BERTRAND MAN VOICES ANGER OVER HOUSING PROJECT

BERTRAND, Mo. -- Around 40 angry Bertrand residents stand opposed a proposed housing project.

On the agenda at a recent City Council meeting was Glenn Ault of Charleston, who presented a proposal for section 42 private housing on Poplar Street on the north side Bertrand.

The cause of much of last year's opposition -- too short of a time frame in which to consider the proposal -- has reared its head again this year.

Ault requested a place on the agenda during the August meeting, but it was confirmed the state had moved the November deadline for filing necessary paperwork in Kansas City up to Oct. 24.

This means the proposal should be decided one way or another at the Bertrand's regular Oct. 19 city council meeting.

During last year's attempt to get the city's approval, Ault said the "affordable housing" project he is seeking approval for has been mis-characterized as "low-income housing." Each unit would cost around $80,000 to construct and would have strict requirements in place for would-be renters, including proof of employment for several years and no felony convictions.

Although lower property values from the project being too close to his home are not an issue this year, Roger Byford, who was very vocal in his opposition last year, remains against the proposal.

"I can't see where it would better the community." Byford said.

He said Bertrand, with a population of less than 700, has enough housing units already.

"Higher concentrations of people always brings problems eventually, said Byford.

"When it's apartments and it's government housing, there's going to be problems." Bertrand residents have "a good, quiet little town and they want to keep it that way," said Byford.

All residents attending Thursday's meeting were "strongly opposed" to the project, according to Byford, much like last year when Margaret Massey, who also lived near the site proposed for last year, resigned from the council over the proposed project.

"It's the same old thing," said Byford. "They're trying to sneak it in like last year." If the project is such a good thing, reasoned Byford, the proponents should make efforts to let the public know about it.

"Let's advertise -- let everybody in town decide."

Byford speculated the council may be in favor of the project because of the additional revenue it would bring in to help with city water expenses, but said he prefers a high water bill over the project.

The council members have not made up their minds yet, according to Mayor Charles McKinley. "They're looking into it to look at what it entails and they'll go from there." McKinley was confident that the council members would base their decision on "what's best for the whole city, not just part of it."