Housing market affects Bllue Springs development

It’s rough out there in the housing market.

When Roy Allen, an attorney for the Parkway Estate developer, showed up before the Blue Springs Planning Commission Monday, it was anyone’s guess. It turned out he was there for a simple formality – ensuring that an original proposal for a commercially zoned area in the development had indeed been removed from the preliminary and final plans after the City Council voted for its removal last year.

In addition, Planning Commission members voted to add eight lots, which brings the total to 378 lots. 

The development, on approximately 141.9 acres, is located at the northeast corner of Adams Dairy Parkway and Moreland School Road.

The project calls for as many as 378 single-family homes, but the developer – Parkway Development Company – is a bit skeptical when they can be built.

“The market right now, as you know, is tough,” Allen said. “And it’s up in the air.”

Allen was answering a question about when construction would resume at the project. Currently, there are five homes completed.

“At this point, I can’t say anything definitely,” Allen continued. “Everything is a risk right now.”

Also discussed Monday were two alternative sign plans, one for Blue Springs Assembly of God and another for Saturn of Blue Springs.

While both recommendations were unanimously approved, it was Planning Commission Member Chris Henning who suggested that the City Council review the current sign ordinances in the future.

He and other commission members agreed that it was ineffective of the city to have a sign ordinance that was frequently by-passed in favor of alternative plans.

Council Member Sissy Reed, serving as City Council liaison, agreed to bring the matter before the City Council.