Paving debate in Jackson concerns church

A Jackson church is worried that it might get steamrolled by the Missouri Department of Transportation if it decides to make a street extension gravel instead of asphalt.

The Jackson First Assembly of God fears that, given Jackson's policy against gravel roads in new construction, the city may force property owners to share the assessment costs of paving the road. The church voiced its concerns in a letter to the city of Jackson that was discussed at Monday night's study session for the board of aldermen.

City officials, however, say in this case property owners will not be forced to pay unless they want the road improved.

But even that may be thinking too far ahead. MoDOT project manager Eric Krapf, after being made aware of residents' concerns over the gravel-asphalt dilemma, said nothing is concrete, figuratively or literally. The plans for gravel could be changed.

MoDOT and city officials have tentatively scheduled a meeting for next Tuesday to consider an asphalt overlay on the street.

Driving on Dotty

The church's concern centers on an extension of Dotty Lane -- a sidebar to MoDOT's widening of highways 34 and 72 from Hope Street to the 34/72 intersection west of town.

Because the widening will take away access to several properties, Dotty Lane has been included in the project to provide alternate access. MoDOT also has plans to run a short street behind several residences near S&S Florist and B&B Salvage to give them access as well.

But the idea that the Dotty Lane could be gravel worries officials at the church, who have negotiated right-of-way purchases twice with MoDOT.

The existing church building will be demolished. MoDOT and the church have already negotiated a deal for the purchase of that right of way. The church purchased some ground for a new building near the Jaycees Community Hall on Dotty Lane, just up Highway 34 from the church's current location at 932 W. Jackson Blvd. Once again the church negotiated with MoDOT for right of way, this time for the Dotty Lane extension.

Paul Bell, the First Assembly of God building committee coordinator, said he doesn't think it's fair for the church to be forced to move, sell its land at what he considers a cheap price, then be expected to incur costs for paving a street that was only necessary because of the state's project.

"I think the city should demand MoDOT give us at least good blacktop street," Bell said.

City and MoDOT officials say the church may be jumping the gun.

First, MoDOT says no official word has been given that the road will be gravel even though city administrator Jim Roach said Monday night he understood the decision had already been made.

MoDOT unaware

Krapf said Tuesday he had no knowledge that any property owner was upset with the plans, nor was he aware of the city's policy concerning gravel roads. Indeed, the plans are to make the road gravel, but he said he thought something could be worked out with the city to make an asphalt road.

"The city has talked in the past about a possibility of the road being paved," Krapf said. "I don't want to say that anything is certain at this time."

However, if MoDOT and the city cannot come to terms on an asphalt agreement, Jackson public works director Rodney Bollinger said the city would not be responsible for the costs of paving the street, because it wouldn't be fair to the rest of the city residents who live on gravel roads and would like those streets paved.

Bollinger did say that the city would not force the property owners to pay for something they do not want. The property owners, which include Straightway Farm Service and the Jaycees, would have to come to the city and request the work be done, he said.

The owner of Straightway Farm Service could not be reached for comment Tuesday. Rick Saupe, a Jaycee member, refused to comment about the situation.

Bollinger said the city does not allow developers to build subdivisions with gravel streets but there's not much the city can do in this case because it's MoDOT's project. The street, gravel or otherwise, would be included in the system and maintained as such until the property owners requested otherwise.

Krapf roughly estimated an asphalt street would cost $17,500 to $20,000 more than a gravel street, depending on the asphalt mix and other factors.

bmiller@semissourian.com

243-6635