NIMBY

I was a guest at a birthday brunch today. Guest #2 is a representative of a law firm whom is the current legal advisor to Greene County, hired by the Presiding Commissioner. Guest #3 is a property owner whom was unaware of other property owners efforts.

I was explaining to Guest #3 current information. Guest #2 became upset/angry/agitated over my remark 'most' property owners are pleased Mr. Viebrock won the election. The remark made by Guest #2 which caught my attention was this: [and I am paraphrasing]: You know what NIMBY is? It stands for not in my back yard. You property owners better get over this and stop complaining as this is all about the greater good for the community.

HUH? Did #2 just really say that?

I could interpret a lot into this [based on the remainder of the exchange which I won't repeat]. However, I have a sense of urgency for all property owners to forward the copy of the letter being emailed to you, to be emailed to City Council as soon as possible.

The letter follows. It is to be emailed to citycouncil@springfieldmo.gov. You may edit or add to the letter as you desire. Please type your name at the bottom of the letter along with your email address. Forward this letter to your local friends/family/co-workers and ask for their support.

THE LETTER


City Council Members:

An issue approaching your consideration is an Amendment to PD 330.

The original rezoning plan was approved in July of 2009 with multiple statements of record the “developer” would pay for the infrastructure and ANY further improvement of the property would receive public notice and further review by the Council.

We request your review of the minutes of that meeting relative to the intent of the motion by Mr. Stephens, prior to the final vote.

As we review the PD 330 Amendment document, we find multiple discrepancies.

The questions we pose to Council:

1. Is it your intent, with last year's comments, to proceed with further approval of this proposed development with no guarantee the “developer” will pay for the infrastructure improvements?
2. Is it your intent, with last year's comments, and the change to the original document (proposed by Mr. Stephens and passed) to proceed without further approval by Council on ANY further improvement to the property, as opposed to “administrative review?”
3. Is it your intent to allow further consideration to this proposed development, accepting the negative impact to many property owners from a disclosure standpoint, without further investigation relative to market demand and environmental concerns?

We, respectfully, ask for answers to these questions and encourage your thorough review of all of the documents.

Sincerely,

Concerned Citizens

JUST WHEN WE THOUGHT IT WAS OK TO TAKE A BREAK.....

..... we learn the Snake is still slithering waiting to strike when defense is down.

60-65 developer seeks change

A proposal scheduled to go before the city planning and zoning commission next month appears to remove the developer's obligation to pay for road connections related to the 60-65 Partnership project.

The city council approved the 500-acre development plan in 2009 after project owners assured the city -- and later Greene County -- that road costs would be the developer's to bear.

But a proposed amendment to Planned Development 330 -- a major housing and retail project straddling U.S. 65 -- strikes the developer's requirement to pay for the roads.

Geoff Butler, planner and spokesman for the 60-65 Partnership, said the change allows some flexibility in paying for the future roadwork.

"It opens the possibility for someone else to do it on their own," Butler said. "What happens if Obama gives the city or the county a whole bunch of stimulus money? We don't want to prevent someone from stepping up and paying for it."

The way PD 330 is currently written precludes anyone but the developer from paying for road improvements, he said.

Infrastructure includes a new interchange in the center of the development on U.S. 65, and connections to city and county roads on the project's west, north and east sides.

Those road links have proved controversial, with city and county residents vocally opposing future four-lane arterial links through their properties.

Butler estimated the road infrastructure would cost about $64 million.

City planner Mike MacPherson said he was aware of the proposed amendments to PD 330.

"I don't know why they chose to remove that," he said, referring to the developer's payment obligation.

"It's pretty obvious to me we (the city) aren't going to be able to fund an interchange. That $64 million infusion for road work has to come from somebody and the city doesn't have the opportunity to do it."

Mayor Jim O'Neal said he spoke with Butler on Tuesday and considers the language amendment "pretty innocent."

"The way it's worded could preclude us from using any kind of economic development tools we have in our toolbox," O'Neal said.

"If we get to the point where that development is heating up and money is ready to flow into that project, we need to be able to use the tools we have available to us.

"I don't see this as anything other than housekeeping," he added. "I know we're not going to pay for it unless manna drops from Heaven."

Other proposals
There are other amendment changes that planning and zoning officials will be asked to consider.

- One eliminates a controversial road connection east to Highway J.

Instead of identifying a route in PD 330, Butler said project backers will let government entities -- most likely Greene County officials -- decide where and how to make that east-side connection in the future.

- Engineers will try to design the U.S. 65 interchange so that Gasconade Bridge to the north wouldn't have to be removed.

But if state highway officials decide the bridge must be torn down, the city would get an engineering report substantiating why the project was necessary.

- Another amendment provides for donation of floodplain land along the James River for future use as a park.

Butler said the land would be given to The Springfield-Greene County Parks Department, which is considering it for an archery center and a river access that links to Lake Springfield.

OTO Technical Planning Committee Meeting Wed., Nov. 17

REMAIN ON POINT! We've been focused on the OTO Subcommittee. It is now time to redirect our community attention to the upcoming OTO Technical Planning Committee Meeting, Wednesday, November 17, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m., Plaster Student Union, Room 317, Missouri State University.

The agenda for the meeting may be found here: http://www.ozarkstransportation.org/Committees/Technical/Agendas/2010/AgendaNov10.pdf

Presiding Commissioner Elect Viebrock has said publically under his watch the road extensions are dead. HOWEVER... we have to remain 'ON POINT' and cannot rest until after January 1, 2011.

Please attend if your schedule allows!

OTO Major Thoroughfare Plan Subcommittee Meeting

Ozarks Transportation Organization (OTO)
Major Thoroughfare Plan Subcommittee
November 8, 2010, 1:30 p.m.
Brentwood Library
2214 Brentwood Boulevard, Springfield, MO

Agenda

I. Call to Order
II. Audience Proposal for Changes to the existing Major Thoroughfare Plan. The audienceis requested to limit any comments to those pertaining specifically to the existing plan and requested changes to that plan.
III. Review Requested Changes to the Major Thoroughfare Plan. OTO staff requested member jurisdictions to submit proposed changes to the Major Thoroughfare Plan for the Subcommittee’s Review.
IV. Next Steps and Process
V. Next Meeting Date


This meeting is open to the public; however, the meeting is designed to review proposed changes to the Major Thoroughfare Plan. If a member of the public wishes to propose a change to the plan, we encourage the comments. The Subcommittee will be reviewing the proposed changes in order to create a working draft. A final draft will be made available for public comment as part of Long Range Plan public meetings that will be held in the early part of the 2011 calendar year as well as at
meetings of the Technical Planning Committee, and Board of Directors.




Si usted necesita la ayuda de un traductor del idioma español, por favor comuníquese con la Sharon Davis al teléfono (417) 836-5442, cuando menos 48 horas antes de la junta.

Persons who require special accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act or persons who require interpreter services (free of charge) should contact Sharon Davis at (417) 836-5442 at least 24 hours ahead of the meeting.

If you need relay services please call the following numbers: 711 - Nationwide relay service; 1-800-735-2966 - Missouri TTY service; 1-800-735-0135 - Missouri voice carry-over service.

OTO fully complies with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and related statutes and regulations in all programs and activities. For more information or to obtain a Title VI Complaint Form, see www.ozarkstransportation.org or call (417) 836-5442.

Change Blew In Yesterday

Congratulations Mr. Viebrock on a well-managed campaign and victory!

Property owners now have an ally in our local battle, however, it is important we stay informed and on-point as the war declared on our community is not resolved.

Thank you for voting - stay tuned.

TUESDAY NOVEMBER 2 - VERY IMPORTANT ELECTION

Two issues on the ballot influencing our property values are:

#1. YES on Amendment #3, which is a NO to transfer tax on the sale of real estate.

#2. Presiding Commissioner: Incumbent David Coonrod or Challenger Jim Viebrock

Which candidate attended and spoke at our last property owner meeting? Viebrock.

Which candidate is 'conflicted' and declined the invitation? David Coonrod

Viebrock is endorsed by this blog as having the best interest of the property owners of Farm Road 170.

Memo from OTO - Next Meeting Monday Nov. 8 at 1 p.m.

Good Afternoon,

Ozarks Transportation Organization has scheduled a Technical Planning Committee Meeting on Monday, November 8th at 1:00 P.M. at the Brentwood-Springfield/Greene County Public Library located at 2214 Brentwood Boulevard, Springfield, MO to further discuss the Journey 2035 Long Range Transportation Plan Updates and Major Thoroughfare Plan concerning Republic/Farm Road 170 issues . Once an agenda has been created I will forward you this information and it will also be posted on our website www.ozarkstransportation.org. The Brentwood Library advised of additional parking at the Cox Pain Center across the street from the library.

Thank you,

Sharon Davis
Office Coordinator
Ozarks Transportation Organization
Phone 417.836.5442
Fax 417.862.6013
sdavis@ozarkstransportation.org

www.OzarksTransportation.org
www.OzarksCommute.com

Meeting Attendees - Thank you for Not Snoring Out Loud

First things first: We [meeting organizers] learned an important lesson today: Review your speakers outline and put your speaker on a time restraint. Kudo's to the property owners whom stayed to the end and stayed awake.

As a community, a thank you to Duffy Mooney, Assistant Administrator, Greene County Highway Dept.Duffy played to a tough crowd and his professionalism is appreciated.

At the end of the almost THREE HOUR MEETING what did I learn? Even if the Greene County Planning and Zoning Board decides to put the 60/65 development out to pasture, it is within the power of the Presiding Commissioner [that would be Mr. Coonrod] to over ride the decision and send the 170,172,164, J-Highway property owners a big fat raspberry.


What's the best back-up plan? ELECT JIM VIEBROCK PRESIDING COMMISSIONER on NOVEMBER 2! Mr. Viebrock will 'indefinetely table' this action.

IMPORTANT COMMUNITY MEETING SATURDAY AT 1PM

SATURDAY 1 PM River of Life Church [site of initial meeting last February]

Jim Viebrock and Duffy Mooney representing the Greene County Highway Department are the guest speakers. David Coonrod, Presiding Greene County Commissioner, was invited to participate but 'declined' because of a conflict.

Listen In and Call In - Your Opportunity to Speak on KWTO 560AM Wednesday, October 13, 8 AM

Brian Calfano hosts Pat Platter [attorney]this Wednesday, October 13, at 8 a.m. Interested property owners PLEASE listen and CALL IN to voice your opinion regarding the 60/65 Development/Farm Road 170/Farm Road 164 expansion plans.

On October 7, Mr. Platter [via the Sunshine Law] requested any/all traffic studies the county or MODOT has relative to this issue. A copy of OTO's 'increase in population' projections has also been requested. Hopefully, Mr. Platter will have this information prior to Wednesday's broadcast.

When calling KWTO's broadcast, callers are asked for their first name, town they live in, and age [the town/age helps KWTO sell advertising based on demographics].

TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THIS EVENT! KWTO is running lots of promotional spots highlighting the show.

Subcommittee Push Road Question Back to Greene County

The details of a proposed road that cuts through residential areas southeast of Springfield aren't scheduled to be finalized for at least a few months.

Greene County commissioners asked a subcommittee of the Ozarks Transportation Organization to decide whether the area needed a road and where it should be.

But subcommittee members sent it back to the county, saying it's more appropriate for the county to decide where the road should be.

Asked about whether the road is needed, "The answer is probably yes," Chairman Pat Lloyd said.

The next step is a Nov. 8 meeting to look more broadly at the Major Thoroughfare Plan, including other places that could need a road. One proposal is to extend Republic Road past Glenstone Avenue to Highway J, but residents of the area have protested that plan.

About 35 people showed up to the subcommittee meeting, but it didn't accept public comment.

The southeast road was proposed in response to the 60/65 development, a 300-acre, multi-use development proposed at the intersection of the highways it's named after.

But planners say the roads will probably be over capacity in the next 20 years even if the development doesn't happen.

The subcommittee was asked to decide what changes need to be made to the Major Thoroughfare Plan -- the topic of the November meeting -- whether the southeast road is needed, and the most appropriate place for that road
The details of a proposed road that cuts through residential areas southeast of Springfield aren't scheduled to be finalized for at least a few months.

http://www.news-leader.com/article/20101007/NEWS01/10070348/Subcommittee+pushes+road+question+back+to+Greene+County

THE NEXT OTO MEETING WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 6 at 8 A.M.

OTO has posted the agenda for the next meeting of the Major Thoroughfare Plan Subcommittee at http://www.ozarkstransportation.org/Documents/MTPSubcommittee10062010.pdf

The meeting will be held at the Alumni Center, 300 S. Jefferson. Bring your favorite cup of coffee and be there!

Have Plans for Thursday, September 30, 5:30 PM?

Brush your teeth, comb your hair, wash your hands and come on over to a special reception for Jim Viebrock, Republican Candidate for Presiding Commissioner!

OTO MEETING WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 15 1:30 P.M.

Besides paying your quarterly taxes, make sure this meeting is on your calendar.

As OTO is allowing public comment and moved the meeting to a larger facility, the OTO members are taking our concerns [and the concerns of our Farm Road 164 neighbors] seriously.

Meeting is 1:30p.m. , Wednesday, Plaster Student Union Room 317 {Missouri State Campus].

Our topic is to be discussed at the beginning of the meeting.

Public comment - 5 [five]minute limit, is prior to the agenda item which is listed at 15 minutes.

This meeting is during the majority's normal work hours. If you are retired, a stay at home parent/partner, please please please find a way to attend the meeting.

One HOT POTATO: OTO Panel Punts 60-65 Road Link Controversy

News-Leader Headline August 12, 2010 "OTO Panel Punts Road Controversy"

[link to article at top of page]

The final determination by the group [with two of the eight members failing to attend] was to refer it back to the much larger OTO Tech. Committee to be discussed during their September 15th meeting. "....We're being asked by one or two government jurisdictions to make decisions they chose not to make for themselves," said panel member Roger Howard.

The current OTO Major Thoroughfare Plan does NOT include road links east of the James River south of FR 164 and north of Hwy 60.

Does the OTO feel obligated to answer the questions posed to them by the city and county or enter into a thorough evaluation of the overall plan [which might take two years according to Tim Conklin (OTO Director).]

One of the most interesting statements by Wes Johnson, the News-Leader reporter and author of the article: "After the meeting, Frank Miller, MODOT's rep. on the OTO panel, confirmed that a short road linking the development and FR 164 to the north would satisy MODOT's requirement for a connection."

It is my understanding MODOT attempted to receive a retraction the following day and the only clarification given was a statement added to the online article "......MODOT has not endorsed any of the proposed alignments, leaving that for local officials to decide." Wes did not back down on his comment.

It is important for all to understand, the connection to Battlefield Rd. (via FR 164) was mandated in PD 330 (rezoning docs) by the city under "required improvements."

We appreciate the participation from our neighbors on 164 and 166.

Is ANOTHER (designated) connection needed at any time less than 20 years from now?

Thanks to all of you that attended this meeting, with special thanks to Bobbie Louderbaugh. Her little sign generated another round of emails back and forth, relative to a letter attorney Pat Platter had sent to the county prior to the last Planning Board meeting.

This issue is one HOT POTATO because of the passion, time and effort from all of you.

The issue will ultimately be determined by the County Commission. We are in the process of a heated race for Presiding Commissioner of that body. Do we need to invite both candidates in for a discussion of our concerns? Another gathering at the River of Life Church, maybe?? Please let me know via email if you feel that would be beneficial - farmroad170@gmail.com - OR - contact either Sara Ray or Lou or Pam Neblett.

Don't hesitate to contact our east side

Commissioner, Roseanne Bentley.

Jim Viebrock Candidate for Presiding Commissioner

David Coonrod, Presiding Commissioner

HEADS UP - OZARKS TRANSPORATION ORGANIZATION MEETING THIS WEDNESDAY AUGUST 11

It's summer, it's hot, our energy is low and our brains are tired BUT we can't stop now!!!

The first Ozarks Transportation Organization [OTO] meeting will be held August 11 [Wednesday], at 2pm at the MSU Alumni Center, 300 South Jefferson, 2nd floor conference room.

This is the old bank building with attached parking garage accessible from St. Louis Street, one block north, and south on one-way Jefferson street, immediately left on McDaniel to the parking garage on the right [might be worth a Sunday drive to find this location in advance].

The meeting is open to the public with NO public comment allowed. Sources say the OTO is expecting a big turn out of property owners.

Here is additional information on the meeting at the OTO website:

http://www.ozarkstransportation.org/Republic-FR170.html

As the meeting is Wednesday afternoon, those of us that work may have to make arrangements to attend. Encourage your neighbor or a non-working family member to attend and be a representative.

I spoke with Sara Ray this week. [She is off to New Orleans to visit her daughter, grandson and brand new grand-daughter]. Her thoughts on Farm Road 170 at this time: the project is 'on-hold'. Dr. Neblett and Pam are the community pit bulls listening for strange sounds or movement out of the Greene County Commissioner office.

We are on guard.....

Enjoy the summer.

COMMUNITY

a group of people living in a particular local area; "the team is drawn from all parts of the community"

common ownership; "they shared a community of possessions"

residential district: a district where people live; occupied primarily by private residences

Our 'Community' of property owners are to be recognized and appreciated for having the strength and resolve confronting the challenge to our homes and peace of mind. Kudos to us all!

The Greene County Planning and Zoning Board vote to send the road alignment plan to the Ozarks Transportation Organization is the right thing to do. Thank you to the Board for responding to our 'community' communication.

STAY TUNED..... This issue is temporarily paused but not resolved . Be vigilant, stay informed , and continue to communicate with your community.

P.S. Sara Ray is taking unnecessary heat for the Farm Road 164 comments. Farm Road 164 is already designated as a 'primary arterial connection'.

HAVE YOU SEEN THESE SIGNS?

At the personal expense of one of our concerned property owners [$250], eight signs were made and posted. TWO of the signs have been taken [FR205 and FR170, and FR193/Highway 60]. If you notice someone in possession of these signs, please turn the scumbag thief nosepicker into the Green County Sheriff's Department.

Another concerned property owner wrote a passionate letter to Governor Nixon. The home owner was contacted by Public Counsult, Tom Green of the State of Missouri in response to the letter.

Mr. Green encourages all to voice their concerns to him at Tom.Green@ded.mo.gov on the proposed Highway 170 thoroughfare. According to Mr. Green, the City does not have eminent domain to take property for economic use [which this clearly is] , for the development of the proposed mall/stores/restaurants at the 65/60 corridor. Mr. Green indicated his willingness to come to Springfield on our behalf, if necessary.

Brian Calfano, KWTO 560AM, 6am to 9am, Monday thru Friday, is interested in the Farm Road 170 issue. Brian is a college professor who teaches political science at MSU. PLEASE start listening to his show , call in, and participate! Mr. Calfano has a huge audience and can be a super asset in our effort to shut this thoroughfare down.

Candidates planning on being in attendance Tuesday evening are:

Jim Viebrock, candidate for Presiding Commissioner of Greene County
Lincoln Hough, candidate for State Representative, 140th District
Robert [Bob] Cirtin, candidate for State Representative, 140th District

PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE be there Tuesday night! A huge showing of support from the property owners is important!

Click on picture to enlarge. Be there Tuesday night!

What is the Definition of Involvement?

From a Meeting Attendee:

I received a copy of the transcript of the recent Greene County Planning Board meeting [by request]. Although I was in the room and witnessed the comments, I am incensed by the lack of intelligence and common sense of this proposal which is detrimental to property owners on the eastern side of Greene County. The PROCESS is wrong, is questionable relative to long range plans and DEMANDS the attention of community members.

I will continue to educate those that cast a vote on the issue before us - HOWEVER......

it is IMPERATIVE all concerned property owners be involved.

1. Attend every meeting that has a potential negative effect on your property value. [The next meeting is May 18, same time, same place].
2. Write/email letters to The News Leader. Another BIG article is scheduled soon [maybe Sunday].
3. Call/email/write the County Commission and Planning Board members [as a collective]. Be respectful and stay on target [they don't care about how the road will impact your individual septic system].

Suggestion for a call or email:

I am disappointed the City of Springfield failed to evaulate the situation prior to the rezoning and I expect those that represent the Residents of Greene County to correct their error in judgment. A failure to do so will be burned into my memory when I cast my vote in the future.

Lincoln Hough, candidate for State Representative of the Farm Road 170 area, is having a meet and greet at Larson's John Deere, Thursday, May 13, at 5:30pm. Bend his ear until he has an ear ache. http://www.lincolnhough.com/

Robert [Bob] Cirtin is another candidate for District 140 State Representative. http://www.bobcirtin.com/

Jim Viebrock is a candidate for Greene County Commissioner [Coonrod's position]. His website is http://www.greenecountyfirst.com/ . Jim attended the property owners meeting at the church on February 28 and is aware of concerns.

Planning and Zoning Board Meeting, Tuesday, April 20, at 7pm

You probably DIDN'T get this letter.


Planning and Zoning Board Meeting
Tuesday, April 20, 7pm
Historic Greene County Courthouse Building
940 Boonville
Room 212

Current information suggests the Farm Road 170 Extension is scheduled for late in the meeting. Prepare accordingly.

Thank you for Attending the Meeting!

115+ concerned property owners attended the afternoon meeting. A huge thank you for taking time from your Sunday afternoon to provide insight, input, and a joining of force.

Property owners providing email addy's will be added to the blogs private email list. You will be notified by email of blog updates. Property owners listing phone numbers will be added to a private call list.

Thank you to Rep. Bob Dixon for his attendance. Dr. and Pam Neblett - thank you for assuming the defacto leadership role.

Highlights of the meeting are forthcoming - stay tuned, stay informed, and stay vocal!

INFORMATION MEETING REGARDING THE 60/65 DEVELOPMENT AND HOW IT WILL IMPACT YOUR HOME, PROPERTY, and QUALITY OF LIFE!

The River of Life Church, as a concerned neighbor, is providing their facility for a property owners Information Meeting on Sunday, February 28, at 2pm. This meeting is coordinated by concerned property owners and representatives, NOT GREENE COUNTY!




70+ property owners within 1000 feet of the Proposed Farm Road 170 Extension, US 65 to Route J, received a letter from Greene County addressing the County's desire to determine a route to address the demands of the 60/65 development.


The several hundred property owners whom do not live within 1000 feet of the proposed Farm Road 170 extension, US 65 to Route J, did not receive a letter.


This project will directly impact your home, property, and quality of life if you live on or close to Farm Road 170!!!


It is important you attend the meeting to sign the petition which will be sent to the County Commission and Planning Board. If unable to attend the meeting, please contact the following to sign the petition:

Dr. Lewis Neblett 883-0779

Nena Potts 886-7757

Sally Beasley 882-4051 [after 5 pm weeknights]

If you have questions please email them to farmroad170@gmail.com

See you at the meeting!