city. "I thought I'd keep this one as simple as possible," Matthews said.

In other business during Monday's meeting:

* City Treasurer Karen Bailey briefed the Council on employee cafeteria plans.

The plans provide coverage for expenses that are not reimbursable through regular health insurance using "a variety of insurance products" that employees may choose from, Bailey said.

The cost to the city is under $1,000 per year, according to Bailey.

Council is expected to award the bid for a three-year contract during their briefing session Monday.

* The second reading of a bill amending city code relating to the Department of Economic Development Board was tabled with action slated for Monday as well as the appointment of an additional DED Executive Board member.

Respond to this story

Posting a comment requires free registration: