Aldermen table expansion of Jackson subdivision

Citing opposition from residents of Pioneer Orchard subdivision about the addition of duplexes, the Jackson Board of Aldermen delayed a vote Monday night that would have expanded the development by 66 lots.

Established six years ago, the development already has 109 lots on the subdivision off Pioneer Orchard Road.

John Lichtenegger, who co-owns Missouri Lakes LLC that is developing the subdivision, told the aldermen during a public hearing he would like to add 12 duplex lots and 54 single-family lots by 2011. However, five of the residents of the subdivision voiced concerns that included a feared decreased property value of their homes and unkempt lawns by those who own the duplexes. None of the residents spoke in favor of the expansion.

"This is going to change things," said Ron Beck of 2201 Oak St. "I ask you to please put yourself in our shoes if they were going to do this in your neighborhood. And I think you'll understand why we're here tonight."

Larry Decker of 2322 Jonathan Drive, said that he and his wife moved back to Jackson to retire. While he was not opposed to construction of single-family homes, Decker believes those who build duplexes many times do not live in the structures and instead rent them out. He feared that would, in turn, lead to a decrease in his property values.

"I feel like having duplexes intermixed with residentials is not a good plan for the city," Decker said.

Lichtenegger said that while he understands the residents' concerns, he reassured them that property values would not be affected.

bblackwell@semissourian.com

388-3268

Pertinent address:

101 Court St., Jackson, MO

Jackson Board of Aldermen action taken

7:30 p.m. Monday

Jackson City Hall

101 Court St.

Action items

• Recording the disposition of certain city records that have met their retention life according to the Missouri secretary of state records retention schedule.
• Approved task order authorization No. 10-03, in the amount of $70,000 to Burns & McDonnell of St. Louis for providing engineering services under the wastewater treatment plant energy upgrade project.
• Support of the city's application to the Southeast Missouri Solid Waste Management District, under its 2010 District Grants Program regarding the Jackson Recycling Center addition project.
• Amended Chapter 41 of the code of ordinances on the maintenance of rights of way and power poles.
• Accepted the dedication of a sanitary sewer easement deed from Thomas and Tava Hecht for the McKendree Hills sanitary sewer district project.
• Support of the city's application to the Missouri Department of Natural Resources under its recreation trail grant program, for phase one of the Hubble Creek Recreation Trail Project.
• Support of the city's application to the Missouri Department of Transportation, under its Safe Routes to School grant program for the education and enforcement of safer routes for the West Lane Elementary School Project.
• Accepted the dedication of temporary construction easement deeds from John and Valerie Bollinger, Sheila Jones, Terry Spence, Shawn and Stephanie Stockard, Fred Ward, Rebecca Ward, and Lawrence and Dana Fleming regarding the North Hope Street Improvement Project.