Sikeston to discuss whether program can give away land

SIKESTON, Mo. -- Strategic Planning and LCRA board members will meet to discuss whether property owned by the city should be given away.

A Strategic Plan Implementation Commission housing proposal to foster growth in the city by giving lots to house builders was presented to the Sikeston City Council during a special meeting Monday.

Bob Depro, city councilman and council representative to the commission, said there are two key factors that led to the housing proposal.

One is that a large number of people work in Sikeston but live elsewhere. The second factor is the availability of homes in the $80,000 to $120,000 price range is limited -- a price range that is appealing to people making the transition from renting to owning a home.

The commission's proposal would make property owned by the city available to any citizen or contractor who meets certain criteria at no cost.

The home must be built on the acquired property within two years; must be offered for not less than $75,000 and not more than $125,000; cannot be used as a rental; cannot be acquired with Section 8; and must meet all city codes and restrictions.

A resident or contractor would not be able to claim more than three properties until a house is completed on one of them.

The proposal also includes establishing an informational program through employers in Sikeston starting with the two largest, Missouri Delta Medical Center and Sikeston Public Schools.

Those two parts of the proposal would go into effect immediately.

Also included in the proposal is working with the Attorney General's office to secure condemnations of LCRA lots for which no clear title can be found; and having the Sikeston Board of Municipal Utilities work with the city to create infrastructure for the development of a subdivision of new homes.

Depro said the proposal is being presented before discussion with the LCRA, however.

"The Strategic Plan Implementation Commission doesn't wish to get in a some sort of ‘turf war' with the LCRA," Depro said.

Dan Marshall, chairman of the Land Clearance Redevelopment Authority, confirmed his board has not had any discussion on the proposal.

"We had no idea of any of this going on until late Thursday," Marshall said.

One concern the LRCA has, Marshall said, is: "Is it even legal to gift land from a city entity?"

Another concern is that during attempts by the LRCA to sell lots, they have typically only received about a half dozen bids when offering around 35 lots, usually selling about five.

While the LCRA is not opposed to affordable housing, "the LCRA would oppose the wording on this (proposal)," Marshall said, adding that he sees problems with "giving stuff away."

Depro suggested action be tabled so the Strategic Plan Implementation Commission and LCRA can meet and "hammer out the differences" in a joint session.

Council members agreed and tabled the item.

Pertinent address:

Sikeston, MO