The Mexico city council held a discussion on how to move forward on a proposed property zoning clearance that would cater to a senior living facility and ultimately chose to table a vote on a subject that has raised some concerns from residents.

 

The next discussion will take place at the July 11 city council meeting.

 

The council also made note that this was only pertaining to the zoning of the property in question and not the actual approval of what will end up at the location until further discussion is made.

 

“We can have a lot of discussion on what’s going to be built there and how it’s going to be done,” Mayor Chris Miller said. “It’s a tough decision.”

 

Community Development Director Rita Jackson spoke to the council about rezoning a property located bounded on the west by Mary Street and to the east by Highway J. The request comes from Kenneth W. McCue to rezone his property as he would like to utilize the property to facilitate the expansion of the Berkshire Senior Apartments. This would include an additional 40 living units for senior residents.

 

The units will be built as 4-plex apartment homes that adjoin the current Berkshire Apartments to the west. This project will involve the construction of approximately 450 linear feet of curb and gutter street to provide a connection between North Jefferson Street and Agricultural Street (Route J). The survey work was recently completed and Engineering Surveys & Services is expected to begin design work shortly. Staff anticipates construction will begin in either Fall 2022 or Spring 2023.

 

Assistant City Engineer Andrew Williford noted that some questions about drainage issues at the property had arisen and acknowledged stormwater does come through that area but should not affect the flood plain.

 

Mexico resident Joseph Head noted that his concern would be that the property could become “low-income housing,” and that “we will have Mars Apartments all over again.” He noted that within 5-10 years he sees this happening if they don’t fill the units and he added that he has noticed flooding in the area.

 

Resident Linda Pruitt spoke saying she received a notice at her nearby residence telling her the new project would be “four units,” but then the narrative changed to an assisted living/nursery home facility.

 

“I feel like we’ve been duped,” she said. “I have no guarantee that I won’t look out my window and I won’t see houses and people. We have lived in this house for 10 years and we bought it in 2020 because it’s quiet and private and I’d like to see a show of hands of how many of (the council) would like to see that in their backyard. We don’t want it.”

 

When later asked, Jackson confirmed that the letter included the verbiage that the project would “include” a 40-unit senior location.

 

The City of Mexico could be a place for some that have entertained making a difference via its infrastructure.

 

The city is currently accepting volunteer applications to join a number of boards and commissions with the deadline to apply set for 5 p.m. Thursday.

 

All applications are available at www.mexicomissouri.net, at city hall – 300 North Coal, or by calling 581-2100 ext. 220.

 

An applicant can only sit on one of the boards or commissions.
The available seats as of Monday include (subject to have changed):
• Mexico Park Board (three positions, city resident, 3-year terms, meets monthly)
• Planning & Zoning Commission (two positions, city resident, 3-year terms, meets monthly)
• Land Clearance for Redevelopment Authority (one position, city resident, 4-year unexpired term, meets as called)
• Zoning Board of Adjustment (one position, city resident, 5-year term, meets as called)
• Mexico Tourism Commission (one position, city resident, 3-year term, meets monthly)
• Mexico-Audrain Library Board (three positions, city resident, 3-year term, meets monthly)
• University Extension Council (one position, city resident, 2-year unexpired term, meets monthly)
• Twenty-First Century Fund Inc. (four positions, city resident, 2-year unexpired term, meets as called)