Belleville postpones vote on apartment complex for third time

Apartment developer asked for delay

BY LAURA GIRRESCH - News-Democrat

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BELLEVILLE -- The City Council on Monday postponed for the third time a vote on allowing the development of the first new apartment complex in the city in years.

Mayor Mark Eckert said the developer, Florek Homes, requested that the council wait on the vote until its Nov. 16 meeting while it finalizes details in its development plan. The council two weeks ago postponed the decision for the same reason, and city leaders at the beginning of October held off to give residents time to provide input.

Michael Wagner, an attorney for Florek Homes, could not be reached for comment Monday night.

No one spoke for or against the development Monday.

Florek has planned a nine-building, 144-unit upscale residential complex for 10 acres on the west side of South Green Mount Road, between the MetroLink tracks and Belleville Area Special Services Cooperative. The development also would include a commercial strip mall area on five acres fronting Green Mount Road.

The company is requesting no taxpayer incentives from the city.

Also on Monday, the council approved naming the park planned for land off 20th Street "Bicentennial Park." Eckert said the name will mark the city's celebration of its 200th anniversary, in 2014. The city is purchasing the land, which used to be home to the Angler's Club, for $1 million, and likely will own it within two weeks. Eckert said that having a name for the park will mean the city is more likely to get grant money to develop it.

The council also agreed to spend up to $20,000 to correct sewer problems for six residents in the area of Sherman and East C streets who for years have experienced sewer backups. The repairs are part of a bigger plan for sewer improvements in that area, and Eckert said the homes have had sewer problems for at least 25 years.

The council also approved purchasing a lateral video inspection camera for $11,000. The camera will help the city detect problems in sewer lines.

Contact reporter Laura Girresch at lgirresch@bnd.com or 239-2507.

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