About 100 attend public hearing on Jackson annexation of Fruitland properties

The Jackson Board of Aldermen heard comments from people for and against the voluntary annexation of about 240 acres to the city Monday night in a public hearing that drew about 100 people.

Representing the annexation applicants were Danny Dumey and Steve Obermann of Heartland Materials, owners of a 160-acre limestone quarry established in currently unzoned county land. Dumey said they were motivated to join Jackson by its pro-business attitude. He said he expects that considerable revenue from their operation will benefit the city.

"From a business standpoint, we see it as a win-win," Dumey said.

Four speakers, led by Mitch Robinson, executive director of the Cape Girardeau Area Magnet, told the board they viewed the quarry land as a potential asset to Jackson.

"I am totally in support of the project and will assist in any way I can," Robinson said.

William J. Penrod, who recently submitted a petition for voluntary annexation, said he has wanted to be part of Jackson for a long time but will only become eligible pending annexation of the Heartland parcel. He said Fruitland has "terrible sewer problems" that it can't address and he wants help from Jackson to improve the situation. He also hopes that the fire department will be improved, resulting in lower insurance costs.

On the other side of the issue, 12 people spoke, the comments of each followed by applause.

John Lichtenegger, former Jackson city attorney, stood to ask that the board consider the impact on property values and the zoning implications of putting an industrial zone next to a school. He also said he had concerns about providing infrastructure to such a large area, the long-term effects of creating negative relationships with the people of the area and felt that decisions being made were premature.

"It is a situation in which people have not yet come together to work out their problems," Lichtenegger said.

Jackson resident Bill Bonnie asked for the board to consider the safety of children in the area, especially those driving in the proposed industrial area.

The most impassioned comments came from those Fruitland residents who have been proponents of independent incorporation and have expressed problems with the quarries in the area as well as the city's process in responding to Fruitland's annexation petitions.

Abby Petzoldt criticized Jackson for making hasty decisions that she feels will create an "ugly city" concerned primarily with industry over people.

"What exactly is the hurry?" she asked the board.

Her husband, Tommy, also questioned the board's procedures, asking why the industrial interests were processed in just five weeks while Fruitland has been waiting for 11 months for an answer from the board on their own annexation request. By law, Fruitland must apply for annexation and be denied before it can incorporate.

The board must take comments for another two weeks before it can act on the annexation request.

In regular business that followed, public hearings were set for Dec. 5 for the remaining parcels seeking annexation and for the rezoning applications of the Heartland tract.

salderman@semissourian.com

388-3648

Pertinent address:

101 Court St., Jackson, MO