BK&M postpones P&Z rezoning hearing

BK&M LLC, the development group behind a proposed project in University Heights, has postponed a Springfield Planning & Zoning Commission rezoning hearing that had been scheduled for this week.

A news release from the city indicates the issue was postponed Tuesday at the applicant's request. City spokesperson Cora Scott said via email the developers did not give a reason, and a new P&Z hearing date has not yet been scheduled.

Developer Ralph Duda of BK&M could not be reached for comment by deadline.

P&Z had been scheduled to hear the rezoning case at its meeting tomorrow. The city earlier this week issued a notice that speakers likely would be limited to three minutes apiece at the meeting due to an expected large crowd.

BK&M is seeking to rezone about 2.6 acres across at least eight properties at the northwest corner of National Avenue and Sunshine Street. BK&M wants to rezone the properties to general retail from single-family residential and establish a conditional overlay district, according to the release.

The proposed development at the site, called The Heights, is designed as a mixed-use residential and commercial project that may be up to six stories and 200,000 square feet, according to past reporting.

The development has been hotly contested between BK&M and some University Heights residents.

On Dec. 8, a dozen University Heights residents filed suit in Greene County Circuit Court. The lawsuit alleges deed restrictions prohibit BK&M’s planned development, according to past reporting.