YOUR BUSINESS AUTHORITY

Springfield, MO

Log in Subscribe

A proposed rezoning at Battlefield Road and Lone Pine Avenue would make way for medical offices. A newly proposed amendment restricts building sizes and uses for the land.
SBJ graphic by Wes Hamilton
A proposed rezoning at Battlefield Road and Lone Pine Avenue would make way for medical offices. A newly proposed amendment restricts building sizes and uses for the land.

Galloway residents again oppose Battlefield rezoning

Posted online

Last edited 9:25 a.m., Oct. 25, 2018

Speakers again voiced their opposition last night to a southeast Springfield rezoning request before City Council.

Fourteen speakers, mostly residents of the Galloway Village neighborhood, addressed council members as they considered an expanded amendment to the rezoning request at 2700 E. Battlefield Road that would add such building restrictions as square footage requirements. The amendment was broadened to limit uses of the 8 acres to general and medical offices, as well as art galleries, libraries, museums, day care centers, places of worship and catering businesses. Public input on the amendment was extended from council’s Oct. 8 meeting to last night.

The proposal first brought to council in August seeks to rezone the acreage to general retail from single-family residential to make way for medical offices at the intersection with Lone Pine Avenue. Council later in August tabled the proposal by applicants Briarcliff Investments LLC and resident John Gentry before discussing the amendment earlier this month.

The residents last night brought up issues such as traffic congestion and preservation of greenspace. They also said an office building at the busy intersection is unnecessary. Residents made similar comments during council’s Aug. 13 meeting.

“That intersection is a trailhead to our homes,” said Galloway resident Ron Bowles, who also voiced infrastructure concerns. “We’re asking you to consider us.”

The residents want to preserve the greenspace and natural topography of the area to keep their neighborhood unique.

“This is a prime gem in the city,” said resident Sonya Shaw.

Geoffrey Butler of Butler, Rosenbury & Partners Inc. — who represented Briarcliff Investments — was the final speaker and said the company may have trouble selling the property with the amendment’s restrictions.

“We have a buyer and want to get that sale closed,” Butler said, noting a sale of the property also could be made more difficult if the current interested buyer backs out.

Councilman Matthew Simpson proposed the current amendment at the Sept. 24 meeting and a public hearing was first held Oct. 8. Council is scheduled to vote on the rezoning bill and amendment at its Nov. 5 meeting, he said.

Comments

No comments on this story |
Please log in to add your comment
Editors' Pick
Open for Business: The Kebab Shack

The Kebab Shack opened; Hitch Goods launched; and The War Zone Springfield moved.

Most Read
Update cookies preferences