A referendum petition challenging the rezoning ordinance for a proposed apartment complex at the northeast corner of Walnut Lawn Street and Maryland Avenue in Springfield has been deemed sufficient with 1,510 valid signatures, 11 more than the minimum required by the city charter.

Background

The proposed apartment complex, dubbed The Reserve at Medical Mile, includes a 182-unit complex on 7.64 acres of property at 3302 S. Maryland Ave. The City Council on May 4 approved a zoning change requested by Bibi Oaks, LLC, despite concerns from neighbors about the building’s height, density, and compatibility with their single-family subdivision.

Nathan Reynolds, with Bibi Oaks, LLC, declined to comment on the referendum petition. As a result of the petition being found sufficient, the City Council will be required to either repeal the rezoning ordinance or place it on the ballot for voters to decide.

Next Steps

Council is expected to consider its options in the form of two first-reading bills at its June 22 meeting, with a final decision anticipated at its subsequent meeting July 13.

Original reporting: Springfield Daily Citizen — read the source article.