Jackson aldermen approve motion for possible subdivision rezoning

When the next phases of Pioneer Orchard subdivision in Jackson are begun, it may look somewhat different than what the developer had proposed.

John Lichtenegger, who co-owns subdivision developer Missouri LLC, had wanted to build duplexes on 14 lots in the four-phase expansion. Established six years ago, the development already has 109 lots on the subdivision off Pioneer Orchard Road.

But during its meeting Monday, the Jackson Board of Aldermen approved a motion that could soon rezone only six of those lots as R-3 one and two-family residential district, the zone set aside for duplexes. The remaining 60 lots in phases seven through 10 would be zoned as R-2 single-family residential district, the zone for single-family homes.

The aldermen will now vote on the rezoning during its next meeting.

At a public hearing April 5, five residents of the subdivision voiced concerns that included a feared decreased property value of their homes and unkempt lawns by those owning duplexes.

On Monday the aldermen received a copy of a petition from 32 of the homeowners who again said the rezoning would "lower real estate values and lead to an unequal maintenance of rental properties."

Attempts to reach Lichtenegger by phone after the meeting were unsuccessful.

Earlier in the meeting the aldermen approved certification of results from the April 6 municipal election. In that race all four incumbents were re-elected, including the only contested seat between Ward 1 Alderman Tim Welker and challenger Dustin Cauble. Dave Reiminger won another term in Ward 2, Larry Cunningham was re-elected in Ward 3 and Joe Bob Baker won another term in Ward 4.

bblackwell@semissourian.com

243-8600

Pertinent address:

101 Court St., Jackson, MO

Jackson Board of Aldermen action items

7:30 p.m. Monday

Jackson City Hall

1 Barton Square

• Accepted the certified election results for the April 6 municipal election.
• Appointed Mayor Barbara Lohr to serve on the Partnership Advisory Committee.
• Approved $19,150 to Allen & Hoshall of Memphis, Tenn., for providing engineering services under the Power Plant Engine Silencer Replacement Project.
• Set a public hearing for 7:30 p.m. May 17 to consider a special-use permit request for gun and ammunition sales at 529 W. Main St. in a C-3 (Central Business) District.
• Set a public hearing for 7:30 p.m. May 17 to consider a request to modify the special conditions attached to an existing special-use permit for a private baseball field at 425 E. Deerwood Drive as submitted by the Jackson Area Baseball Association.
• Authorized the closure of sections of Oak Street, Broadridge Drive, Orchard Drive and N. West Lane between 12:30 and 1:30 p.m May 14. for the Sharlett Eftink Benefit Walk.
• Approved support of a request to the Missouri Department of Transportation, for a break in access in East Jackson Boulevard relative to the South Old Orchard Road Improvement Project, phase five.